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| Geeta, Level 3 |
I have found that studying alone is not enough to gain employment particularly in a new country. I needed to find a way to get local work experience and local references so I decided to look for volunteer work specifically in the areas I wanted to learn and develop.
I applied to non-profit organisations because they tend to have more opportunities for volunteering. After sending my resume and cover letter I followed up with a call and where possible to arrange an interview.
One day I received a phone call and was offered a volunteer position. I was very pleased to finally get the opportunity to develop my office skills and make valuable use of my time. My colleagues speak fluent English which is helpful for my accent. Every day I am learning something new. I do archiving of files and maintain clients' details on the database. I have recently asked them for other work to further develop my skills which they have now provided.
Even though I work one day a week I still fulfill my commitment coming to the office regularly and on time. It is difficult to manage volunteer work, study and family responsibilities but I persevere and enjoy the success. I'm lucky that my husband supports me and looks after our child while I go to work and my DL teacher, Barbara, checked my resume and cover letter and helped me prepare for the interview. Distance Learning really helped me achieve my goal.
Congratulations Geeta on the progress you made and we wish you well with your career.
- How important is it to have local experience and why?
- What barriers are there for skilled migrants to get their first job in Australia?
- Do you think skilled migrants should aim to work in their original field of study/experience?
This is a great article. This has really inspired me to gain some more experience! Keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Geeta!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that local experience and education is super important.
Volunteering is a very effective way to get local experience.
Electronic Engineer and accountant, they are completely different. My idea is if you can try to volunteer doing something which is related to your career.
This blog really inspired me because I am in a similar situation where I might not get the job I used to have in my country. I would like to do some volunteer work related to my previous job. I realized I need to look outside the square and explore other jobs.
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much geeta for inspiring with ur word n hard work .. Its been a gr8 pleasure reading ur article ..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteI wish I could do volunteering too,but with two young children I find it difficult. Maybe after they grow up a little bit. However, well done Geeta! Volunteering is a very good way of getting local experience and local references.
ReplyDeleteYes volunteering is a very good way to get a local experience. I understand with two kids volunteering is very hard but still if you want you can volunteer for just few hours when your husband stays at home. I think working in Salvos or Lifeline will be a good experience for you to keep connected with work and society.
DeleteGreta, I think you are really hard working and enthusiastic. I am sure you will be successful at the end.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Tsering Dolma
Thank you so much. I am positively thinking for my future.
DeleteHi Geeta. One day I was in same situation. I think you should try to get volunteer experience in your engineering degree too.I just came from India last year with master degree in computer after marriage here. I have also only 11 months experience in India. At first it was really hard to get job I thought to change career into Childcare but One day one lady inspired me with one line 'You are still young, don't give up' and I tried to find work in IT also did some volunteering work and after 11 months I got Full time permanent job in IT as IT support Officer. so please don't give up dear. All the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for telling me your past experience. I know it is hard to get a job when we moved to new country. I happy for your success.
DeleteCongratulations on your determination, hard work and success Geeta. I'm sure that your story will inspire other students
ReplyDelete