Once I decided I wanted to stay in Australia after I finished my 3rd year at QUT, I began searching for jobs. I must have contacted over 50 practices, both in Brisbane and New Zealand (back-up plan), sending them emails explaining who I was, and what I was doing, as well as countless numbers of my C.V. A lot of practices replied to me, but most of which were either not looking for placement students, or they wanted someone to work on a more permanent basis – i.e. longer than 12 months.
At the same time as doing all of this searching (and uni work of course!) I researched into the visa I would need. I spoke to Immigration, and they advised me that I would need an occupational training visa, as the placement would be part of my degree back in the UK. So once I had some positive feedback from practices, I would explain to them in more detail about the visa, and my situation. The visa did put some companies off, as on the OT visa, they have to commit to employing you for the period of time on the visa. Some companies said they wanted me to work for longer, and some said they could not guarantee the volume of work would be high enough throughout the time I wanted.
After about 3 interviews, I was finally offered a trial week with a renowned Brisbane practice, who wanted to see whether I was worth the money they would be required (by the visa) to pay me, and also worth the effort of the application process. The week following the trial, I was offered 12 months working for the practice, and am about to submit my visa application, with the hope to begin working for them in August.
Just to put it into a time frame, I began the search in March, and had the trial week in June. It took a long time and was stressful, but I have to say, it helped me being in Australia to be able to call the practices, and go for interviews and meetings.
It was very nerve racking, and I have to admit, there were times that I nearly lost hope, but it was worth the effort.
Jemma Purandare, Working for S.P.L.A.T, Brisbane Australia