ISANA

Greg Calvert

Abstract:  The paper draws on research of 110 international fee-paying students studying Science and Engineering courses in the Schools, Vocational Education and Training, and Higher Education sectors in nine institutions in five Australian states and territories. The research identified that 68 percent of the sample had not had career advice before coming to Australia. This has implications for students’ understandings of Australian education and training, especially entry procedures into courses and the students’ likely success in undertaking courses of study. When onshore in Australia 58 percent of the sample had sought careers advice.Males more than females, were more likely to seek such advice from their institution. Of those accessing careers advice 21 percent indicated that there was room for improvement of service provision. Research by the students into the recognition of their Australian course in their home country was undertaken by 53 percent of the sample.

Issues associated with existing career provision are discussed and mapped against the draft Australian Blueprint for Career Development strands of Personal Management, Learning and Work Exploration, and Career Building. There are implications for staff working in admissions, marketing, international and careers offices as well as those professional bodies that support existing career provision. The findings also have implications for students and the way they develop their career management skills to avail themselves of appropriate programs. The paper explores how students can best be empowered to take responsibility for their career planning.

Key Words:  International students, careers, career pathways, Australian Blueprint of Career Development, Australian education and training

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