Did you study at Deakin Business School, Monash Business School, La Trobe Business School, Swinburne University or RMIT University?
Melbourne is known for offering a world-class education and an amazing cultural scene, but how do you take full advantage of the city when it comes to finding the perfect internship? When you have finished your degree, it is time to get some work experience.
This article will be your guide to leveraging the business scene in Melbourne, with tips and tricks for networking and career growth.
Where Do You Begin?
Whether you are interested in market research, business sales, machine learning, digital transformation or overseeing a business strategy, there are many ways to make your way up the corporate ladder.
Networking Effectively
Bring a friend with you. Attending a networking event of industry partnerships can be intimidating if you have never been before. Bring a friend or classmate to feel more relaxed and confident.
Ask questions and practice active listening. Unsure of how to begin a conversation? Ask the other person about themselves:
- What company do you work for?
- What is your role?
- How long have you been in the company?
- How did you hear about this event?
Nod, smile, and maintain eye contact while the other person speaks. It will show you are interested in what they have to say!
Get contact details to stay in touch. Ask for a work email address, phone number or invite them to connect via LinkedIn.
Follow up and maintain the professional relationship, such as saying you enjoyed speaking to them and that you would love to stay in touch. Industry engagement is important.
Find a Host
What kind of work interests you? A host, such as a career's consultant at your university, can help you. Keep in mind that the placement you select must be related to your course and career direction.
Identify specific organisations to approach by asking around your network or searching online. You can develop a prioritised list of organisations; go beyond the most obvious in your interest area, as sometimes the demand for placements will be better in well-known organisations.
You can also cold call these organisations, but it is easier if you have a contact who can approach them directly, such as a university staff member.
Prepare Your CV
A potential internship host will be interested in your CV, so always spend time updating it. Here are some simple steps to follow!
- Save the document with a clear file name.
- If you do not have one, choose a CV template to work with. There are many websites online, such as the Job Access template, or the university you graduated from.
- Make your CV match the organisation you are targeting for your internship.
- Use an executive summary to present your achievements or attributes.
- Never exaggerate your skills. Present yourself with integrity and include volunteering or other extracurricular activities so people can get a sense of what you care about.
- Write a cover letter! However, you will not need one for every application. Introduce yourself, explain what you are applying for, what attracted you to the role, and why you would be a great fit.
Sharpen interview skills
Study Melbourne also talks about how to prepare for the Workforce in Victoria. It is a good idea to practice your interviewing skills. Some jobs (and internships) need you to complete a panel interview, whereas some require you to do multiple rounds of interviews.
A good technique is the STARR method, an acronym that stands for situation, task, action, result and reflection. You include each element in your responses for behavioural questions relating to the role.
For example, you may be asked to describe a challenge you faced in the workplace and how you overcame it. Talk about the challenge (such as meeting a deadline) and explain the tasks and actions you took to handle it. Conclude by talking about the result achieved and the reflections you drew from the experience.
What are some of the industries in Melbourne that are driving economic growth, strong demand, and potential?
The Australia Institute of Business discusses the top booming industries in Melbourne to watch out for in the current job market.
- Digital technology, which generates over $34 billion in revenue. In Melbourne, it is especially the case for software development, as it is the second city in the Asia-Pacific for new software headquarters.
- Life sciences. Melbourne is home to major companies, growing startups and world-class research institutions.
- Public transport and logistics, which are driven by manufacturing, tourism, online shopping, and population growth.
- Creative arts industries, which include art galleries and culture, design, live music, film, literature, games, and live events.
- Sustainability. Victoria is home to 30% of Australia's renewable energy workforce.
The City of Melbourne Supports You
How does The City of Melbourne help companies? There are many international connections that develop business. The City of Melbourne makes use of partnerships with Victorian and Australian governments, business organisations, and international partners to advance Melbourne's business interests.
- Introduces companies to new international business opportunities through city partnerships and networks
- Organises visits from foreign companies interested in Melbourne business
- Conducts outbound trade missions to highlight business to international buyers
- Showcases Melbourne industry and company capabilities to the world
- Help companies be ready for Asian markets
- Work with and support Melbourne's diverse diaspora
Since there is so much support for businesses, this means more opportunities for you after graduation when seeking an internship.
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