Thinking of coming out on a working holiday visa to Melbourne

[mk411]

Hi,

Im not sure if many very recent grads or working holiday visa cases post on this forum, but I would appreciate any help or advise someone could give me however small the info is regarding my post.

I am a recent graduate (in July 2008 with a 2:1 in BA (Hons) Business Management) from Nottingham and thinking of taking advantage of the working holiday visa programme arrangement between the UK and Australia, and want to experience working in my profession or similar in Melbourne, Victoria for the 6 months im allowed to do so. As part of my degree, I have worked as a Financial Analyst intern for a year at American energy giant GE if that proves helpful.

I have visited Australia twice on two separate occasions and have been attracted to the positive vibrancy of both Sydney and Melbourne but im more attracted to experiencing what Melbourne has to offer first.

My main concerns are:

How easy is it for a recent graduate from UK to find a temporary work position in my profession or similar for the allocated time my visa allows me to do so and are there any local Melbourne agencies you could reccommend;

Whats the pay like in Melbourne for a recent graduate without any Australian experience opposed to the living costs, and what are the main living costs and how much would I expect to pay e.g. Rent, Food, Living, Travel;

What is the best area(s) to rent in, in terms of a young student - professional working population commuting distance to city centre, but safe and affordable (UK £60-100 a week inclusive/exclusive of bills) apartment housing. I have stayed in Coburg North when I was in the city previously, but not long enough to judge it and was stuck without a vehicle;

I have an amount of about £5k available in funds as backup if needed, would this be too little, or ok for the time period I dont have work as soon as I arrive, give or take 2 weeks to a month, I am already arriving with an open ended return air ticket, so that isnt a problem at the moment;

These are the only questions at the moment, I will post again if I have any more, would appreciate the response.

Many Thanks.

MK.

[jenny79]

i can't answer any of your questions, since i've never been to melbourne... however i'd suggest one thing... if you decide to do it, i would first take a short break, then work the 3 months in fruit picking so as to ensure a renewal of the visa, THEN start chasing something that has to do with the degree.... that way at least you always have at least a year and a half to gain experience.... and who knows? in that amount of time, when the boss sees that you're hard-working and settling in nicely, he might offer you sponsorship.

good luck