Cate Gribble and Jill Blackmore from Deakin University , Melbourne, interviewed 130 international students of nursing, accounting and engineering as well as employers, government officials and university staff.

They found foreign work experience was increasingly important to students and employers in countries such as China. However, many students were unhappy with their opportunities to gain practical experience in Australia before returning home, and said they lacked the contacts of their domestic peers.

“Students come with certain expectations that they will get employment, particularly if they come in a skill shortage area, but that is often not the case,” Blackmore told World News Australia .

“They have to go out and find an employer who’s prepared to sponsor them, and that is very difficult,” she said.

The researchers argue the government, providers and companies must create more work experience opportunities, or risk losing enrolments. ”I think international students might consider going to other places where there are more opportunities for work placements,” said Gribble.

The findings follow vast improvements to post-study work rights introduced last November as part of reforms to stem an ongoing decline in overseas enrolments.

Bachelor degree students may now stay in the country and work for two years after graduation, master’s students for three years, and PHD students for four years. Professor Lesleyanne Hawthorne of Melbourne University said there was no “comparable offer from our competitors” and that problems may lie with individual students.

“Every country has its own labour market needs and it will be about the attractiveness of the international student who applies,” she said.

There have been other positive signs for international job seekers, according to a Graduate Careers Australia survey in February. While the percentage of employers recruiting international graduates fell nearly 15% after the financial crisis and stayed flat in 2010, last year saw a climb of almost 12%.

However, employers admitted they were sometimes deterred from hiring foreign graduates due to concerns about retention or because they lacked citizenship.

Australia’s overseas student market is estimated to contribute around $15.7 billion to the economy. However enrolments have been hit by a persistently high dollar and visa concerns and fell in the year to February to 46,379 (down 8.9%).

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Studies have shown that fifty four percent of employers in Australia have difficulties getting manpower to fill key positions in their organizations, due to an acute shortage of skilled personnel. This increases the availability of jobs for migrants from overseas, and is one of the reasons why skilled workers are in great demand in this country.

There are many websites that outline employment opportunities in Australia. Those who need information about immigration to Australia for work can check out details in the Australian Government website. Many people from surrounding countries choose to work in Australia because of the enviable lifestyle, and all the modern conveniences and comforts that are available in plenty here. Australia also has a pleasant climate and provides many opportunities for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and other interesting activities.

Here are some of the most sought-after jobs in Australia.

1. Business Analyst: A business Analyst is a person, who analyzes the existing or ideal organization and design of systems, including businesses, departments, and organizations. The skilled business analyst has myriad job opportunities in Australia. The business analyst should have skilled knowledge in programming, engineering and so on.

2. Project Managers: A project manager has the responsibility of planning, execution and closing of projects, relating to construction industry, architecture, computer networking, telecommunications or software development. Key responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the constraints of the project management triangle which are cost, time, scope and quality.

3. Recruitment Consultants: Recruitment refers to the process of attracting, screening and appointing qualified persons for a job and this job can be easily obtained through a recruitment consultant. A consultant works with client companies and builds relationships to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and requirement.

4. Business Development Managers: A Business Development Manager- also known as a business planner or economist – must have good knowledge of management theories and the best practices for the organization’s success. The Business development manager runs a business on a day to day basis and undertakes responsibilities such as the analysis and investigation of economic conditions, conducting research in the market, creation of goals and objectives etc.

5. Receptionists: A receptionist is a person who takes on official/administrative support responsibilities. The job description includes answering visitors’ inquiries, directing visitors to their destinations, sorting and handling out mail, answering incoming calls, setting appointments and so on.

6. Payroll Officers: A payroll officer has to handle timekeeping and payment processing, and great attention to detail and accuracy are needed throughout the position. Payroll officers deal with company employees and Internal Revenue Services to make the records and tax information accurate.

7. Management Accountants: Management accountants have the duty of accounting at different levels. They have to take care of management accounting, cost accounting and cost management etc.

8. Financial Accountants: Financial accountants deal with financial statements for decision makers such as employees, owners, suppliers, banks etc. Most of them have to work directly for companies performing internal financial duties.

9. Registered Nurses: A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from the nursing program from a college or university and passed a national licensing exam.

10. Account Payable Officers: The account payable officer handles the payment services and disbursements to vendors and is separate from the payroll department.

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Studying in Australia gives you a competitive edge.
One of the great advantages of gaining an Australian qualification is the opportunities it will provide you when it comes time to find employment. No matter where you want to start your career, your qualification will be recognised as a mark of a quality education.
Employers in Australia and around the world hold Australian graduates in high esteem. Thousands of graduates are recruited every year in all career fields. From traditional fields, such as business, finance, law and medicine, to emerging industries, such as environmental sustainability, digital media, biotechnology, nanotechnology and e-commerce, your Australian qualification will provide you with an excellent platform from which to further your career.

Employment assistance

Many Australian universities and higher education institutions offer returning home seminars for international students. These seminars will prepare you to re-enter your home country and provide advice on finding a job.
There are a number of recruitment companies in Australia and around the world that offer careers counselling and link graduates with prospective employers. Many large corporations run their own graduate recruitment service, and value graduates with international experience such as an Australian qualification.
The Australian Government has also been very active in developing Memoranda of Understanding and qualifications recognition between Australia and other countries. They can also advise you where to find information about employment and further study opportunities in Australia and in your country.

Skilled Migration Program

The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. Please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website.

Post-Study Work Arrangements

From 2013, graduates of Australian Bachelors, Masters and PhD courses will be able to apply for a post-study work visa. The visa will enable them to gain practical experience in Australia for up to four years after graduation. To be eligible, graduates must have lodged their student visa application after 5 November 2011.

More detailed advice about eligibility requirements will be made available as legislation to support the visa is put into place. For further information please visit: www.immi.gov.au/students/knight/

Returning Home to Work

During your final year you should research the labour market in your home country and explore the career options available to you. Spend some time focusing on your job search!
Resources : Study in Australia http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/en/After-Your-Studies/Employment

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Resources : QS TOPUNIVERSITYIES  http://www.topuniversities.com/student-life/best-student-cities/2012/

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