You can certainly still work, but your working hours will be limited by your student visa permissions. Learn more about your rights as an international student here.
The ability to balance both study and work commitments is a skill that can open a number of doors in your future career. Employers look favourably on students who can demonstrate their time management skills and willingness to work. The supplemental income doesn’t hurt either!
Getting some work experience under your belt can greatly improve your chances of finding employment upon graduation. Equally important, working allows you to build on those soft skills that are critical to every working role – including teamwork, organisation, communication and problem solving.
Other ways to come by this valuable work experience include volunteering and internships, both of which can boost your CV and your future career opportunities. For international students, working or volunteering while studying can give you a chance to practise your English skills and to learn about Australian workplace culture.
Before you start, however, it’s important to consider how much time you will be able to commit to work without it interfering with your studies. If you are an international student, you must also adhere to the working hour limits attached to your student visa. This means knowing when your deadlines are and when to cut back on shifts.
Internships are a fantastic way to gain experience in your field of study. For an internship to be considered legal, it must satisfy a number of criteria. Once you transfer to Deakin University, you’ll have many opportunities to complete an internship that can give you credit towards your degree program. Learn more about internships at Deakin University.
Volunteering can be a hugely rewarding experience for students who want to make a difference. While the work is unpaid, the skills and knowledge that you’ll gain will be invaluable. Volunteer work is generally done for not-for-profit organisations that have a mission to make some positive impact on the community. By volunteering, you’ll not only demonstrate your exceptional motivation, but you’ll be able to feel genuinely good about the work you’re doing.
Whether you’re a local or international student, make sure you are familiar with the laws outlining what conditions and pay you are entitled to.
For more information, visit the Fair Work website.