Studying in Queensland AUSTRALIA
Make the right decision Working in Queensland
Important information to help you make the right decision about choosing Queensland, Australia as your work destination.
Contents Why Queensland, Australia?...................................................... 3 Support services and orientation............................................... 4 What are the opportunities and regulations for me to work in Queensland? ...................................................... 6 What qualifications or training do I need before I start work in Queensland? ........................................................ 8 Jump start your career with an internship ................................. 9 How do I find a job? Seven steps. .......................................... 10 Want to know more? ............................................................... 14
International students in Australia on a student visa must study with an institution and in a course that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Copyright: Š The State of Queensland 2014. Copyright protects this material. Enquiries should be addressed to copyright@treasury.qld.gov.au Disclaimer: The information presented in this booklet is distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statements, representations, or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in this publication. The Queensland Government disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason. Any reference to any specific organisation, product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by the State of Queensland. 2 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination
Why Queensland, Australia? Because it will give you the opportunity of a lifetime to work in Queensland while studying in world-class institutions to achieve globally recognised qualifications.
Queensland can offer you a strong economy, high standard of living, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and excellent work experience opportunities.
The Queensland Government understands that students want the flexibility to study and work in an enjoyable, diverse, safe and vibrant community.
International students and their families and friends will easily see why Queensland is one of Australia’s most attractive places to study and visit.
Choosing Queensland for your study requirements has many attractive benefits: • Queensland is the only state with four international airports (Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Gold Coast) which makes travel to and from your home country easier and more accessible. • Queensland has an enviable climate and lifestyle, with the state experiencing warm and sunny weather for most of the year. • Queensland has five of Australia’s 11 World Heritage sites and is home to many famous landmarks including the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, many tropical and idyllic islands, including the World Heritage listed Fraser Island (the world’s largest sand island) and more than 200 national parks.
“I know it’s hard for students to find a job that is associated with their major. After two months working with the staff at Joblinx, they helped me find a job at Sandvik in their Accounting department. This a starting point in my career and my ideal job, it will definitely assist me in reaching my career goals in Queensland.” Wei Wang (Jason), China MBA James Cook University Brisbane Campus
• International students enrolled in full time accredited courses may be entitled to local transport concessions. • PhD students and 576 visa holders may be eligible for free schooling depending on the Queensland public schools and their circumstances.
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Support services and orientation Most Queensland education providers and institutions may offer international students a variety of support services to help adjust to life in Australia including: • airport reception • accommodation placement • orientation programs to provide very useful information about courses, the organisation as well as living, studying and working in Queensland • social and recreational activities • welfare advice and counselling • emergency and health services. “Having only just started my MITHM-MBA degree at JCU Brisbane, I was looking for a part-time job to start my career in hotels. I came with high hopes and my updated resume. After a good chat with Joblinx (employment and careers service at JCU Brisbane) they contacted the General Manager of Spicers Hotel in New Farm. The next day I had an interview and trial secured at the hotel. A week later I was welcomed by all Spicer’s staff as part of their team, and was told this was just the start of great career opportunities at Spicers!” Nadia Zitouni, France Master of International Tourism and Hospitality Management/MBA James Cook University Brisbane Campus
What’s it like to live in Queensland? Lifestyle and environment Queensland has modern, cosmopolitan cities and laid back coastal and regional towns. It has a clean and green natural environment and international students can enjoy a fantastic climate and diverse leisure activities in one of Australia’s most attractive places to live, work and study. Queensland’s tourist destinations are among the most popular in Australia. 4 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination
Tropical North Queensland Cairns is a vibrant city located in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Framed by the spectacular rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea, Cairns is within easy reach of the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, The Great Barrier Reef and the outback. Townsville is Australia’s largest tropical beachside city with a safe, friendly and welcoming lifestyle. Surrounded by a rich hinterland of tropical rainforests and waterfalls, Townsville is located close to historic gold mining towns, the outback, islands and Great Barrier Reef. Central Queensland Rockhampton is located in Central Queensland and was built on the wealth of gold rushes and cattle empires. A city steeped in country charm, Rockhampton has weekly rodeos, long stretches of sunburnt country, beautiful forests and beaches. South East Queensland Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia. Brisbane boasts the attractions and facilities of a large city yet is considerably more relaxed than its southern counterparts, Sydney and Melbourne. A modern city with an innovative and vibrant edge, Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate and outdoor lifestyle. Toowoomba is Australia’s largest inland regional city and is an economic hub of the region. A modern mountain city, Toowoomba is also known as Queensland’s Garden City. It boasts beautiful heritage buildings and more than 150 parks and gardens. It is also a treasure trove of tradition and culture with growing arts, food and wine industries.
Support services and orientation The Sunshine Coast
Accommodation Options
This area offers a laid-back lifestyle in a small and safe environment. Free of the hustle and bustle of the city, the Sunshine Coast still offers world-class dining and shopping. With clear blue skies, fresh clean air, bright sunny days and long stretches of beautiful beaches, the Sunshine Coast is a favourite holiday destination for local and international visitors.
A wide selection of high-quality and affordable options from renting to homestay accommodation is available for international students. Rental accommodation ranges from studio and one-bedroom apartments, to large houses, which are often rented by a number of people who live together as housemates. Sharing accommodation is often more affordable than living alone and is a good way to make friends. Homestay accommodation, where students are usually provided their own room and most meals, offers the chance to experience life as part of a Queensland family, learn about Australian culture and improve English language skills.
The Gold Coast This area offers stunning beaches, a magnificent hinterland, an abundance of action-packed activities, first-class shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The Gold Coast is a collection of cultures with close to a quarter of its residents born overseas. This multicultural society provides a safe and accepting environment where people have an appreciation for diverse cultures and lifestyles. “I chose to study at Langports because my agent suggested Langports and some of my friends who studied there recommended this school to me. The school is great, the teachers are good and the afternoon activities are fantastic. After Langports I would like to go on to university. I also want to travel to Sydney, Melbourne and Alice Springs. I work in Broadbeach at an Italian restaurant. I attended a job help seminar when I first came to Langports. It helped a lot because when I first arrived I didn’t know what documents I needed to try and find jobs. The school offered a service that helped me prepare my resume. They helped me get my RSA and eventually a job.” Marc, Spain Langports English Language College
Is it easy to get around? Although Queensland is a very large state, there is a comprehensive transport network and motorway system, which allows international students to explore the state and its attractions with relative ease. Queensland has four international airports (Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast) and the many regional and island airports serviced by multiple airlines make air travel an efficient, reliable and affordable way to explore the state. Your safety, health and protection The safety of international students is vitally important to the Queensland Government and education providers. Queensland is safe by world standards. It has a vibrant, multicultural society where other students, teaching staff and the broader community readily accept and welcome international students. For many international students, the friends they make while studying in Queensland is one of the highlights of their education experience here.
Queensland has a vibrant, multicultural society where we readily accept and welcome international students and workers. Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination | 5
What are the opportunities and regulations for me to work in Queensland? Work experience opportunities The strong economy and number of service industries in Queensland offer opportunities for international students to work as well as study. Many international students and visitors are allowed to work in Queensland, although some visas have limited work rights. It’s important that you are clear about the limitations of your visa before seeking work, as people who breach these conditions may have their visa cancelled. See www.immi.gov.au or call 13 18 81 for information on visa requirements from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. For detailed information about visa conditions when working and studying in Australia go to www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/permission-to-workstudents.pdf
Student visa holders If you were granted a student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you and your dependent family members will already have permission to work included with your visa. If you were granted a student visa before 26 April 2008, you can apply for permission to work after you have started your course in Australia. • You cannot work until you have commenced your course in Australia. • You are permitted to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours when it is not. Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight. • If you are doing voluntary, unpaid work, it is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight. • If you are a subclass 574 (post graduate research sector) student visa holder and you have commenced your masters by research or doctoral degree in Australia, there is no limit on the number of hours you may work. However, you can only work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during any preliminary courses you undertake on this visa. 6 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination
“I needed some entry level experience in the finance industry and I am thankful to Joblinx for helping me through this process. I was offered an Internship role at Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management for three months. After completion of this placement, my Manager asked me to complete the Diploma in Financial Planning course. On completion, I was offered the role of a para planner with YBR.” Nikunj Kapadia, India Sarina Russo Institute
Working holiday visa holders Working Holiday visa holders are permitted to do any kind of work while in Australia, for up to six months with each employer. People working in Australia on a Working Holiday visa are entitled to the same pay and work conditions as Australian residents and citizens. Visit: www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/417.aspx for more details People who are in Australia on a tourist visa CANNOT work. Visit www.immi.gov.au or call 13 18 81 for information on visa requirements from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for detailed information about visa conditions when working and studying in Australia www.immi.gov.au/students/_pdf/permissionto-work-students.pdf “Navitas has good connections with well-known companies for internship programs. It helps you to build your networking and increases your opportunity to work in Australia. I received a job offer just after my internship, now I have a solid career roadmap.” Eka Mahyudiana, Indonesia Accounting Graduate Navitas Professional Year Program
What are the opportunities and regulations for me to work in Queensland? What are my rights and obligations as an employee? Australia has strict laws relating to employment conditions, which apply to anyone working in Australia. Australia has strict rules about pay, taxation and superannuation, safety, what work you can do and unfair treatment in the workplace. All employees must also receive basic minimum entitlements (known as the National Employment Standards). These standards include rules about maximum weekly hours of work, flexible work, leave entitlements, public holidays, notice of termination, redundancy pay and provision of a Fair Work Information Statement. Regardless of your type of employment, you must have permission to work in Australia and hold a valid work visa. Visit www.qld.gov.au/jobs/entitlements for information about pay, tax, your employment rights and what to do if there is a problem.
“Last semester, I participated in the Marketing Digital Innovation Internship Project at a not-for-profit organisation. The success of this internship was due to the support of QUT’s Real World Placement Program (RWPP). The guidance and the tools available in the RWPP triggered the motivation and self-leadership I needed to be selected for the internship. I recommend the program to every student willing to put in practice their skills and learn from a new experience. Just seek the support from the RWPP consultants and they will guide you in the right direction for your professional experience.” Renata, Brazil QUT Real World Placement Program
You can combine a working holiday with study too With Queensland’s leisure destinations among the most popular in Australia, it makes sense to start your working holiday in Queensland. A working holiday visa allows you to combine study, work and travel in Australia. Education courses of up to 17 weeks can be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. An English language course will improve your job prospects in Queensland and is a great way to start your working holiday in Australia. Many of Queensland’s English language study institutions have programs and services specifically for working holiday makers. Some offer general English courses combined with resume writing, job placement assistance and customer service training.
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What qualifications or training do I need before I start work in Queensland? There are many industries in Queensland that require you to complete training and gain a qualification or certificate before you are allowed to start working in that industry. • Construction workers must complete a certified training course to obtain a White Card before entering a work site. See www.ntis.gov.au for the National Training Information Service for more information on ‘Work Safely in the Construction Industry’ courses.
• Hospitality is made up of many jobs at all skill levels. However, if you wish to work at a bar, pub or club, or in any position that serves alcohol, a ‘Responsible Service of Alcohol’ qualification is required. The qualification is valid only for the state that it is obtained in. See www.olgr.qld.gov.au for the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. • Child Care workers, or anyone working with children (a person under the age of 18), must obtain a Queensland Government issued Blue Card. See www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au for the Commission for Children and Young People. • Any job which involves poker machines or working in a gambling facility require the worker to obtain a Responsible Service of Gambling qualification. See www.olgr.qld.gov.au for the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation.
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Jump start your career with an internship Internships provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain hands on training in a practical environment and act as the stepping-stone between classroom and workplace. Often internships help young professionals transition into the workplace.
“I decided to apply for an internship program because I wanted to develop my professional career in Australia and I knew this was the best option to start gaining work experience in the Australian workplace.
Many universities and government agencies recognise the value of internationalisation and encourage their youth to gain both academic and practical experience abroad. Gaining work experience overseas provides a competitive advantage and is becoming an essential strategy for young professionals in the competitive global job market. This increasing demand for foreign experience has seen growing numbers of students and young professionals choose Australia as their destination for professional experience.
During my internship, I had the chance to work on a variety of different marketing and PR duties such as market research, competitive analysis, marketing and promotion plans, promotional material design and copywriting.
Internship programs offer a win-win situation for both industry and the participating intern. Industry gains insight into other cultures and the potential for off shore contacts, while the intern has exposure to their profession and a chance to gain the international workplace experience that is so essential for today’s competitive global market.
Now after completing my internship I can say I achieved my goals in terms of stepping in the Australian workplace, of getting to know the insights of the hotel industry, and complete daily tasks in another language. All in all I enjoyed my placement, the type of work and everything I have learned!” Camilla Florez, Columbia 12 weeks internship in Marketing in Brisbane Australian Internships (AI)
“I have received six interns from Navitas, four civil engineers, one industrial engineer and one mining engineer. Navitas has done a great job educating them in the Australian culture and helped them to be very good professionals for the Australian market. If a job opportunity arises I would be more than happy to consider them for the role.” Albert Cabrejo Geotechnical Support Services GroundProbe
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How do I find a job? Seven steps. Having a plan helps you to be organised and effective in your search for work.
nick names in an email address). Use your first and last name is possible. Free email accounts are available from providers such as Outlook and Yahoo.
1. Do your research
Before you start looking for job opportunities, create a folder or electronic document to keep a record of your job search. Stay organised from the start, record the details of any jobs you apply for and track your efforts.
Find out about jobs that might interest you by talking to your institution, going online and talking to other people in the industry. While it is good to stay open to new opportunities and possibilities, you will ultimately want to look for work that is relevant to your area of study or which can help you build the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. You should carefully consider what kind of work you are interested in, how far you can travel and what employment conditions suit you best. Full-time employees generally work 38 hours per week, and receive pay for a full week’s work as well as conditions like paid annual and sick leave. A full-time worker is also entitled to notice of termination of their employment. This means that if your employer no longer wants to employ you, they have to provide a reasonable period of notice (or payment instead of the notice period). Part-time employees work regular hours each week, but less than the 38 hours of full-time employees. They generally receive the same benefits as full-time workers, but they are calculated on the basis of the hours worked. Casual employees work on an hourly or daily basis and are less likely to have regular or guaranteed hours of work. Casual employees do not get paid sick leave or annual leave, but the rates of pay are usually higher to make up for this. A casual employee is usually not entitled to notice of termination, which means you can be terminated at any time. 2. Get ready for your job search Most employers require you to email your job applications so it is important to set-up a local email account. Try to use an email address that is professional and suitable for work purposes (do not use slang or 10 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination
Most employers will ask you to apply for jobs electronically so it is wise to scan all of your hard copy documents and save them on your computer, a USB or disk. Make multiple copies of all these items for any interviews and always keep your originals in a safe place.
“During my four years of study in hospitality, which included a Bachelor of Business, majoring in hospitality management, followed by a Master of International Tourism & Hospitality Management, I sought casual employment in my chosen field. My employment and careers service organised a 12 week work experience program for me at a great hotel in Brisbane. This enabled me to gain valuable on the job experience and upon completion, I was offered casual employment at the hotel.� Yu-Cheng Tu (Kris), Taiwan James Cook University Brisbane Campus
3. Prepare or update your resume A resume is a very important tool in your job search and should be tailored to each job you apply for. A good resume is one that briefly highlights your skills, achievements and education. Your resume should also include your name, contact details, education and work experience, qualifications, skill certificates, any relevant awards and contact details of referees. There are many online templates and building tools to help you build your own individually styled resume.
How do I find a job? Seven steps. 4. Find and shortlist jobs
5. Write your job application
There are several options to find job opportunities in Queensland:
When writing a job application or cover letter, you will need to address the job’s selection criteria. This is a list of requirements, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for. This information will be listed in the advertisement or you may need to contact the company to ask for more detail about the job requirements.
• Your educational institution may offer employment services for students. It is a good idea to find out what support is available to you before you start looking for work. • Employment agencies in your local area can be found online or in the Yellow Pages phone directory (yellowpages.com.au). • Online job search websites are the most popular tool to use when looking for work in Australia. Most of these sites allow you set up a profile and will email you when jobs come up that might interest you. Some popular sites include: • www.jobsearch.gov.au • www.seek.com.au • www.mycareer.com.au • www.careerone.com.au • www.careerjet.com.au • Newspapers often have an employment section, although most of these are also available on-line. Check for job vacancies several times a week (particularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays). • Direct contact is a good option and many companies have a career or jobs section on their website. Even if they don’t have any jobs listed, you can still contact them directly. Talk to the Human Resources department and offer them your resume with an outline of how your skills can benefit their company. Make sure you do some research into the business you’re approaching so you can show yourself to be knowledgeable and prepared.
Your application or cover letter should detail how your skills and experience directly relate to each selection criteria. Employers are looking at how well you might fit into their company and believe your past behaviour will predict your future behaviour. Be clear, specific and reflect your answers back to specific real life experiences, education and work history.
6. Prepare for the interview If your application is successful, you may be asked to attend an interview with the employer or agency. Find out as much as possible about the company and the position by researching the employer’s website and read public information such as the company’s Annual Report. Many interviews are held with an interview panel, comprised of two or more people. They will ask you about your relevant skills and experience, strengths and weaknesses. For some jobs, particularly senior positions, you may be asked to attend a second interview. This is common practice and should be viewed positively. Practise any interview questions you are likely to be asked and reflect your answers back to specific real life experiences, education and work history. Make sure that you present yourself professionally and are dressed appropriately. Arrive on time and prepared with a copy of your resume, any supporting documents and contact details for your referees. Don’t forget to switch your mobile phone off and use professional language at all times. Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination | 11
How do I find a job? Seven steps. “I am a PhD candidate with USQ in Toowoomba and I am seeking research or academic positions in my field. I am so excited that I will soon have two interviews and I will ask staff at my careers development service for advice on how to best to prepare for those interviews and get the job I want. I like to work with others and look forward to getting a job in Queensland.”
• transition into a job once you finish your internship as many employers see interns as prospective employees once they have built the right skills
Guohun (Tony) Zhu, China
• apply your studies to a real world environment.
PhD candidate, Computer Science & Mathematics University of Southern Queensland
7. Build on the job experience Work experience can be a very effective job search tool. Many job seekers doing work experience have ended up being offered a job or given a good reference. The experience is also a valuable addition to your resume. International students have several options available to gain experience in the workplace including internships, vocational placement, job ready or employment pathway programs, work experience and volunteering. Ask your educational institution about the internship opportunities available to you: • Internships provide international students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain experience in a particular career field. Internships can be paid or unpaid and are most often offered by government agencies and large businesses. Finding work can be a challenge and an internship is a good way to gain the experience you need to secure a job. The benefits of an internship include the opportunity to: • gain valuable work experience you can’t get in a classroom • have an edge in the job market by giving you relevant experience 12 | Make the right decision - Choose Queensland Australia as your work destination
• decide if this is the right career for you • build professional networks
• Vocational placements are when you are placed into a workplace to receive practical training, which is part of your course or qualification. Vocational placements involve hands-on work in a real work environment that is directly relevant to your studies. Students are entitled to payments and benefits for placements of more than 240 hours per calendar year. In a short placement, students are placed for less than 240 hours per calendar year and are not paid or eligible for other benefits. A vocational placement is nominated by your registered training organisation who will let you know if you need to complete one as part of your studies. See www.training.qld.gov.au for more information. • Job ready or Employment Pathway Programs are designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in a wide range of industries. Job ready programs provide a real opportunity for career development in your chosen profession by offering short courses, qualifications and professional internship placements which can build the skills you need in your career. There are many different job placement opportunities available to international students – speak to your educational provider or see www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au for more information.
How do I find a job? Seven steps. • Work experience is designed to help school
students to transition from school to work. Work experience is a formal arrangement where students can work up to 30 days in generally unpaid or voluntary work. If you’re a school-aged international student, work experience can help you to:
Volunteering offers many great benefits, including the opportunity to: • find work that fits your unique interests, personally or professionally • try out different job roles and learn about different organisations in Queensland
• relate your theoretical school studies to a practical workplace environment
• meet new people and make connections with others
• learn new skills and build confidence
• build job references and networking contacts
• prepare you for the demands and expectations of the working world
• develop your skills and experience including English, communication and job hunting skills
• make informed career decisions and learn about Australia’s job market • assess your own abilities and interests and explore new career options. See www.ppr.det.qld.gov.au for more information. • Volunteering is unpaid work where you offer your services to help an organisation achieve its goals. Queensland is full of great volunteer opportunities, most of which are in the not-for-profit sector, including charities and community service organisations. You can volunteer in your field of study or in a completely new area. Rather than being confined to working in a low paying job unrelated to your degree, you are free to look for volunteer options that interest you and relate to your future career. Unlike paid work, which may limit the hours you can work, volunteering for a not for profit organisation does not count towards the 20 hours international students can work under student visa rules.
• experience Australian culture and be part of a professional work environment • have fun while making a difference in the community • improve your chances of getting paid work as volunteering shows you have outside interests and community experience which are both outstanding assets. Different volunteering positions require varying skills levels. You don’t need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to volunteer and anyone who is willing to learn and contribute their time can apply for volunteer roles. Search and apply for volunteering opportunities at www.volunteeringqld.org.au and study institutions may be able to connect you to volunteering roles. Don’t be afraid to contact a non-profit organisation directly about volunteering.
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Want to know more? Education and training remains at the forefront of Queensland’s international engagement. IETU will continue to seek and sustain international partnerships with overseas governments, industry, institutions and providers that focus on reciprocal academic and cultural exchange.
The Queensland Government is committed to working in partnership with international education and training providers and institutions to build a sustainable and quality education and training industry today and for future students. International Education and Training Unit (IETU) is a unique unit established by the Queensland Government in 2001 to develop the future partnerships for international students. Now based in Trade & Investment Queensland (the government’s global business agency) IETU focuses on enhancing the experience international students have before, during and after their study in Queensland. By working across government and in partnership with industry, IETU is well positioned to provide high level co-ordination and support.
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See www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au for all the QUEENSLAND study information and help you need. See www.studyinaustralia.gov.au for additional information about studying and living in AUSTRALIA.
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Notes
Notes
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Make the right decision Queensland AUSTRALIA
Providing you with a world class education and amazing experiences