After graduation
Alumni groups
Alumni associations and networks offer an excellent way to stay connected with friends and classmates. Whether you’re in Australia or back home, you can join alumni associations based on your institution, the course you studied, or fellow students from your country. Most groups and clubs are online, making it easy to stay active as a member.
Here are some reasons to join an alumni group:
- Stay in Touch: After graduation, you and your classmates will embark on different paths, whether it’s joining the workforce or pursuing further studies globally with your Australian qualifications. Regular social events through alumni groups help you maintain those connections.
- Find Support: While your family and friends will welcome you back home, an alumni network offers a community of people who have experienced what you’re going through. They can provide personal and professional growth insights based on their own journeys.
- Career Opportunities: Fellow alumni working in your field can be valuable resources as you establish your career. They can offer guidance on industry trends and job openings through alumni newsletters and publications.
- Exclusive Benefits: Your alma mater often offers services that remain valuable even after graduation. Whether it’s access to libraries, laboratories, or discounts at campus facilities like coffee shops, alumni membership can come with perks.
- Give Back: Alumni groups provide opportunities to connect peers and mentors, linking former and current students. As an alumnus, you can help guide another student through the challenges of academic and personal life, just as someone once helped you. Additionally, alumni groups often organize charity and community activities, making it easy to get involved and give back.
Joining an alumni group not only keeps you connected but also enriches your personal and professional life in many ways.
After Graduation
After graduation, you have several options, whether you choose to stay in Australia or return home. You might continue your studies in Australia, either to pursue a higher qualification or explore a different field. Alternatively, you could be eligible for post-study work, allowing you to apply your new knowledge and gain work experience in Australia. You may also decide to return home to continue your studies or start working there.
If you choose to further your studies or work in Australia, make sure to check whether your current visa allows it or if you’ll need to apply for a new one. You can visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) website to review your visa conditions and explore your options.
Wherever your journey takes you, consider joining your institution’s alumni group. It’s a great way to stay connected with your classmates and can offer valuable benefits and opportunities.
Preparing for Home
If you’re getting ready to return home after your studies, here are some important steps to keep in mind:
- Shipping Personal Items: Arrange to ship your belongings back home.
- Receiving Exam Results: Obtain any exam results from your institution that are not part of your formal academic qualifications.
- Claiming Your Security Bond: Make sure to reclaim the security deposit from your rental accommodation.
- Joining Alumni Organizations: Consider joining relevant alumni groups from your institution.
Many educational institutions offer information sessions or seminars to help you prepare for returning home and adjusting to life outside of Australia. For more details, contact your international student support staff.
Employment
Your Australian qualification is highly valued, making you an attractive candidate not only for employers in your home country but also in Australia and worldwide.
If you’re thinking about staying in Australia to work after your current visa expires, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. There are several options available, so choose the one that best suits your situation:
- Post-Study Work Visa: If you’ve completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, you might be eligible for the Post-Study Work stream under the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
- Employer Sponsorship: A potential employer might sponsor you for a new visa. Be sure to discuss this with their Human Resources or Recruitment staff.
- Independent Visa Option: If you prefer to stay in Australia without relying on employer sponsorship, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
For more details about your visa options, visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
No matter where your journey leads after graduation, consider joining an alumni group from your institution. It’s a great way to stay connected with your classmates and gain access to valuable opportunities and benefits.