How international students can get ahead of the competition

A qualification is a big step toward finding employment but you also need to develop work ready skills and experience to improve your chances of finding a good job that fits visa requirements.

Here are 5 essential tips to help you

1/ Become familiar with your visa options and good resources

Unsure about your visa status and requirements? Don’t guess or compare with your friends because their situation could be different to yours and visa requirements can change like the Auckland weather.
Go to the experts - chat to an approved Immigration Advisor or our experienced International Student Support team.

Immigration’s NZ’s website NauMai NZ is a really important resource because it always has the most accurate and informative information you can find about working and studying in NZ as an international student.

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations is another good source of information on the skills, responsibilities and requirements that Immigration NZ follow when assessing applications. 

But don’t panic! If you get organised, you can find opportunities to build your skills and experience towards these roles after graduation.

2/ Start planning early

What is your goal? Ask yourself, do you:

• plan to stay in New Zealand permanently?
• want to gain New Zealand experience and then go home?
• want to go home straight after you finish your studies?

It is important to decide before you finish your study. Why? You need time to develop the skills and experience you will need to get a decent job at the right salary, especially if you want to stay in New Zealand and meet visa requirements.

3/ Research to find out what NZ employers look for

Do you find you’re more successful starting something when you understand what is needed? It is the same with employment. The New Zealand workplace is often quite different from other countries' workplaces, so it is good to prepare.
Find out about -

• Job titles, job descriptions and salary bands – What will be expected of you? Job titles can differ across industries. For example, a customer service representative is a bank teller in a bank, but a retail assistant in a shop. What entry roles will lead you to a role that satisfies the Skilled Migrant Category if you are wanting to apply for Permanent Residency (PR)? How long will it take to reach the right level?
• Company and industry association websites/social media pages – look at areas of growth, client groups and services. Think about what you can offer as an international student beyond your language skills. Perhaps you have knowledge about your culture's business etiquette that might be useful to an employer dealing with your country of origin?
• Networking events/meetups – meet with other students, successful graduates and friendly employers to learn about industry trends and gaps in the marketplace. This can fast track your connections to interested employers.
• Career expos – meet employers and ask them whether they have opportunities outside of their graduate programmes. Learn how to talk about the skills, knowledge and experience you have to offer. Practise your elevator pitch so you can have a informative conversation with them.  We run lots of workshops to help you develop these skills. Just sign up for them on Elab Online.
• Employability Awards - AUT Employability and Careers run two awards, one for undergraduates and one for postgraduates. These programmes are a great way to get involved in the community, make connections, build up employability skills and your confidence and communication skills. Find out more by emailing AUTedge@aut.ac.nz

4/ It’s ok to ask for help!

Talk to AUT Employability & Career specialists - We can help you work out how to best prepare yourself.  Attend workshops and employer events to find out what NZ employers are looking for. Some employers strongly value overseas knowledge and experience, others want NZ experience.
International Student Support - this service is specifically set up to offer general help to international students at AUT. Make the most of it.
Book a workshop - Our workshops include everything from CV and cover letter writing to how to network, interview practice and set up a LinkedIn profile.  You can book for Employability & Careers workshops here.
Online Interview Practice - This is located on Elab Online's home page. Use this resource to practice your interview skills by answering common interview questions.

5/ Intend to return home after graduating?

Then focus on researching business and professions at home. If you go back home over summer, make the most of that time by finding an internship or work experience connected with your study so you start to make connections with the organisations you would like to eventually work for.

Also have a look at the AUT International Job Portal where you will find organisations who will employ students and graduates returning to their home countries with valuable experience overseas study experience and strong language skills. They're offering internships and jobs.

Employers want proactive connected and informed graduates - that can easily be you.

Written by AUT Employability and Careers