Careers information for students in diverse groups

USQ Student Services' Careers and Employment seeks to provide broad employment opportunities and careers' advice for the graduates from USQ, particularly those from disadvantaged equity groups. 

Introduction to equity and diversity

The following information explains the different equity groups and the legislation in place to protect the rights of students from diverse backgrounds seeking employment:

• equity groups defined
• anti-discrimination legislation

Careers information for equity groups

Disability

• Job Able provides information on employment for people with a disability.
• The Disability Employment Network (DEN) provides information and assistance for people with a disability and who require assistance with job hunting and additionally when in employment.
• Choosing Your Path. Disclosure: It's A Personal Decision is a resource that provides advice on disclosing a disability in the environs of post secondary education and employment. The website contains information on the roles and responsibilities of employers and educators in terms of disclosure.
• Centrelink - Disability Employment Assistance is able to provide information on employment for people with a disability.

Indigenous Australians

• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations toolboxes containing tools and strategies to assist Indigenous Australians.
• Indigenous Employment Program is an Australian Government initiative in which Indigenous Australians can develop skills to get a job, stay employed, develop their career or own and operate their own businesses.
• Blackpages is an Australia-wide listing of Indigenous businesses, community enterprises and services.

Women in non-traditional areas of study

• Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) sponsors a women's network dedicated to promoting its membership of professional women through activites such as career assistance and mentorship.
• FITT Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications is a network dedicated to women IT professionals and those wishing to embark upon a career in IT.
• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a professional organisation dedicated to the promotion of women in the construction industry.
• Women in Finance Association is an organisation dedicated to promoting networks for professional women in the financial sector.

Low socioeconomic status 

• Mission Australia offers a range of services, programs and training to assist Australians irrespective of background in meeting life challenges.
• Smith Family aims to assist financially disadvantaged children and their families by promoting education as the means of improving circumstances.
• Centrelink is able to provide information on employment for people from diverse backgrounds.

Rural and isolated

• agbizcareers is a comprehensive website that specialises in agricultural and agribusiness job placements and careers.
• Agricultural Appointments is a rural recruitment company, specialising in professional agricultural and agribusiness job placements.
• Centrelinks' Rural Services section provides information and support for people living in rural and regional Australia and who do not have a Centrelink Customer Service Centre nearby.
• inFARMation contains information on employment opportunities for those living in rural locations.

Non-English Speaking Background

• Smith Family offers assistance to migrants and refugees in settling in and becoming part of Australian society.
• Multicultural Employment Strategy is an initiative of Queensland Government's Department of Training, Education and the Arts and aims to foster employment opportunities and intiatives for those from a non-English speaking background.
• Centrelink is able to provide information on employment for migrants and refugees.

For further information about careers advice for students from diverse backgrounds please contact Nicole Burke, Graduate Employment Officer, USQ Student Services, on +61 7 4631 5347.