Understanding Career Aspirations #
Support newcomers to pursue meaningful employment by understanding their existing skills, experience and long-term career goals.
At a glance #
- Employment supports independence, participation and financial security.
- Refugee participants arrive with diverse skills, qualifications and work experience.
- Career planning should reflect each newcomer’s own aspirations and goals.
Supporting meaningful employment #
Community Supporter Groups are encouraged to support the Refugee Household towards full economic participation in the Australian community, including through employment.
Refugees arrive in Australia with a wide range of professional backgrounds, qualifications and practical experience. Finding employment that recognises these existing skills can play an important role in building confidence, integration and long-term wellbeing.
Balancing short-term and long-term goals #
Entering the workforce early may help newcomers develop English language skills, build social connections, gain financial independence and establish a sense of belonging.
At the same time, accepting work too quickly may limit opportunities to improve English, gain Australian qualifications or have overseas skills and qualifications recognised. For many newcomers, the first few months after arrival may be the best opportunity to study English full-time before employment commitments increase.
CSGs should support newcomers to consider both their immediate needs and their longer-term career aspirations when making employment decisions.
Putting newcomers’ goals first #
Employment support should always begin with understanding what the newcomers hope to achieve.
CSGs are encouraged to listen to the Refugee Household’s own career aspirations and support them in pursuing pathways that align with their skills, interests and future goals, rather than assuming which employment opportunities may be most appropriate.
“Meaningful employment is not only about finding a job—it is about supporting newcomers to pursue the future they want to build.”
