Demand for strong communication skills is growing in Australian workplaces. These tips can help you overcome language or cultural barriers, and get your career off to a great start.
Starting a career in a new country can feel daunting for international students. But the right support and skills can help you face the job market with confidence.
Learning how to communicate effectively is one of the most important skills you can develop. It can assist in securing a job and building a successful career.
Here are four tips to help you master the art of communication, get your dream job and build a thriving career – no matter where you are in the world.
If you speak faster when you are nervous, you are not alone. But when you talk quickly, it can be harder to understand what you are saying – especially if English is your second language.
Strong accents can make your message harder to follow. By slowing down your speech a little, you give your audience time to listen and hear you.
“When we are listening to someone, our comprehension is slower than the speed in which they talk,” says Terri Martin, communications expert and Head of Corporate Training at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). “Speaking slower allows your audience to catch up and really take in what you are saying.”
Plus, speaking slowly also makes you appear calmer, which helps build your credibility and confidence.
Australian culture is more informal than many other countries, and this can take some getting used to. On top of that, every social group or organisation is different. So if English is your second language and you have secured a job or an internship, the best thing you can do is to sit back and watch.
“Just observe what people are doing and notice the hierarchy. For example, a manager can come across as direct because they’re time poor. That doesn’t mean you can act that way too. Don't change anything until you're comfortable, and remember to stay true to who you are,” says Martin.
Immerse yourself in the local culture to improve your communication skills. Go to sporting events, join clubs, or volunteer for causes you care about – and notice how people interact with each other.
Once you’ve spent some time watching and listening, think about how you can relax into the culture. It can be simple things like how you greet someone, or the way you write emails or talk to a colleague.
One of the easiest ways to improve your communication as an international student is to enrol in a UNSW Employability program that can help you develop effective communication skills. It’s an opportunity to build your skills, make new friends at the university from various schools, and degree levels, and get some practical experience.
UNSW international alumnus, Marcus Hou wanted to get his career in Australia off to the best start. Although he had a distinction average in his Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Technology) degree he felt it wasn’t enough, as he was still unfamiliar with communicating in the local workplace culture. But after completing UNSW Employability’s Professional Development Program, which is designed specifically for international students, he had the confidence and skills he needed to secure a job in accounting.
“The program provided me with valuable insights into Australian working culture, professional skills, and practical experience,” Marcus shares. “We received training in professional skills such as networking, mock interviews, and real-world project experience. The mock interviews used real-life interview scenarios, and helped me anticipate and respond to a range of potential questions.”
One of the most important things you can do to improve your communication skills is to simply master the art of practice. Especially when you’re getting ready for an interview or a meeting.
Practice what you’re going to say and how you will say it in English, and preferably with someone who is familiar with Australian culture and language. Consider booking an appointment with a UNSW Career Coach who can ask you common interview questions, or help you role play a conversation at a networking event. Ask them to give you feedback and advice on how you can improve – including your non-verbal communication, like hand gestures or body language.
Internships are another great way to practice your verbal and written communication skills and test the knowledge you gained through your degree. UNSW offers Work Integrated Learning through your degree, and UNSW Employability offers project-based learning courses that can also help you build your experience and network. And you never know where it may lead you. For Marcus, the internship he completed led to a full-time graduate role as an Audit Analyst at KPMG Australia.
At UNSW Employability, you can access a number of curricular courses and co-curricular programs that could help you develop communication skills by interacting directly with employers from our leading industry partners.
The Professional Development Program is specially designed to help international students get the skills they need for professional success. Learn about Australian workplace culture, practice your interviewing skills and get the chance to gain volunteer work experience through the program.
This article was brought to you by UNSW Employability.