Thread by @BanjiAlo

Dear Prospective or Current International Student,

I came across this email and thought I'd share an important story with you.

I received the email below from a contact while trying to navigate my options after my master's degree in Australia.

#thread

I was enrolled for a Master of Public Health in 2016.

As you can see, many assumed there was no future (jobs, visas, etc).

Don't get me wrong.

They meant well because it was actually easier to go via other courses.

I chose to stay.

I knew it would be challenging. But I didn't really care. I was actually open to leaving AU.

I kept going.

After my studies in 2019, I had two job offers. I chose one.

I did not apply online. I don't like this route, especially as an underdog.

Read this thread to learn more.

In late 2019, the Australian government launched a new visa - The Global Talent Visa (fast-track permanent residency)

I applied and got it approved in 2020.

In 2020, COVID happened.

Nearly every country got hit. Jobs were lost.

I got another role with the Department of Health working with the COVID response team.

The degree they thought wouldn't be useful became very helpful. I didn't know it was going to pan out that way, honestly.

I just kept believing and moving.

Long story short:

Everything worked out for good.

Here are key lessons I would highlight:

1. Today matters: It’s crucial to have faith in what you do today, even when others don’t believe it will work out well.

Keep going if you believe. You don't know what tomorrow holds.

Clarity is key.

2. Be prepared to take a lonely path, if you choose not to follow a popular route to achieve your goal.

Work hard and you will win with God on your side.

It may be challenging but you will be fine.

Being a lone ranger is challenging, and it's not for the faint-hearted.

It's harder when everyone around you is enrolled in a course that has a clear pathway for jobs and visas, while you are stuck with uncertainties.

--NOTE: If you don't have the muscle to push through the hard way. Save your time, resources and energy, as pointed out in the email.

Enrol in programs that have faster pathways and less stringent requirements.

3. Change your fixed mindset & be open to exploring new opportunities

Who says you have to stay in your current country? There might be better opportunities for you in other countries.

You don't have to lock in your career like a phone contract.

Keep your options open.

I got the residency even though it was not my priority. I was actually ready to move to other countries.

It's okay if you don't want to switch careers, but be ready to work harder than others.

RT and follow @BanjiAlo for more career advice

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