One of the unique benefits of studying as an international student in Australia is that you have the option of taking on a part-time job to supplement your income, build your resume and gain valuable work experience. In Adelaide, there are a variety of services available to help you on your journey to employment. If you’re looking for a part-time job in Adelaide, these tips are here to guide you.
Step one: What kinds of jobs are available?
When seeking part-time work, a good job will fit your lifestyle and offer flexibility in hours (in other words, enough time outside of work for your studies and to enjoy your time in Adelaide), help you develop language skills if you are not a native English-speaker, gain work experience, and create opportunities for the future.
First up, it’s worth thinking about the industry you’re hoping to move into after completing your studies and whether there are any part-time jobs you can take on to prepare you for your career. There are certain industries that really thrive in Adelaide including wine-making, food and drink, agriculture, defence, aerospace and more. So, if you’re studying anything related to these fields, you will certainly be getting the advanced skills to be able to apply for jobs across Australia or internationally when you graduate.
Other common jobs for international students in Adelaide include:
Working in hospitality – Given Adelaide’s buzzing food and drink scene, jobs in bars, restaurants and cafés are plentiful in the city. However, these jobs may require some basic experience or certification. For example, to work with alcohol in Australia, you are required to have Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. Luckily, RSA training can be completed in an online course, and your certification will show employers that you’re determined and prepared.
Working in retail – If you’re confident and outgoing, a job in retail is a great option. Experience is valuable for retail jobs, but enthusiasm and a good work ethic are good assets for retail workers. In Adelaide, there are plenty of retail jobs available.
Working in administration – Jobs in administration (for example, working as an administrative assistant or receptionist) offer excellent room for growth and good opportunities to develop professional workplace skills.
Working at your educational institution – These jobs are convenient and will allow you to meet and mingle with fellow students. But, they can be highly competitive, so come prepared and enthusiastic to your interview.
MyAdelaide – Working Part-time from StudyAdelaide on Vimeo.
Step two: Tick off your pre-work checklist
Along with opening an Australian bank account, perfecting your resume (here’s a good template to get you started) and writing your cover letter, there are a few necessities for workers in Adelaide that you’ll need to organise before starting your job hunt.
Firstly, you’ll need a tax file number (TFN). Your TFN is a personal reference number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You’re issued one TFN in your lifetime and it is used to file tax reports and other government documents. It is one of the most important forms of identification in Australia. For more information, you can check the ATO website, or read through our guide to getting a TFN.
Secondly, you will need to arrange your Superannuation (or, ‘Super’), which is a way of saving for retirement while you are working. You may be entitled to super contributions from your employer, which guarantees contributions of at least 9.5% of your ordinary earnings. Your employer may make these payments into a ‘super’ fund on your behalf. As an international student, you may be able to take your superannuation with you if you leave Australia permanently. For more information on how to access your super, choosing a super fund and withdrawing your super once you leave Australia, visit the ATO website.
Step three: Understand your rights as an employee
It’s crucial that you are familiar with your working rights and visa conditions in Australia, including how many hours you can work each fortnight on a student visa. You can check your working rights through the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
It’s also important to understand your rights and responsibilities in the workplace. This includes enquiring about probationary periods, your pay rate, employment conditions, and other important details. Before you start working, make sure to read the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guide to starting a new job for more information.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your employment, you can contact the Office of the Training Advocate (OTA) in South Australia. Through the OTA, you can seek confidential advice or support and file workplace-related complaints.
Step four: Find job-hunting Support in Adelaide
Once you’ve decided which job is for you, it’s time to start your job hunt.
Fortunately, there are a number of dedicated services to help international students find work in Adelaide. For example, the Working in Adelaide portal run by StudyAdelaide is a resource that provides advice and support on job applications, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills and networking.
Alternatively, your education provider will usually offer some form of career service – you’ll just need to search their website. This service often includes career planning and job application support, along with access to career events and expos, that will allow you to meet potential employers face-to-face. Your education provider may also have a dedicated jobs board – check their website to find out. Other job search websites include Seek, Indeed, and Jora.
Now, it’s time to go out and find your dream part-time job. Good luck!
*Please note that the advice in the article is general in nature. The job market might look a little different due to the impact of COVID-19, and certain industries may not be hiring as many new employees. You’re best checking out the job search websites we mentioned to see what kind of work is available.
