Key facts
- Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar moved to Australia in January after marrying her husband.
- She has a bridging partner visa with full work rights.
- Ravishankar has a decade of professional experience in India as a writer, editor, and communications specialist.
- Australian job listings frequently require local experience, creating a catch-22 for new migrants.
- A Deloitte Access Economics report indicates nearly half of Australian migrants are underutilized.
- Ravishankar is actively networking and seeking advice to rebuild her professional identity.
Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar, a communications specialist with a decade of experience in India, has found her job search in Australia to be unexpectedly challenging after moving to Melbourne in January to be with her husband. Despite holding a visa with full work rights, Ravishankar has encountered a consistent barrier: job listings requiring local Australian experience, which she cannot gain without first securing employment.
This situation, termed 'underutilization,' is a significant issue for migrants in Australia. A 2024 report by Deloitte Access Economics found that nearly half of the country's migrants work below their skill level, a structural problem stemming from employers' preference for local experience. Ravishankar, who has a background in writing, editing, and communications, including work with Harvard Business Review and climate policy think tanks, feels like she has to start her career over at age 31.
The professional mismatch has also led to financial dependence on her husband, contributing to feelings of isolation. Ravishankar notes that work provides structure and identity, and its absence has been disorienting. She is actively networking and seeking advice from professionals in Australia, viewing these connections as crucial for rebuilding confidence and understanding the local professional culture.
While the job search continues, Ravishankar is also focusing on settling into her new life in Melbourne, building relationships and exploring her surroundings. She emphasizes the need for patience and humility in navigating this career transition.