Your studies are a key step in building a fulfilling career. But employers are looking for well-rounded students, especially those who can demonstrate practical experience and job-related skills, along with the ability to complete a degree.
Being able to show examples of involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteering or other outside interests are concrete ways of demonstrating your employability. Having work-related experience provides further evidence to employers that you have the skills required to transition into a professional role.
Here are some ways that experience can help in your career search:
|
Process |
Benefits |
|
Resume |
Real-world examples of how you have used your skills in a professional context; proof of your ability to do the job |
|
Transferable skills |
Learn and use new skills – including communication, initiative and the ability to work under pressure – that are relevant to the workplace |
|
Examples for selection criteria |
Recruiters often use selection criteria to differentiate between candidates; having a list of examples will make this easier |
|
Employer insight |
Gain insight into an industry, employer and potential colleagues; try out an employer or sector before making a long-term commitment |
|
Networking |
Extend your network of contacts; this could be extremely valuable during your job search, including accumulating referees |
Here are some places to start:
Along with the obvious benefits of making money, paid work provides an opportunity to develop your skills. Working in a clothing store or café, for example, demonstrates an ability to work under pressure, work in a team and deliver customer service – skills that employers are looking for.
These popular work placements provide an opportunity to practice and develop career-
specific skills in a professional environment. For many highly sought-after jobs and sectors, undertaking an internship is a crucial step to getting a job.
Joining a club, society, sports team or getting involved in your student union helps broaden your interests and build teamwork skills. Taking on a position of responsibility, such as treasurer or captain of your sports team, is a great way to develop leadership and organisational skills.
Image source: Aurora Project
Supporting and encouraging students can help improve your skills and self-confidence while also helping others. AIME, the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, is one of Australia’s larger educational programs designed to support Indigenous students through high school and into university. Check with your university to see if they partner with AIME.
Studying abroad can help build valuable job skills including adaptability and communication while expanding your global network.
Some employers offer seasonal vacation schemes, usually aimed at students in their penultimate year, which allow students to develop technical skills and industry-specific knowledge.
Many companies offer cadetships in conjunction with the Australian government. These can involve both on and off-campus study and work combinations, providing opportunities to gain professional qualifications and work experience. Check out the Featured Employers section of this handbook for details on Indigenous cadetship programs.
Employers have always looked to graduates for leadership and initiative. In today’s climate of constant change and uncertainty, being able to show concrete examples of entrepreneurial ability demonstrates that you have initiative, drive and enthusiasm and can provide essential skills for the economy. To get that extra edge you could:
See what your university has to offer. Many universities now have courses in entrepreneurship and enterprise or offer workshops on related topics, such as networking and innovative thinking.
Volunteer work allows you to develop and use skills while making a valuable contribution to others. It is a great way to meet new people and expand your network, make a difference to a community, gain practical experience and develop professional work skills.
Along with learning more about your skills, interests, values and potential to grow and develop, volunteering also provides a chance to see how other people view you and your strengths.
You will be meeting and working alongside people with different attitudes and views. This shows employers that you can be flexible and adaptable – qualities they want their employees to have.
Expanding your network opens up new opportunities and helps you explore different occupations, industry sectors and roles across an organisation. It can also make your CV or application stand out when you’re competing for a job.
AIME – A mentoring program in which university students mentor high school students to end the cycle of disadvantage by permanently changing mindsets and ensuring nobody is left behind.