After skilled migrants land in Australia, they are often surprised by how many barriers they face in getting hired. That surprise comes in part because some are approved to migrate to Australia based on their education and professional experience while others come in on student visa or as a sponsored worker especially in industries that are said to be in need of skilled workers.

Despite an overall Australian government policy that encourages migrants in specific fields and professions to come, individual Australian employers or industries are often risk averse to the unknown. After landing, migrants who can’t seem to find a job in their field are often given the excuse that they have “No Australian experience.” And many migrants then turn to survival jobs like taxi driving or flipping burgers just to support their families.

You might think that this won’t happen to you; but the only way to ensure you won’t have the door to good opportunities closed in your face is by planning ahead, before you ever step on a plane to come to Australia. You need to prepare yourself with the realities of the Australian labour market.

Subscribe to SMP magazine @ www.smpmagazine.com.au  if you want information on migration opportunity to Australia or want to connect with migrant professionals who are already working in your field in Australia for career advice.