Over the past two years I have had the privilege of pairing with a number of participants in the CareerSeekers program. This is a non-profit organisation supporting Australia’s refugees and migrants fleeing war-torn countries, and support them with language, interview and CV skills to assist them to settle into Melbourne.
Last year I met Maitham Abonassrya, an intern in the CareerSeekers program who completed his undergraduate Engineering degree in Iraq. Through CareerSeekers Maitham secured an internship in January this year, and after three months, was offered a 12-month contract.
Maitham received in-depth support as one of many refugees or asylum seekers who have so much to offer and to contribute back to Australia life through their working career. Some are currently studying at university or are looking to restart their professional career in Australia.
CareerSeekers partners with leading organisations to create paid internships, which provide valuable local experience and networks not readily available to new arrivals, which allow participants to build their careers and to settle faster and better in Australia.
What has always impressed me is how grateful participants are to be in Australia, and the passion they exhibit in wanting to contribute to our country and embrace the opportunity they have been given.
Maitham’s success and others like him are wonderful examples of how CareerSeekers has changed the life of people who have come to Australia seeking a better life.
To hear the stories of other CareerSeekers and to find out more about how you can participate in the program as an employer, go to careerseekers.org.au.
