For many Australian expats looking to move their careers back home, a lack of local networks and market knowledge is often the first hurdle.
However, the key could be closer than most think.
There are many Australian affiliated networks overseas, particularly in the large expat communities in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and New York that professionals can be tapping into, well before they board the plane and right at the start of their job search.
Seeking out relevant industry networks is the biggest piece of advice from Rod Jackson, Chair, Board member and former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Westpac in Asia and in Europe. Rod, a serial Australian expat and repat was InSync’s guest speaker at the launch of the Australian Expat Career Report 2024 in Singapore.
Rod’s says industry groups and their overseas chapters are often an excellent place to build both your understanding of the Australian market and your Australian networks.
“The big expat markets like in Singapore and Hong Kong in Asia, Europe and in the US often have vibrant overseas chapters of Australian based industries and professions.
“For example, anyone with an accounting or finance background like mine, can look to their professional affiliations and existing designations,” he said.
Rod is a Fellow Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants.
Chris Freeland, CEO of CPA Australia says it has more than 174,000 global members with around a third living overseas. They focus on ensuring that their professional designations make it easy for accountants to move globally – and then home again.
“To assist with the global mobility of our profession, CPA Australia has agreed a number of Mutual Recognition Agreements with other professional accounting bodies, providing members of both organisations a pathway to take up each other’s designation to help widen their professional network and seek new opportunities at home or abroad.
“Having a professional designation that is recognised globally next to your name like ‘CPA’ can give you a competitive career advantage wherever you go,” he said.
Connecting with university alumni groups overseas can also be fruitful. Senior tech executive and an Australian expat living in Singapore for the last 20 years Bridgit says reconnecting with her alumni chapter of the University of New South Wales gave her contemporary insights into Australian business.
“Despite living permanently in Asia, I still feel a connection to UNSW and recently took up some professional development programs that they offer their alumni.
“I found that their “Learn to Lead” programs, which are general, mid-level executive leader programs gave me great insight into the current trends in Australia and the top-of-mind issues for Australian business executives.
“Re-engaging with my AsiaLink co-hort in Singapore has been a great way to connect with other Australians who have a deep understanding of both working environments and the experiences of being an Australian professional in Asia ,” she said.
Sue-Ann Wilson, Executive Director of Austcham Singapore, says AustCham’s diverse membership spans multiple sectors and industries which can create opportunities for Australians in Singapore to reconnect and strengthen their business ties with Australia.
“One of AustCham’s greatest strengths is the depth and breadth of expertise within our community. Our members come together not just to expand networks and unlock commercial opportunities, but to also build meaningful and enduring connections.
“The shared expat experience creates a bond – one that often extends beyond business into lasting friendships. These relationships become a strategic asset, supporting not only professional success but also their next chapter back in Australia,” she said.
With most Australian expats living overseas taking one to two years to plan their move home, even if an expat hasn’t joined or engaged with an Australian focused industry or business association – there is still time.
InSync Founder and global careers expert, Margot Andersen says early engagement with the Australian job market is key – even if that is years before you book the storage unit.
“Often Australian professionals will reach out early to recruiters only to be told, ‘Let’s talk when you get home’.
“While this may be the case for live job opportunities, Australia is a highly networked job market and you can start building your knowledge and connections well before you come home if you are intentional.
“Industry groups or alumni are a great place to start building your knowledge and honing your positioning.
“And when thinking about building your network, you can also consider coordinated Australian social and sporting groups.
“With over 80% of Australian expats telling us they will come home one day, that person you had a beer at an America Josh event in New York, cycled with in Singapore with International Cycling Executives or ran with in London at parkrun could be well part of your new professional network back home,” she said.
