• Gaurab Gurung, Vice President

What is professional development?

1. Hayes Mizell in her book “Why Professional Development Matters” defines that professional development refers to “formal processes such as a conference, seminar, or workshop; collaborative learning among members of a work team; or a course at a college or university”.

Why is it a must for international students?

Since international students are constantly learning and developing themselves as professionals in their fields of studies, professional development sessions could be an amazing source of knowledge and news skills which are highly sought by industries.

2. Hayes Mizell argues professional developments help you to “apply new knowledge and skills that will improve their performance on the job”. So, why not?

3. Professional developments mean conference, seminar, workshop, and collaborative learning which will add value.

How does it sound to you when you are about to add value to the industries that you keenly looking to forward to being a part of it? It is undeniable that international students add a lot of value to Australian professional culture and have always been adding.

4. It helps you to upskill, expand your knowledge, and unlock your potential to a rewarding career.

5. The University of Sydney argues “You don't need a whole degree to learn something new”.

6. Many professions require you to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to stay accredited and keep your knowledge current, adds the University of Sydney.


Where to find one?

In most of the cases, you do not need to search in faraway lands because they are easily available in your institutions. How about searching on the website of your institutions now?

Some of the prominent education providers in Australia are providing professional development sessions in different forms to their students.

  1. 7. Monash University Professional Development

  2. 8. University of Sydney Professional development and short courses

  3. 9. RMIT University: Courses for professional development

  4. 10. UTS

    5. Professional development. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is first in the world to offer Nokia certificationsin conjunction with its Engineering postgraduate courses. Amazing, right?

    Along with this, study clusters of Australian Government have emphasized the engagement of international students through a multitude of events which can be easily found on their websites and social media platforms. If it is feasible for you on social media, how about turning on notifications so that you don’t miss a chance?

  5. 11. Study Melbourne: Events for you

  6. 12. Study NSW: Events

  7. 13. Study Perth: Prosper Program, making you job-ready while learning.

  8. 14. Study NT

    9. 15. Student Ambassador Program in every study clusters in Australia: A great way to network and experience personal and professional development. For example: Study NT: Student Ambassador Program

  9. 16. Study Queensland : Study Queensland Talent Program

    10. 17. Study Adelaide : What’s Happening

    Similarly, there are non-for-profit organizations standing up for the uniquely different purposes of services and charities in the communities. You can easily browse one on social media platforms that is of your interests whether it is family violence, disability, racial discrimination, mental health, LGBTQIA+, gender discrimination and so many other.

    18. Charities and not-for-profit organizations: what cause drives you more? For instance: Headspace for mental health.

  10. 19. Insider Guides : Webinars & Council of International Students Australia (CISA)

How much does it cost?

20. Some of the professional development might cost a little, however, you can find so many free ones.

You got all 20 ideas. If you want a bonus must know about professional development then here is one.

21. Keep learning, Keep GROWING :)