Understanding Australian workplace culture can be a great help when you are looking for work. The best way to do this is by getting exposure to Australian workplaces.
Here’s how:
Internship and work experience
If you are currently enrolled in a tertiary course or have recently graduated, you may be eligible for an internship or work experience program.
These programs provide paid and unpaid opportunities to:
- Get professional work experience,
- Gain exposure to professional work environments
- Develop skills.
Discuss the opportunities that are available to you through your education provider.
Networks
It is a great way to grow your networks too. Make sure you stay in touch with your work experience or internship colleagues.
Volunteer placement opportunities
Volunteering is a great way of getting workplace exposure.
Being a volunteer:
- Provides you with Australian experience
- Helps you create a professional network and opportunities for mentorship
- Can turn into your first job in Australia
- Gives you exposure to the Australian work environment
- Allows you to meet people outside your own ethnic group
- Gives you Australian references.
Many employers consider volunteer work to be equally as valuable as paid work experience. The most effective type of volunteering for job-seeking purposes should be relevant to your professional skills.
Check out the links below to find out how you can get involved in volunteering:
These following agencies can help you get volunteering experiences in your field of choice.
| Volunteer Hub | Coordinator | Service area | Contact details |
| Stirling Volunteer Hub | Keith Almond | City of Stirling | keith@volunteeringwa.org.au | 0429 458 613 |
| Joondalup Volunteer Resource Centre | Glenda Gallacher | City of Joondalup | glenda@volunteeringwa.org.au | 9400 4734 |
| Canning Volunteer Gateway | Liz Borrello | Southeast Metro (north of Armadale) | liz@volunteeringwa.org.au | 9231 0946 |