Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne is undeniably one of the most desirable destinations to land a job abroad. As Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is a major regional center of art, culture, and industry, and although Sydney is better known in the international community, many Australians will tell you that Melbourne is really the place to be. If you want to work abroad in one of the world’s most culturally stimulating and exciting cities, look no further than jobs in Melbourne.
Jobs in Melbourne
There are a couple of different routes you can go when it comes to jobs in Melbourne. If you are wanting to work abroad in Australia only temporarily as a way to travel and build your resume a bit, then there are specific work abroad programs that can help you secure employment in Melbourne, usually for somewhere between six months and two years. Short term jobs in Melbourne often come in the form of au pairing, teaching, or working in the hospitality and tourism industries.
If you are planning to find a job in Melbourne as part of a permanent career move, than the situation becomes a bit more complicated. Melbourne is a competitive place to work abroad, and you will have to find an employer, either domestic or international, that has the means to authorize the proper work visa and documentation you will need. Melbourne’s major industries include finance, technology, and information systems. The many multinational companies within these industries that have Australian branches can create an easier road of access to jobs in Melbourne for prospective international workers.
As Melbourne is a major cultural center in Australia, you can also try your hand at getting a job in fields like fashion, design, and entertainment, although it may be harder to obtain a visa to work in Australia in these lines of work.
Life in Melbourne
With a population of nearly 5 million citizens, Melbourne weighs in as the second largest city in all of Oceania, behind only Sydney. It is located on the southeastern corner of the continent’s coastline, settled pristinely on the bay of Port Phillip within easy access of both the beach and mountains. Founded nearly two centuries ago, Melbourne was even Australia’s interim seat of government for a short period, before it was officially move to the country’s current capital of Canberra.
Melbourne has certainly earned its consideration as the world’s most livable city. Not only is it architecturally beautiful and in a prime geographical location, but it also boasts an extremely impressive reputation, in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The University of Melbourne is one of the best in the world, and the city boasts the largest tram network in the world for getting around town as well.
It goes without saying, there are a ton of things to do outside of work in Melbourne. Not only is it famous for its art, music, and literature, but also it is a major tourist destination because of prestigious institutions such as the National Gallery of Victoria, State Library of Victoria, and Royal Exhibition Building. There need never be a dull moment while working abroad in Melbourne.
Salary & Affordability
You pay for what you get. As might be expected, Melbourne is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. The good news is that Australia is quite a wealthy country, so your wages will likely reflect this steep incline in costs associated with such a high standard of living. Most temporary work abroad programs in Melbourne will pay workers just enough to get by, while other more long term job options will vary in pay scale, in tandem with global standards.
Accommodation & Visas
Rent can be quite expensive in Melbourne, with a one-bedroom apartment typically costing somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000 per month, depending on quality and location. It will be much more affordable to live with roommates, so look into subletting a single room in a flat, at least to begin with.
You will need to also obtain the proper visa and job documentation to work abroad in Melbourne. This will typically vary depending on how long you plan to work in Melbourne, where you are coming from, and the type of job you find. Work abroad programs will generally help organize a short term working visa for participants, but for more information you can check out GoAbroad’s Australian Embassy Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
Global Networking. Getting a job in Melbourne will give you the opportunity to connect with other people in your field from all over the globe. As a major international hub, Melbourne is a great place to expand your professional network.
Live it Up. Melbourne is often touted as the most livable city in the world, and Melbournians take pride in this recognition. There is a feeling of mutual pride and esteem around the city, which is part of what makes it so great.
Go Outback. Another great part of jobs in Melbourne, or anywhere in Australia, is that nature is never too far away from the workplace. The continent is largely wild and unsettled, making for some of the most memorable outdoor adventure experiences you will ever have.
