02.06.2022International students in the spotlight again

As we wrap up the highly successful Melbourne International Student Week, the Committee for Melbourne and its members turned their attention to a unique evening of inspiration and networking with Next Generation Victoria, a special networking event with Zondwa Mandela.

This event was produced by Study Melbourne, a Career Catalyst event, in partnership with Committee for Melbourne member Outcome.Life.

Members of the Committee’s International Students Advocacy Network, business leaders, international students, graduates and representatives from the Victorian Government, came together to celebrate Victoria coming back stronger post the pandemic; and empowering the next generation of Victoria’s workforce, for success.

Guests were inspired by a very special livestream keynote presentation from Zondwa Mandela, Grandson of Nelson and Winnie Mandela and Chairman of the Mandela Legacy Foundation; an innovator in solving global youth unemployment.

Zondwa spoke to the responsibility he has inherited, of continuing his grandparent’s lifelong pursuit of equality, human rights, equal opportunity and social justice; and to his commitment to carrying on these ideals and continuing to fight for those beliefs.

Guests also heard from Fiona Letos, Director International Education & Study Melbourne, and Gerard Holland, CEO of Outcome.Life on the importance of International Students to Melbourne’s culture, community, and economy.

The Committee continues to work closely with Study Victoria within the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, to ensure we nurture our International Student cohort; we want students to think Melbourne first and think about staying in Melbourne.

We need the need to create meaningful employment opportunities for skilled international students. With unemployment at record low levels and a massive skills shortage in key areas, international students have many opportunities for employment in Melbourne. However, more can be done by industry to tap into this talent pool.

The difficulties and barriers that international students face are very real, not least of which is the need to identify and then connect with more employment opportunities.

Education is a field in which Melbourne has historically excelled and one which the Committee for Melbourne continues to advocate for. We have work to do to ensure international students see Melbourne as a compelling city for further study, practical work experience and a broader life experience.

We look forward to working with Government an industry on this challenge in the months ahead.

Find out more about Outcome.Life here.
See our recent coverage on international students here.
See more pictures from the event here. 

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