When you come to study in Australia you will find a great range of other opportunities both personal and professional. Australia’s domestic market is relatively small although the economy is quite large compared with other countries. This means that if you do something well, you can make good money in Australia – and that is what it is all about. A look at Australian business culture.

Australia
Photo: chris181250

  • Advantage Of Being An International Student. Many Australian companies look to the rest of world to expand their business, particularly to Asia and other close-by nations. As an international student, you will be seen as an opportunity for them. You can take advantage of your local knowledge back home.
  • Casual Nature Of Business Culture Starts With Education. Australian Universities and all other educational institutions are a good indicator of Australian business culture. You will find you are dealing with your teachers and lecturers on a first name basis. This is the case for Australia and is not seen to be derogatory, but seen as professional, open, progressive and allows for better relationship building.
  • Kick-Backs. Although kick-backs are the norm in many Asian and near Asian countries, you might want to think twice before you employ this strategy in business in Australia. You might find you lose business because of it. Kick-backs are not the norm in Australian business. You need to get business based on your merit — not buying it.
  • Humour And General Conversation. Just because you are talking serious business, it does not mean that you cannot have a good time. Humour in good taste is a norm, and people like to enjoy their relationships even though they are working. Just because you are having a little fun does not mean you are not working.
  • Outside Of Work And Business. Many Australians will not talk much about work when they are outside of it, preferring to focus on their life and that of their friends. Enjoy your personal time outside of your professional time with colleagues. You can use that time to get to know each other better personally. Talk about business at work, when you are there, and leave it there. Life is more than just talking about work and money. This might actually turn the average Australian off.

Obviously this is only a guide, and you will have to find your own way of networking and interacting with the people you meet. In a modern culture, you will find lifestyle and business are very open and this may mean some changes on your behalf – depending on where you come from. At the same time you can still retain your own values, as many people will respect them. Know where to adjust and retain your own values and when to suit where you are at.