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Work while you study

Make your CV stand out. Earn some money and gain valuable work experience with a part-time or casual role while you study.

For international students

Remember that your working hours will be limited by your student visa permissions. Learn more about your working rights as an international student here.

Learn more

Benefits of work with studies

Develop your career skills

Casual or part-time work is a great way to earn some money while studying. It’s also a way to gain work experience that looks great on your CV when you are seeking employment after you graduate. Employers look favourably on students who can demonstrate their time management skills and willingness to work. The supplemental income doesn’t hurt either!

Getting some work experience under your belt can greatly improve your chances of finding employment upon graduation. Equally important, working allows you to build on those soft skills that are critical to every working role – including teamwork, organisation, communication and problem solving.

Before you start, however, it’s important to consider how much time you will be able to commit to work without it interfering with your studies. If you are an international student, you must also adhere to the working hour limits attached to your student visa. This means knowing when your deadlines are and when to cut back on shifts.

Whether you’re a local or international student, make sure you are familiar with the laws outlining what conditions and pay you are entitled to.

For more information, visit the Fair Work website.

Finding employment

How to find work during your time in Australia

There is nothing better than a bit of extra money so you can experience all Melbourne has to offer!

There are a number of casual and part-time roles available in Melbourne. The average wage for this type of work is $8 to $28 per hour, depending on your age and the days you are working. Weekends and Public Holidays generally pay more.

These roles include:

  • Administration – medical clinics, businesses or schools
  • Hospitality – cafes, bars or restaurants
  • Retail – department stores or supermarkets

Where do you find work?

Check out the list below to help you start your job search:

Assess your options

Gain valuable experience through placements or volunteering

Other ways to come by valuable work experience include volunteering and internships, both of which can boost your CV and your future career opportunities. For international students, working or volunteering while studying can give you a chance to practise your English skills and to learn about Australian workplace culture.

Work Integrated Learning placement

Once you pathway to La Trobe University from La Trobe College Australia, you will have the opportunity to undertake a Work Integrated Learning placement or a clinical placement depending on your course of choice.

Work placement programs are a great opportunity to combine your theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Learn more about Work Integrated Learning placements at La Trobe University here.

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a hugely rewarding experience for students who want to make a difference. While the work is unpaid, the skills and knowledge that you’ll gain will be invaluable. Volunteer work is generally done for not-for-profit organisations that have a mission to make some positive impact on the community. By volunteering, you’ll not only demonstrate your exceptional motivation, but you’ll be able to feel genuinely good about the work you’re doing.

Learn more about volunteering opportunities at La Trobe University here.

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