Landing a creative job as an international student in Australia comes with unique challenges, but your visa status doesn't have to be a barrier. Simon Lee, Chief Creative Officer at The Hallway, shares his own journey from washing cars to creative leadership, offering practical advice on demonstrating commitment and building industry connections. Psychologist Ash King provides insights on managing the emotional toll of job hunting and maintaining resilience through rejection. Together, they explore how persistence, networking, and becoming a "known quantity" in the creative community can overcome initial visa concerns. This honest discussion addresses the reality that employers care more about long-term commitment than visa categories, while acknowledging the genuine challenges international students face in proving their dedication to building an Australian career.
Job hunting is tough enough without wondering if your visa status is working against you. If you're an international student with solid experience, a strong portfolio, and still struggling to land that first role, you're not alone. The creative industry can feel particularly challenging when you're trying to prove both your talent and your commitment to staying.
This question was answered by Simon Lee, Chief Creative Officer and joint owner of The Hallway, with over 20 years of experience in the Australian creative industry including his own journey as an international arrival, and Ash King, psychologist and cyberpsychology researcher at the University of Sydney, who specialises in supporting creatives with mental health and wellbeing challenges. Andy Wright served as host, founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime.
The short answer? Your visa status shouldn't be a deal-breaker. As Simon explains: "100 percent yes, there is scope for international students in the market. Right now we're suffering probably one of the worst talent shortages I've known in 20 years of working in this business."
The real issue often comes down to perception rather than policy. Simon recalls his own experience arriving in Sydney: "They kept asking me, 'Are you here to stay? Are you here to stay?' There was a question of commitment because there is a bit of an investment from the employer to get you on board, and if you're going to leave in 12 months time, it's quite a difficult decision."
Employers aren't necessarily worried about your visa category, they're concerned about whether you'll stick around long enough to make their investment in you worthwhile. Simon found that "when I was talking to people further down the track, 10 months on, when I'd done a few jobs in different places, I was more of a known quantity and had given more of a sense that I was here for a longer-term commitment, it got easier."
The key is demonstrating your commitment to building a career in Australia, not just gaining short-term experience.
Simon's advice is straightforward: "Persistence and commitment would be the two words. Keep getting out there, meet as many people as possible so that you become a known quantity."
This isn't just about applying for jobs online. It's about becoming part of the creative community, attending industry events, and building relationships that help people see you as someone who's genuinely invested in the local scene.
Ash acknowledges the psychological challenge: "It's recognised that it is hard. Landing a job, copying the rejection letters, or even worse not hearing anything back, just leaves us feeling pretty crap about ourselves, about our potential, about our work."
She emphasises the vulnerability involved: "People don't talk about the vulnerability required in putting your portfolio out there and then for it to just be met with a resounding no across different applications."
Be gentle with yourself during this process. These feelings are normal and don't reflect your worth or potential.
Simon's path wasn't linear. He went from being a senior copywriter in Paris to "washing cars on Military Road" in Sydney. But he reflects: "In hindsight, the weird and wonderful other work that I did was great experience and ultimately a great story 20 years later."
Whether it's working in hospitality, retail, or completely unrelated fields, these experiences can provide valuable perspective and skills that enhance your creative work later.
Job hunting as an international student can feel isolating, especially when facing repeated rejections. Never Not Creative Circles offer peer support groups specifically for creatives dealing with challenges like this. These confidential, non-competitive spaces connect you with other creatives who understand the unique pressures of building a career in a new country. You'll find practical advice, emotional support, and the reassurance that you're not alone in this journey. Learn more about NNC Circles.
If the stress of job hunting is significantly impacting your mental health, sleep, or daily functioning, it might be time to seek professional support. Persistent anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness aren't just part of the process. Professional counsellors can help you develop coping strategies and maintain perspective during challenging times. Find professional help resources.
If you're facing workplace issues, unpaid work, or other industry-related problems during your job search, Never Not Creative's Support Line offers free introductory legal advice. This can be particularly valuable for international students who might not be familiar with Australian workplace rights and protections. Access the Support Line.
Never Not Creative's Internship Guide and Resources can help you navigate the Australian creative landscape more effectively. These resources cover everything from understanding local industry practices to building networks and finding legitimate opportunities. For international students, this local knowledge can be invaluable in positioning yourself as a serious candidate. Explore NNC internship resources.
Never Not Finishing School is designed to help emerging creatives develop the practical skills and industry knowledge that formal education sometimes misses. For international students, this can be particularly valuable in understanding the nuances of the Australian creative industry and building confidence in local practices and expectations. The program connects you with experienced mentors and provides real-world experience that employers value. Learn about Never Not Finishing School.
Landing your first role as an international student takes time, persistence, and a bit of faith in yourself. The creative industry needs diverse perspectives and fresh talent, and that includes yours. Focus on building genuine connections, demonstrating your commitment to staying, and remember that every "no" is getting you closer to the right "yes."
Your visa status is just one part of your story, not the defining factor in your success.
Simon’s purpose is to be a creative catalyst for a flourishing world - and over the last decade he’s successfully co-built a business that delivers on that purpose. His agency, The Hallway is one of Australia’s leading indies and as Chief Creative Officer and joint owner, Simon leads a passionate cross-disciplinary team in the development of Affective Ideas: ideas that affect positive impact - for businesses, society and the world at large. In 2022 his Boys Do Cry campaign captured the attention of the world, reaching over 100 million people, encouraging over 40,000 men in Australia to seek help for mental health challenges, and winning a host of national and international accolades. Simon is an outspoken thought leader, passionate educator and mentor, and doting father to two teenage girls.
Ash King is a psychologist, writer/designer & cyberpsychology researcher at the University of Sydney. After her life in the music industry came to a halt following a vocal injury, she’s now using psychology & mindfulness to help folks live their best lives with creativity, passion and purpose. She has worked across a range of creative fields, including film & tv, live music, visual arts and radio, and run workshops and talks for Amazon, Pinterest, Linktree, Pedestrian TV, APRA/AMCOS and BigSound. She believes that learning to manage the mind can be a fun and inquisitive process. Through insight, wisdom and a splash of pop culture, she helps individuals & organisations develop practical skills to go deep, get wise, and be happy.
Andy Wright is happiest in a well‑worn baseball cap. As founder of Never Not Creative, he rallies a worldwide community determined to make the creative industry kinder and fairer. He also steers Streamtime as CEO and co‑chairs Mentally Healthy. Different titles, same purpose: brilliant work should never cost anyone their wellbeing. Never Not Creative was born when Andy decided it was time to stand up and make the industry a better place. What started as one person calling for change has grown into a movement that shares research, sparks honest conversations, and builds practical tools that help teams thrive. Andy’s rule of thumb: protect the humans and the great work will follow. Picture a studio cat giving you a gentle nudge to stretch, breathe, and log off before the midnight oil even thinks about burning. Off the clock, Andy is dad to three energetic kids, husband to one exceptionally patient partner, and a loyal Everton supporter (character building, he insists). Whether he is championing healthier workplaces or cheering the Toffees through a tense ninety minutes, Andy believes creative success should leave everyone standing a little taller, not lying flat from exhaustion.
