【Canberra】Career Panel — “Break the Myth”

The Australian Chinese Alumni Association (ACAA), in collaboration with the Australia-China Youth Association (ACYA) and the Australian National University (ANU), hosted an enlightening career panel discussion titled "Breaking the Myth" on 9th October 2024. The event, held at Marie Reay Building 2.02, drew significant attendance and received enthusiastic responses from participants.

Distinguished Panel of Experts

The event featured an impressive lineup of accomplished professionals who shared their insights and experiences:

- Daweena Tia Motwany from PowerHousing Australia

- Milla Harrison from the Department of the PMC

- Sara Cheng from China and Beyond

- Zachariah Coleman from the Department of CCEEW

Breaking Career Myths

The panel discussion focused on several crucial themes that resonated strongly with the audience, particularly in addressing common misconceptions faced by bilingual graduates. The event's centric mission was to help ANU graduates discover hidden job opportunities and recognise their unique value as bilingual professionals across various sectors, including public service, government, and other industries.

Key Discussion Points

The speakers provided valuable insights in:

- Dismantling the myth that non-native English speakers face significant barriers in the Australian job market, empowering students to pursue their desired career paths with confidence

- Challenging preconceptions about employment difficulties for non-STEM graduates by showcasing success stories from multiple industrial sectors

- Highlighting female empowerment in the workplace, with a special emphasis on encouraging women to overcome gender biases and pursue their professional aspirations

Positive Impact and Future Initiatives

The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many participants expressing the significant value they found in the discussion. Building on this success, ACAA has announced a comprehensive series of upcoming career development workshops:

- CV Writing Masterclass: Professional guidance on creating competitive resumes in the Australian job market

- Interview Simulation Sessions: Practical exercises to enhance interview performance and build confidence

- Australian Workplace Culture Insights: Essential knowledge for navigating the local job market

The success of this event underscores ACAA's commitment to supporting Chinese graduates in their professional development journey in Australia. The organisation continues to provide valuable platforms for knowledge sharing and networking, helping bridge the gap between academic achievement and professional success.

Participants particularly appreciated the practical insights and encouraging perspectives shared by the speakers, with many requesting similar events in the future. This positive reception reinforces the importance of such initiatives in supporting the career development of bilingual graduates in Australia.