Study NT funded pilot program for engineering international students a success in the Northern Territory
An Engineers Australia pilot program aimed at getting international engineering students into work is already seeing success, with at least one student finding a job.
The program, International University Students: Engineering Your Future, is designed to connect engineering students with local engineering firms.
The students are then offered a Work Integrated Learning opportunity - ‘Engineer for a Day’.
A second phase of the program involves students participating in a networking workshop to create an understanding of why networking with industry is imperative for future career goals. A networking event with engineering industry representatives is held immediately after the workshop, so the students can put what they’ve learned into practice.
Rijan Bhuju, who is in the final year of his Master of Engineering at Charles Darwin University was placed with Darwin firm ADG Engineers. On completion of his ‘Engineer for a Day’ Bhuju reached out to see if there were more opportunities for him at the company. He applied for a position and is starting as an undergraduate engineer in the civil/infrastructure team.
“Finding a good job is so much easier with a good network,” says Bhuju. “I would encourage every student to go to as many events as you can, and just engage with people. “Meet as many people as you can, expand your network, and never lose hope.”
International University Students - Engineering your Future is sponsored by Study NT through the International Student Wellbeing Grants Program.