A rewarding career in health

Do you have what it takes to make a real difference to people’s lives?  Studying health is not just about becoming a doctor. A wide range of specialisations – from nursing and medicine to health administration and alternative therapies - all give you the responsibility of improving quality of life.

And the health sector is exploding – in the US, seven of the twenty fastest growing jobs are in the health industry. Many graduates work in private practices, or become their own boss in their pharmacy or medical practice. Others may work for large pharmaceutical companies, developing new medicines that save lives. Or you may choose to make a difference in your own country or region, educating others to help heal the sick.

Is health right for me?

If you’re squeamish at the sight of blood… it probably is not. Even if you are planning on a degree in psychology, you will be exposed to some disturbing things (and possibly disturbing people too).

If you love biology and chemistry, and maybe maths too, if you have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and if you are good at communicating with people of all ages, then read on to find out how you can get the best health degree by studying overseas.

What will I learn?

You need to have a good idea of your area of interest before you apply, as most universities are split into different faculties – the University of Glasgow (UG), for example, has a Medical School, Dental School and Nursing & Health Care Faculty. Once you graduate from medical school at UG, you are eligible to remain in the UK as a postgraduate doctor and study a two-year foundation programme to register with the General Medical Council (GMC).

You may have heard that the UK recently changed visa requirements for International Medical Graduates who want to work in the UK. But, once you have completed your registration with the GMC you should have a good chance of getting a work permit to remain in the UK. Good doctors are always highly sought after!

Nicole Chan recently graduated from the University of Glasgow’s School of Nursing. “The work/life balance can be a challenge, but we are taught how to prioritise on the wards, so it is a case of learning to apply that to your life too. The staff work hard to prepare you for placements, so you know what to expect.”

Ah, yes, the workload…

Medicine and nursing are some of the more challenging subjects to study, and you can expect to spend many nights poring over chemistry textbooks (no matter where you study). Internships can also be gruelling, with long shifts and the constant demands of a busy hospital ward. You need to be sure that this is what you really want to do before you commit to six years (or even longer) of intensive study.

Making a difference

Cristina Chen is just one international student who has used a nursing degree to make a difference in the world. She graduated with a master of Nursing Science in 1999 from the University of Adelaide in South Australia.

In 2007, Cristina was recognised as one of the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Women of the Republic of China’ by China Young Corps. She says; “(Adelaide University) gave me the courage and extended my view of nursing. After graduation I went to north of Thailand to assist the prevention of malaria. I have attended international relief in Malawi, Haiti, Republic of Dominic, Sri Lanka and Gambia for medical missions. All of these are because of my lovely teachers and school.”

Health is the third most popular subject area to study in Australia. And if you graduate from an Australian Medical School, you can apply for an internship in one of its many public hospitals. There is a clear immigration path for international doctors in Australia, and it has one of the best health-care systems in the world.

Other alternatives

Alternative health and allied health programs are becoming increasingly popular. You could study acupuncture, Chinese medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition and many other non-traditional techniques.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) in the USA has a long history of excellent medical research and tuition. The UC College of Medicine was established in 1819 and has contributed the first oral polio vaccine and the antihistamine Benadryl to the world – amongst many other advances in medicine.

The most recent addition to the University is the College of Allied Health, which offers programs in physical therapy, speech-language pathology, genetic counselling, audiology and much more. Many of its degree programs can also prepare you for further study at Medical, Dental or Veterinary School.

Whatever you health area you decide to study, make sure your school has a good research record and offers some clinical work experience or internships. By combing real-life cases with all that theory, you can become a better doctor, nurse, dentist, vet, clinic manager – or whatever you decide to take on!

To find out more about the wide range of health courses available, speak with one of our student counsellors.

Australia: Fitness first at ACU

Australians take their sport very seriously – and despite its relatively small population, the nation performs well in many competitive sports. It also has a health care system that is ranked among the top 10 in the world by the World Health Organisation. So it comes as no surprise that many students choose to combine their Australian medicine or health degree with fitness or sports therapy programs.

At the Australian Catholic University (ACU), you can study a diploma or degree in Exercise Science (or sports science), and learn to help athletes and sports professionals maximise their performance. By understanding the way the human body works, including physiology, biomechanics, motor development and sport psychology, you could become a consultant to coaches and trainers in all areas of sport.

Both the diploma and degree include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, immunology, nutrition and biological chemistry, and you will spend some time conducting experiments, analysing data and making observations in project situations. Postgraduate study, such as the Master of Exercise Science (Research) is essential if you want to expand your career in this area.

Hannes Schuler, from Germany, is an undergraduate exercise science student at ACU. She says; “Having had the chance to come to Australia has been the greatest opportunity in my life. All staff members and students I have met here were extremely friendly and helpful, and I never had the feeling that I was not welcome.”

“The course itself provided many challenges and much more practical experience than compared to universities in Germany. One of the main reasons I chose an Australian university was to enjoy the famous Australian lifestyle, its beaches, landscapes, and see some of the crazy animals I had heard about.”

“Without any exceptions, the quality of the lectures and tutorials was outstanding, and I can recommend anyone interested in exercise science to consider applying at ACU. Most lecturers have broad experience with elite athletes and are involved in top-edge research. Yet, they are as approachable as your fellow students for your questions and concerns.”

“My stay here at ACU has equipped me not only with broader knowledge of my study field, but also with experiences that I will remember a lifetime.”

To find out more about all courses available at ACU, talk with one of our student counsellors.

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HK: East meets West – Public Health at CUHK

The Chinese University of HK (CUHK) is one of the world’s most respected research universities, and is ranked 42nd in the Times Higher Education Supplement world ranking.

At the forefront of health education, the School of Public Health of the Faculty of Medicine has designed a new Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSc in Public Health). It is the first and the only undergraduate programme in Hong Kong of its kind and it will provide students who have an interest in public health with valuable insights on population health issues. Concepts students can expect to grasp include the social determinants of health, environmental impact on health, healthy lifestyles, health law and ethics, biostatistics and epidemiology fundamentals, emergency preparedness and disaster response, infectious disease, and health services reform.

There are plenty of career opportunities for you to choose from in Public Health. Some career routes are:

• Health finance, administration, and management in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings;
• Health regulation and law enforcement in government agencies and departments;
• Health education and advocacy in a variety of non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), non-profits, and international aide agencies;
• Policy development and project leadership in government departments, international think tanks, international organisations, etc.;
• Research and development of new ideas and findings in areas such as environmental health, infectious disease, or occupational health at academic institutions and other high-profile research organisations;
• Teaching at secondary schools, universities, and other academic institutions;
• Leading community outreach and volunteer activities that promote health.

For further information on the Public Health programme or other programmes offered by CUHK, please visit: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/adm/intl

Get that international job!

Many international students hope to remain in their study country once they graduate, and begin a successful international career. But how easy is that to achieve? This guide to the best countries for post-study work opportunities looks at how the different visa and immigration rules affect your chances of getting work – and perhaps permanent residency.

We’ll also share our top tips for getting the international job of your dreams – no matter where you want to live and work!

First, check your visa rights

Every country has different visa rules for international students. And some countries make it much easier to stay and work than others.

Both the UK and Canada offer international graduates a special work permit. In the UK, the new Post-Study Work Permit allows you to work for up to 24 months, without needing an employer to sponsor you. This period, as well as your student visa time, can count towards the ‘10 years for settlement’ requirement – which can eventually lead to permanent residency in the UK.

To qualify for the UK Post-Study work permit, you will need to have a UK degree, or a postgraduate certificate or diploma, or an HND from a Scottish institution.

In Canada, the length of time you can stay and work under their Post-Graduation work permit depends on the length of your course.

In Australia and New Zealand, there is no automatic right to stay and work once you graduate. But their visa points system favours recent international graduates – so you have a good chance of getting a work visa. The most common option for international students in Australia is the 485 skilled graduate temporary visa, which allows you to stay for up to 18 months if you have just completed at least two years of study in Australia.

In the US, you will need an employer to sponsor your visa – and this is becoming harder with their current economic woes and rising unemployment. It will depend on the reputation of your school, how well you did in your degree, and your perseverance. If you graduated at the top of your class from an ivy-league school… well, you probably already have a job! If not, you’ll need to do a lot more research and plenty of interviews just to get your foot in the door.

In Europe, each country has its own post-graduate visa regulations. In the Netherlands, for example, you can apply to stay for one year after you graduate to look for permanent work. After one year you must apply again for a new visa, depending on your work status.

And working in Japan might be easier than you think. At the International University of Japan, more than 80% of their MBA students come from other countries. Despite a tough economic climate, three-quarters of the 2008 class have already found jobs with organisations such as GE Consulting, Matsushita Group and the UN.

OK, but how do I actually get a job?

Now you know you can work… you need to actually find the right job for you. Here are our top five international graduate job-hunting tips:

1. Use your university resources
Your university careers centre can help you in a number of ways. They may have a job-placement service, employer directories, workshops to develop your job-seeking skills (such as writing a CV or interview techniques), and even work-permit assistance. At Trinity College in Dublin, international students have access to the Vault Online Library, with career and employer guides, inside info on international companies and a career search. They can also attend the College Careers Week.

2. Make the most of your internship
During your studies, you’ll have the chance to meet and network with many potential employers – so don’t be shy! Internships and summer work programmes often lead to full-time job offers once you graduate. Even part-time work during study gives you the chance to meet someone who might know someone who could be your future boss. Networking is a great life skill you can develop right now.

3. Research your job prospects
Use the internet to learn about a company before your interview. Think in advance about what they do, and how real examples of your study experience could add value to their workplace. For example, if you want to work for an accounting firm, you could mention how your final year thesis focused on recent changes to tax law.

4. Understand local business practices
Make sure you follow the local business customs. Did you know that in the US you should always send a ‘thank you’ note (or email) after an interview? In France, you should hand-write your application cover letter (but provide a typed CV). In Australia and Canada, a CV is called a ‘Resume’.

5. During the interview…
Make sure you are on time. Look interested and ask lots of questions. And don’t criticise your former employers, or the country you want to work in!
International study is a huge investment in your future career – and you can kick-start your international career right away if you decide to stay and work after you graduate. Good luck – and remember you can always ask one of our student counsellors for more advice on visas and study options.

What do you think?
Is the chance to work after you graduate important when you decide where to study? Where in the world would you like to work most of all? Tell us in the comments box below!

The real value of part-time work

Most countries allow you to work part-time while you study. Not only is it a great way to earn some extra money, it can also give you valuable work experience - and make job-hunting easier once you graduate.

So make the most of any opportunity to work during your degree with our guide to working while you study.

Why work while you study?

There are so many things to fit into 24 hours – lectures, tutorials, assignments, exam revision, some kind of social life - and maybe even sleep. So why add more stress to your life with a job?

Well, first of all you can earn some extra money. And although you should never count on it to pay your fees, it will make life easier – you can travel more, try new activities, or even save up a bit to send home.

Work experience can also help you decide exactly what you want to do once you graduate. You may realise during your legal internship that this is definitely not the career you had in mind – and be able to swap courses before it’s too late.

And most importantly you’ll get some great skills for your CV – such as communication, problem solving, leadership or commercial awareness. This will give you an advantage when you are competing for a job when you graduate. If you’re working in a busy bar, you’re also showing teamwork skills and the ability to handle pressure. Voluntary work can develop your creative thinking while you develop fundraising ideas.

A second-year student from Sri Lanka chose to work part-time while she studied in the UK. “It gave me an opportunity to develop as an individual. Working while you study requires genuine commitment. You learn to prioritise, be flexible, balance your workload. It is also a great way of earning some extra cash. I would definitely recommend work experience to international students.”

Can you really fit it all in?

Remember that your main reason for being there is to study. You need to get good grades to graduate. So don’t let your part-time work take over your life. Most student visas restrict you to 20 hours work per week during term-time. If you’re studying a full-time MBA you probably won’t have time to even fit that in – so be realistic. A summer internship may be a better option if you have a full study load.

A Business, Economics and Social Studies student at Trinity College in Dublin recently completed a summer internship at Google. Google has its European headquarters in Dublin, and offers paid internships to local students. As well as experiencing their ‘lunch and learn’ sessions, he worked with engineers in Zurich to create a new iGadget for iGoogle, and became a ‘Google qualified AdWords Professional’. He says; “working with students from all over Europe made me appreciate the challenges facing international business. I came to the realisation that working at Google is a lifestyle choice as much as it’s a job!”

Finding the perfect job

Check your student visa for any restrictions: in the US you can only work on-campus, for example. Make sure you have the required tax numbers (such as a National Insurance Number in the UK, or a Tax File Number in Australia).

Check out the careers centre: your university offers plenty of support for job-seeking students

Go local: check local newspapers or look in shop windows. Some local recruitment agencies can also help international students; so make sure your CV is up to date.

Ask your professors: they can help you find internships, or give you contacts within your preferred industry. They may also know of paying support positions on campus.

Make an effort: you may think that you are overqualified for a job in a local café. But it could be a good chance to improve your language skills, gain confidence and just meet new people. No matter what you do, always work to your best standard - because you never know if a potential employer could be watching! And you might also need a good reference for your CV when you graduate.

If you have any questions about working while you study, chat with one of our student advisors.

Western Australia… a place of endless opportunities

With its amazing natural beauty, clear blue skies, record low unemployment and historic economic growth, Western Australia (WA) is one of the most exciting places to seek a rewarding career.

WA is widely regarded as the engine-room of the nation's economy. The State has consistently led the nation in economic growth, productivity, investment, and exports over the past decade.

This economic boom has led to WA having the lowest unemployment rate in the country (currently at a low 2.2 per cent at November 2008) with thousands of high quality and highly paid jobs being generated.

This means that if you wish to kick-start your career after finishing your studies, you are more likely to obtain a job in WA than any other Australian state!

Opportunities exist in a vast range of trade, semi-professional and professional occupations. The State Government's commitment to health, education policing and corrective services ensures there are plenty of jobs in the public sector. There is also a strong demand for skilled teachers, nurses, community service workers and tourism/hospitality staff.

Here is a list of just some of the occupations that are in demand across the state of WA:

Auditors Baristas Builders Butchers Carpenters Child care workers Civil engineering design drafts person Construction and project managers Cooks Electricians Electronic engineering associates Engineers Finance professionals Fitters/turners Forensic accountants Geologists Hairdressers

Hospitality managers Meat workers Mechanical engineering technical officers Mechanics Medical practitioners Nurses Panel beaters Police officers Psychologists Prison officers Production managers Quantity surveyors Teachers Transit guards/security officers Waiters/waitresses Welders

Workers in the State are also amongst the best paid in the country, with average full-time earnings of AU$ 67,059 per year (WA Business News, August 2008). This is well ahead of other Australian states and ahead of the national annual average of AU$ 59,654.

To find out more about the rewarding job opportunities in WA visit www.gowestnow.com, or to find out how to apply for a visa visit www.migration.wa.gov.au.

Enjoy the perfect lifestyle at UQ – and a perfect career to follow

Beautiful one day, perfect the next… that’s how many Australians think of Queensland. And just one reason why over 30,000 people moved there from overseas last year. Of course, its high economic growth and job growth are attractive too!

So, it’s no wonder that so many international students choose to study at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

UQ is one of the most prestigious universities in Australia, and is regarded highly around the world. Its employment rate and average starting salaries are much higher than the national average. In medicine, 100% of graduates gained full-time employment, and the highest reported starting salary was $95,000 for a Mining Engineer.

Sound appealing? Over 7,000 international students from 120 countries think so.

Zhen She studied a Bachelor of Commerce and Economic (dual degree) at UQ and now works as an analyst for Morgan Stanley in Sydney. He says; “It’s never too early to start thinking about career options. A good habit is to read the financial press for 10-15 minutes a day to develop an understanding of the markets and what’s topical in the global economy.”

During his studies Zhen completed an internship with another investment bank, so he had a good idea of what to expect. He attended events run by the FMAA and student societies to learn more about financial companies and their employees, and then applied to various banks online in his final year.

If you’d like to find out more about the courses available at UQ, chat with a StudyLink counsellor.

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Canada needs YOU: live the dream, study at VCC

If you’re interested in studying, working and living in North America, then Vancouver Community College can help you make that dream come true.

From September 17th 2008, the new Canadian Experience Immigration Class made it even easier for international students in Canada to apply for permanent residence. Foreign student graduates with professional or skilled work experience will have their Canadian study count towards their immigration application.

When Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced the new changes, she said; “Canada will be more competitive in attracting and retaining individuals with the skills we need. It will go a long way in bringing Canada in line with its global competitors while further spreading the benefits of immigration into smaller centres across Canada.”

Many courses at Vancouver Community College (VCC) require you to do paid industry placement while you study. With just over a year to go until the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, there are great opportunities for many students speaking foreign languages to get involved. It could be an amazing placement while you study a hospitality management diploma or degree.

VCC offers a wide range of subjects at certificate, diploma or degree level – including business, technology, design and health sciences. Once you’ve completed your first 6 months of full-time study, you can work off-campus. And once you graduate from an 8-month or longer VCC qualification, you’ll qualify for a two or three year Canadian work visa.

Canada is serious about attracting the worlds’ best students – and employees. So if you’d like to experience life in one of the world’s most liveable cities – and one of the most exciting winter sports events this century – then ask a StudyLink counsellor for more information on courses at VCC.

Bradford helps students put their knowledge to work

The University of Bradford, in the north of England, has one of the best graduate employment rates in the UK. It’s just one result of their dedication to ‘making knowledge work’. Practical degrees from teachers with real experience, plus an excellent careers service, enabled 94% of 2005 graduates to find employment within six months.

The expert Careers Service can help you with confidential guidance and advice at any time during your studies. They assist with career planning, vacation work, industry placements, opportunities to work overseas, and practical help with job-hunting skills.

And if you’re interested in media studies and communication, then the north of England should be booming with jobs from 2011. That’s when the BBC, one of the world’s most respected media organisations, will moved to Salford, just north of Manchester.

The University of Bradford has recently signed a partnership agreement with the BBC, which will see students able to get involved in live project briefs, placements and ways to showcase their creative work.

For the BBC, it’s part of their strategy for 21st century media. It will open up new pathways to employment in the media industry and give them access to new talent within the region.

Dr Ian Palmer, Dean of the School of Informatics at the University of Bradford, says; “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work on industry-standard projects. It will give a real insight into today’s media industry, and a chance to help shape tomorrow’s.”

Bradford is a welcoming city for international students – more than 20% of the University’s students come from over 100 different countries, and its international office has been rated as one of the best in Britain.

To find out more about courses that suit you at the University of Bradford – and the career opportunities that go with them – talk with one of our student counsellors.

Ask Anna

Question:

"How do I apply for a student visa?"

Answer:

“International students should apply for a student visa two months in advance. Student need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover their tuition fee and living expenses for the duration of the programme.

Immigration Rules vary from country to country, but in general you are required to meet certain conditions that relate to:

• the place where you wish to study
• your course
• your ability to follow the course
• your finances
• and your intentions during and after your studies.

Contact a counsellor if you would like more detailed information about how to apply for a visa: [email protected]”

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.