For domestic students, overseas work experience can really help your resume stand out. Even short-term programs overseas help you develop valuable professional and life skills like cultural awareness and competency, initiative, problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and working within a team.
All the planning and research that goes into travelling, studying, or working abroad helps you to develop employable skills before you even leave Australia.
If you don’t have enough space in your degree for a semester abroad, there are other experiences to consider:
- Working full-time or part-time in a professional capacity – a work while you study approach. Use your network to tap into opportunities, contact overseas recruitment agencies, or look through job searching websites.
- Working holidays
- Volunteering
- Vacation or other short-term programs and overseas internships
Get prepared
When preparing for work overseas, ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of work experience do I want?
- Do I want to go through a program or make independent arrangements?
- What programs could I apply for independently?
- Do I need work visas — check your eligibility for working in a particular country by contacting the relevant foreign embassy. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides a list of embassies on their website. A working holiday visa is a useful way to try living in a new country. Working Holidays Overseas for Australians provides advice on visas available to young Australians.
- What do I need to know about the country I am considering? Refer to Smart Traveller for a starting point in learning more about your new country.
Overseas opportunities available through Prominent Education
Prominent Education offer the opportunity to gain international work experience as part of your degree with one of our vast network of host organisations around the world.
Who can help?
If you have additional questions around working overseas, please email the Career and Employment Service info@prominentec.com