When it comes to study destinations, few are as unique or exciting as Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT).
Classified as a regional area, this capital city is the perfect place to enjoy the fun and convenience of city life with the benefits of regional study.
As an international student, Darwin also offers you plenty of amazing employment opportunities during and after your studies. Major employers include mining, manufacturing, community services, retail and construction.
To find out more, we spoke to Zaunayat (Zau) Khan, who is originally from Dhaka in Bangladesh and is currently completing a Master of Data Science at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
We asked Zau to share his top tips for finding a job in Darwin as an international student.
Craft a strong CV
One of the most important things you’ll need when applying for jobs in Australia is a CV, also called a resume.
This is a one- or two-page document that lists your education, work experience, qualifications and skills, along with your name and contact details.
Zau explains that his first step was to look at the roles he was particularly interested in and examine the in-demand skills. With this information, he was able to tailor his application to highlight his most relevant attributes and experience.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can find lots of CV templates and other excellent resources online.
Check out job boards
Once your CV is up-to-date, it’s time to find some jobs! Luckily, there are plenty of online job boards that make this easy.
Sites like SEEK, Indeed and Jora are great places to explore a wide range of roles across industries and sectors. Alternatively, you can look for more specific job boards, like Jobs – Search, which lists roles in the NT government, or Ethical Jobs, which shares jobs in community or non-profit organisations.
Your education provider may even have its own job board that lists on-campus and local opportunities for students and new graduates.
Build new skills and qualifications
A quick and easy way to boost your employability is by gaining some new skills or qualifications. Zau suggests looking for in-person or online training courses.
“I participated in the Australia Workplace Experience Program facilitated by CDU’s Career Centre, which significantly honed my skills and familiarised me with the local work culture,” he says.
Some jobs in Australia require you to undergo special training or hold particular licences, and getting these ahead of time can give you an important competitive edge.
For example, if you want to work or volunteer with children or people under 18, you’ll need a working with children clearance, known as an Ochre Card. Alternatively, if you plan to work in a bar or restaurant where alcohol is served, you’ll need a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification.
Luckily, international students in Darwin are able to get free RSA training thanks to the NT Government and Hospitality NT.
Find opportunities to gain experience
If your resume looks a bit bare, you might want to seek out new chances to gain experience and skills.
According to Zau, one option is to join student activities, associations and clubs.
“Upon arriving in Darwin, I sought opportunities to immerse myself in the local student community, industry, and culture,” he explains. “I became General Secretary for the Bangladeshi Student Association at CDU, which helped me connect with local students and quickly adapt to the culture.”
Study NT also run a Student Ambassador Program each year, upskilling international students in resume writing, public speaking, social media workshops and interview techniques.
Internships are another fantastic way to gain workplace experience. Zau was able to land an exciting data science internship at his institution. This has helped him build vital capabilities for his future career.
“My primary responsibilities include conducting initial investigations and diagnoses and promptly escalating unresolved issues as necessary,” he explains.
Additionally, he recommends finding volunteer roles, as this is a great way to expand your resume and gain real workplace experience.
“Volunteering offers a firsthand glimpse into how organisations operate in Australia, promoting efficient team building and work dynamics. It also enables individuals to showcase their capabilities and skills, which are highly sought after by employers.”
Get involved!
Zau says the best advice he has for other overseas students is to jump in and give it your all.
“To any international student arriving in the Northern Territory, I would advise that this region is ripe with opportunities,” he says. “You miss only the chances you don’t take.”
In particular, he points to the importance of building a network of connections and getting involved via volunteering and student groups, explaining, “It’s crucial to make your presence known in a closely-knit community like the NT.”
With a positive outlook and a steady, strategic approach, you’ll be ready to land your perfect role in the NT!
Interested in studying, living and working in Australia’s Northern Territory? Find out more at Study NT.
