Launching a career in Australia represents an exciting opportunity for many international graduates. Now that you’re finished with your studies, the world of employment is yours to explore!
However, before you dive head-first into the workforce, it’s important to understand your career options and opportunities in Australia. In this guide, we walk you through those options, so you can feel confident in taking the first step on your professional pathway.
Your post-study work rights in Australia
In Australia, the most commonly considered post-study work visa for international graduates is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) visa.
While there are two streams of this visa – the Graduate Work and Post-Study Work stream – the Post-Study Work stream is generally the most appropriate for Curtin University graduates, as it is reserved for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
You can learn more about your post-study visa options via the Department of Home Affairs.
Of course, getting a visa is only part of the process. Next, let’s take a look at some of the employment opportunities you may encounter.
Booming industries for graduates in Australia
Australia is home to a diverse range of industries, many offering significant job growth. Here are a few sectors to consider.
- Healthcare – this is a sector that is continually expanding, with a growing demand for doctors and nurses as well as medical researchers and technicians. Jobs in this sector are projected to grow more than any other, with an anticipated growth of over 15 per cent between November 2021–November 2026.
- Education – with a commitment to quality education, the Australian education sector regularly recruits teachers and educators to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Future growth in this industry is set at roughly 13.4 per cent from November 2021 to November 2026.
- Mining – Western Australia boasts a thriving mining industry, offering opportunities for engineers, geologists and professionals in related fields. Mining is the largest economic contributor to the WA economy (see “WA Economic Profile – September 2023” here), having accounted for 46 per cent (or $186.8 billion) of the 2021-22 Gross State Product (GSP).
- Technology – Valued at $167 billion, Australia’s tech sector is booming, with strong demand for skillsets including IT specialists, software engineers and data scientists.
As a Curtin graduate, you’ll enter the workforce with the skills you need to meet the demands of your given industry and exceed employer expectations. According to the 2023 Australian Government’s Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS), employers’ satisfaction level with Curtin graduates was ranked #1 of all Australian universities.
How to look for postgraduate jobs in Australia
When it comes to searching for postgraduate jobs in Australia, there are several platforms and resources to help you out.
- Curtin Careers – Curtin Careers offers personalised support even after you graduate, including resume writing workshops, interview coaching and job search strategies.
- Job search websites – websites like SEEK, Indeed and LinkedIn are valuable tools for job hunting. They list a wide range of job vacancies across various industries.
- Government websites – Jobs WA and Workforce Australia are state and national (respectively) government employment marketplaces on which you can search and apply for roles across various industries.
- Networking – attending industry events, joining professional groups and connecting with alumni can expand your network and help you discover job opportunities. Check out the events on offer at Curtin here.
Launching a global career
Studying at Curtin not only opens doors to local opportunities – it also prepares you for a global career.
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023, and many Curtin degrees and qualifications are recognised worldwide.
That means that whether you choose to return to your home country or explore new horizons, the certifications, skills and knowledge you gain in Australia are highly transferable.
Prepare for the next chapter with Curtin
As you begin to think about taking practical steps toward establishing your career, Curtin is here to support you.
Curtin’s commitment to student success extends beyond graduation. The Careers for Tomorrow website, mentoring programs and UniHub platform are just a few examples of ongoing support available to students and alumni looking for career advancement.
With these practical tips and support from Curtin, you can kick-start your post-study career.
