Internships

A great way to get real world experience in an industry you want to work in is to apply for an internship, even if it’s volunteer based and unpaid. It could lead to a solid job offer from your internship sponsor or an outside employer. However, finding an internship that fits your needs can at times be difficult for international students. To improve your chances of success, here are some simple tips to keep in mind.

Be open-minded

Australia offers internship opportunities for international students, all opportunities should be considered by you. The key is to assess all your options carefully when deciding what’s best. Be aware that there are internship placement agencies that can assist with this process or you can attempt to find an internship on your own, the decision is up to you.

Initiate contact with companies.

Don’t be afraid to contact companies, search their website and see if they offer internships to foreign students. If there’s no information available online, contact them directly through their email and express a sincere desire to intern. This expresses your immediate interest to work for them, if and when any present or future openings arise. Creating positive impressions with various companies increases possible future internship opportunities. 

Know your field of interest.

In case there aren’t any readily available internship positions in your chosen field, it doesn’t mean you can’t use your skills in other areas that may be related to your main area of study. Personally understand and examine your field of study to determine where you can pursue your interests and skills. Australia offers an abundance of internships in a wide range of industries.

Talk to your school.

Remember that policies for internships vary from school-to-school; you may want to consult the international student support resources that are available at your institution. In some cases, they will have additional opportunities that you might not have access to on your own. These can help steer you in the right direction in relation to your internship goals. 

Create a resume.

With your compiled list of companies and fields of interest, you can now put together a standout resume targeting your specific internship audience. Just make sure that your resume highlights core competencies and achievements that are relevant to the position being pursued.

We understand that trying to know all about the various internship policies from country to country can be a bit daunting. Speak to your IDP Counsellor, and they can tell you what you need to know.