Today I will share a story of a professional woman who migrated to Australia two years back; her challenges, frustrations and triumph. Her name is Alka.
I believe migrant women experience multiple challenges unlike their partners.
Family & caring for a child, household chores, acceptance of their qualifications by Australian employers, lack of social support, lack of work experience and, sometimes, education and language, to name a few.
Let’s go back to the protagonist – Alka.
Alka holds two degrees – marketing and psychology. Her Indian experience includes working in marketing, media and public relations.
When she arrived in Australia with her school going child, the first challenge that she faced was the relevance of her qualification in Australia.
As most of the migrants generally do, she started applying for marketing and media roles; however, she soon realised that her overseas experience and qualification were not being considered.
Alka shares tips for migrant women that she believes helped her crack the Australian job market and secure a stable employment.
- Clarify your employment goal: If you are unsure about the employment goal, assessing your transferrable skills would be the first step. Transferable skills can be defined as skills developed in one employment situation which can be transferred to another employment situation. Alka, reviewed her transferrable skills and identified: administration, customer service, stakeholder management, event planning, marketing. This helped her clarify employment goal: Customer Service / Administration / Project Coordination
- Undertake volunteering that supports your goal: I am a big advocate of volunteering to learn about Australia work culture, build confidence and acquire new skills. Alka started focusing on volunteering; like volunteering within local council and her child’s school. She undertook administration, marketing and event planning activities. Within three months, she become known within her local community. Alka says it really injected energy and purpose in life. Through volunteering, she secured two professional references.
- Network, network and network: Alka soon figured out that most of the jobs are hidden; are found through networking. She became member of selected meet-up groups, attended networking events and took initiative to coordinate events. Alka believes Indian migrant women should let go off inhibitions about meeting unknown people. Alka says through networking, she learnt many things about interviewing and presentation; that she would not have known if stayed at home.
- Be open to change: Being adaptable to Australian work environment is essential. Alka believes the current employment is not within her original vocation; however, she now has local experience to take the next step. Being too restrictive about employment goal will not help. Alka believes Australia is a land of opportunity; provided one is keen to explore and take risks.
Few other tips:
- Childcare responsibilities: There is no easy answer to this issue. I am aware of the exorbitant childcare costs. Sometimes family day care could ease financial pressure.
- Overseas Qualification Assessment: If you want your overseas qualification assessed, please contact Overseas Qualification Unit (.
- English Language: If eligible, you could get English language training. The neighbourhood houses are learning centres within your local council who also offer English as an Additional Language Course.
- Vocational Education: Being a permanent resident, there may be government funded vocational courses available to you. Inquire with your local TAFE or an RTO.
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