Local experience
Build local experience and local referees
Volunteering, internships and references help employers see your skills in an Australian setting. Start with the volunteer roles below.
Ways in
Ways to build local experience
Choose the ones that fit your time and your field. They work well together.
Volunteering
Give some time to a community organisation, charity or event. Choose a role that uses your skills, and you build local experience, confidence and contacts.
Find a volunteer roleInternships and placements
Short periods of work experience, often linked to a course. Unpaid work is only allowed in limited situations, so check the Fair Work rules first.
Check the Fair Work rulesLocal referees
A referee is someone who can talk about your work. A volunteer coordinator or a supervisor here can be a strong local referee.
How to ask for a referenceProfessional networks
Professional associations, industry events and mentors help you learn how your field works here, and who is hiring.
Find a mentorVolunteer roles
Volunteer roles from Career Calling Volunteer
The latest roles that our team has checked and published. Choose one that uses skills from your field.
Live from Career Calling Volunteer
See roles on the Volunteer board
Organisations post new volunteer roles on Career Calling Volunteer, and our team checks each one before it goes live. Browse what is open now, or tell us your skills and we can suggest a role.
References
How to ask for a reference
Employers here often call referees before they offer a job. A local referee who has seen your work is very helpful.
- Ask near the end of a role, while they still remember your work well.
- Ask politely: "Would you be comfortable being a referee for me?"
- Tell them which jobs you are applying for, so they know what to talk about.
- Check the best phone number and email to share with employers.
- Thank them, and tell them when you get a job.
Internships
Unpaid work: know the rules
Unpaid work, such as some internships and trials, is only allowed in limited situations. If you are doing productive work for a business, you may need to be paid.
Check before you start
Volunteering for a not-for-profit organisation is different from unpaid work for a business.
Talk to us
Want help choosing a role?
Tell us your skills and your field. Our team will contact you within one business day.