Getting jobs in Australia difficult for foreign students

Tran Thi Phuong’s transition from pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Melbourne University to securing employment in Australia has been marked by significant hurdles. Despite her prestigious degree and prior experience at EY Vietnam, Phuong faced considerable difficulty finding employment after graduation. Following nine months of persistent effort, she eventually secured a position as a strategy analyst at a land consulting firm associated with the Western Australian state government in Perth, thousands of kilometers away from Melbourne. Phuong’s experience reflects the broader challenges encountered by temporary graduate visa holders in Australia as they navigate the post-graduation job market. Reports indicate that a substantial percentage of international students with undergraduate and postgraduate research degrees remain unemployed for extended periods after graduation. This struggle is exemplified by individuals like Moin Rahman, a Bangladeshi graduate in civil engineering from the University of Queensland, who faced numerous obstacles despite submitting over 80 job applications. Beyond employment difficulties, many international graduates find themselves underpaid and accepting jobs unrelated to their fields of expertise. Policy changes announced by the Australian government, including reductions in post-study work visa durations and age limits, further exacerbate employment uncertainties for international graduates. Despite these challenges, international graduates like Phuong persevere with determination and resilience, aiming to overcome obstacles and build successful careers in their adopted country.