Australia is a study destination for Filipinos as it not only provides scholarships for students but also has tons of job opportunities for international students. However, living in Australia can be expensive for many students, thanks to its favorable policies for part-time work. Many international students can work while studying, which helps them get even more exposure and experience from those extra jobs. The following is a close examination of the available jobs, working laws, and the ability one needs as a Filipino student to work in Australia.
It is predicted that approximately 400,000 Filipinos live in Australia in 2023 alone. The availability of professional and skilled employees in Australia and the availability of PR and permanent residency add to the number of Filipino people in Australia.
Job Openings For Part-Time Filipino Students
The Australian government, students to work 40-48 hours per fortnight during the academic sessions, but you can work as many hours as you want during the holiday sessions. This flexibility enables students to make and earn their living expenses. Many part-time roles suit students’ schedules, including:
- Retail and hospitality
- Agriculture
- Tutoring and Academic Assistance
- Telemarketing & Sales
- Opportunities for Freelancers and Gig Workers
- On-Campus Employment
- including Aged Care, Child Care, Community services, etc.
Career-Building Skills for Filipino Students in Australia
Working in Australia allows Filipino students to develop skills essential for career growth. Key skills that employers value include:
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Customer-facing roles in retail and hospitality teach students how to interact effectively with diverse customers. This experience is valuable, as strong communication skills are highly sought after in the global workforce. - Time Management and Flexibility
Managing time efficiently is one of the key skills a student should have. This could be done by maintaining a balance between work and study load skillfully. The flexibility required to adapt to varying work hours and academic commitments strengthens their ability to thrive in dynamic work environments. - Resilience and Adaptability
Living in a new country and managing responsibilities independently builds resilience. Filipino students develop adaptability, which is crucial in a globalized job market. This skill prepares them to handle change and challenges in their future careers.
Job Search Resources and Support Networks
For job search, there are many online and offline resources present for Filipino students. Campus career centers and job portals or job fairs provide you access to the many on-campus jobs that you can opt for. Online job resources like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn are for students who want on a remote basis, part-time or even full-time options. Additionally, Filipino community organizations and alumni groups in Australia provide mentorship, support, and networking opportunities.
Why is the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Form required in the healthcare sector?
Sectors like healthcare and child care require nationally coordinated criminal history checks. As you are involved as the caretaker of people. It is to ensure that the environment should be safe and friendly. Students who intend to work in these fields should be prepared to undergo this screening, which verifies their criminal record status in Australia. A nationally coordinated criminal history check form is filled for such positions that require testing the responsibility and accountability of the applicant.
Scholarships and Grant Opportunities for International Students
Many government or private sector institutes in Australia provide financial aid to students. These financial assistance for international students are to help them based on their needs and based on their academic performance. Also, the Australian government also provides various grants and support for international students. Many private companies provide internships for these students. All these scholarships and grants are to relieve the students of the burden of paying huge amounts of money and easing the flow of their studies and career building.
Career Progression Opportunities for Filipino Graduates
After completing their studies, Filipino students have the option to stay in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). New graduates can apply for this visa; it offers the worker a chance to work full-time for a term not exceeding 2 years helping him or her to gain a considerable amount of experience in his or her field of study. Gaining local work experience enhances employability and may even lead to sponsorship opportunities if the employer is willing to support the transition to a permanent work visa.
In-Demand Skills and Sectors for Filipino Graduates
For those who aim to continue working in Australia after graduation, certain sectors actively seek skilled professionals. Popular fields include:
Technology and Digital Innovation
In Australia, technology roles are essential due to its robust digital economy, valuing skills in software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Filipino graduates proficient in programming languages like Python and SQL, or in machine learning, can find opportunities across various sectors, including finance and e-commerce. There’s also a demand for expertise in digital content creation and user experience design, prioritizing an understanding of consumer behavior.
Social and Community Services
Additionally, community service roles in social work and public health are growing, with an emphasis on multicultural understanding and social advocacy, benefiting Filipino graduates aiming to enhance healthcare access.
Business and Project Management
In business and project management, those with degrees in these areas can flourish, especially with certifications like PMP or CAPM. The financial sector also welcomes Filipino graduates skilled in financial analysis and accounting, where certifications such as CPA or CFA are advantageous. By leveraging these skills, Filipino graduates can enhance their career prospects and pursue potential pathways to permanent residency in Australia.
Networking advice for Filipino students
It is essential to establish a network of contacts at the professional level. Currently, Filipino students can go to career fairs, student and professional organizations, and volunteer opportunities. Australian universities usually have a working alumni association and it is not very difficult to connect with Filipino alumni and get their valuable input. Participation in Filipino societies within Australia and participation in local activities would also add to members’ network of contacts and assist students to feel more welcomed in Australia.
Education in Australia becomes a key to new opportunities for Filipino students as they can get a good education experience and work practice. Working enables students to acquire working experience, earn an income, and make contacts. By exploiting all the available opportunities, being legal in conducting an Australian job search by, for instance, filling in the nationally coordinated criminal history check form for suitable jobs, and taking advantage of the network opportunities, Filipino students can make a good ground for a successful career in Australia or upon coming back to the Philippines. The exposure one gets to acquire while doing job hunting in Australia is something that cannot be equated to anywhere else in the world thus giving a unique selling point in the job market.
