08 Dec A look into the factors influencing skilled migrant career progression
Australia is always tweaking its policy on skilled migrant intake in order to sustain population and foster economic growth, but for some skilled migrants their careers stall when they come to Australia. The most recent census data is alarming on this:
Only 57 percent of doctors, 29 percent of engineers and 22 percent of accountants were employed in their respective fields within five years of coming to Australia.
James Cook University recently ran a study into TR/PR migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds into their experiences on the personal, organisational and societal level compared to their level of professional career success. Key points found from the study:
- Personal factors – participants who migrated when they were younger, hold Australian qualifications, and plan to become Australian citizens are more likely to report an increase in job satisfaction and an upward career progression after migration.
- Organisational factors – when migrants experience a greater sense of inclusion at work through their informal interactions with local-born Australians, they also report better career outcomes.
- Societal factors – migrants residing in suburbs with a higher density of those from the same country of origin were reporting slightly higher job satisfaction.
Whilst lots of factors are determined by Governmental policy and ‘right place right time’, there is an element of choice, and the journey for some can be very disheartening coming to ‘the land of opportunity’ only to find yourself in an unprecedented mental health battle.
I recently met a refugee who was struggling to provide for his family, but was also avoiding having to apply for Centrelink payments because he was being too admirable to receive Government hand-outs. Thankfully, he has since started his own business as many refugees with entrepreneurial spirit do, but not everyone thinks to break out of the same routine that they get stuck in.
Build your network, surround yourself with those who will inspire you, freelance if possible, undergo inexpensive unaccredited study, and do whatever it takes to break away from the day-to-day vicious cycle that is holding you back. A common struggle I heard from migrants from my days in recruitment:
“I knew that finding work in Australia would be hard, but I didn’t know how much of a challenge it would be. I really struggled for a year or so before finding work that’s right for me.”
For anyone who has ever seen me present, you will hear me mention over and over that being ‘decisive’ is the key mindset. You can read a full blog on decisiveness here. Be hungry, aim to be different, and know that you are not alone given some of the stats and factors that you’ve now read about this article. Whilst not uncommon, recognising you need to change your tactic could be what you need.
I offer a free initial 15 minute phone consultation to everyone, as essentially it is a phone call to steer you in the right direction. Free career advice has never been more important. Please don’t hesitate to reach out using the details found here.
Evan Bishop MARN 1679414
Owner – Worldly Migration
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Worldly Migration has meeting spaces across Melbourne CBD, Ringwood, Dandenong and Lilydale, and travels to employer client locations across all of metropolitan and regional Victoria. Services are available to all migrants world-wide. Contact Us to discuss your options in a free initial 15-minute consultation.
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