When looking for opportunities to study abroad until a few years ago a handful of countries came to an Indian student’s mind. The United States and the United Kingdom with their prestigious colleges and higher institutions, top the list.

However, restrictions on student visa and post qualification opportunities for internship in the UK and USA suddenly bring up questions in the minds of both the students and parents.

International students can consider studying in Australia a viable option. The Australian education system shares the similar 10+2+3 module like India. The country has been recession-free for the past 26 years. Her economic success often goes unnoticed because it is not promoted as much as the UK and USA.

Education in Australia also promises attractive salary for graduates. On an average, a graduate in Australia makes around AUD 60,000 per annum. The most popular courses amongst Indian students are business, information technology, engineering, science and hospitality. The vocational education sector is also becoming popular with Indian students.

What is it that really interests you, what would you like to achieve, what do you enjoy doing — these are not inane questions but important pointers to your future career. Jobs as we know them today are either set to change vastly or disappear in the next five to 10 years due to tectonic technological changes. Given this scenario, students looking for a successful career will have to seriously ponder the road ahead.

In addition to considering academic excellence of a university do also consider the focus it places on employability of students. Check out if they have a well-researched and thought through professional development programme tailored for international students to enhance their career success. Employability means not just employment, but equipping you with the skills, knowledge and tools to succeed in your career.

It is normal of students not to know what they want to do. Check out if the professional development programme for international students will give you systematic opportunities to experience Australian workplace culture, their recruitment process and prepare you for a global career through interactive sessions. Also check out how the programme will equip you with inputs so that you as an international student “stand out”.

The programme must stress on networking and sharpening the communication skills of students to boost their employability, besides teaching them about writing resumes.

The students must ponder upon questions like what career advice can they expect to maximise employment outcomes? Does the university’s placement division organise career fairs and seminars? If yes, how often are recruiters invited to the campus? Do the invitees to the career workshops include international alumni who have been successful?

The writer is senior careers consultant for international students, UNSW.