Australia

Report by Caroline Lovell, Jo Horner and Siân Yates on working in Australia

This information sheet aims to provide those interested in working in Australia with some basic information about how to go about it. It is aimed primarily at those wishing to obtain temporary employment overseas as a career break, gap year etc.

The information assembled here covers:

• where to get information about visas
• where to find out about potential employers in Australia
• preparing for your trip
• personal experiences

Unless you are on a formal work exchange, it is unlikely that you will be able to organise employment before you reach the country. Consequently you will have to be prepared to be fairly flexible when you arrive, be prepared to move around and take other work if funds are low. Still, planning on the hoof is part of the adventure.

From the experience of others, the most likely type of work you will find in Australia will be contract work in the modern records field. However it is not unheard of for people to be offered longer term opportunities...

Feedback from those who have been lucky enough to work in this fabulous country has been very positive. They have found it a friendly, stimulating and exciting environment to work in. Planning and organising a trip of this nature can also look good on your CV and can certainly enhance your personal and professional development by encouraging initiative, communication and organisation skills.

Last modified 07/09/2004