“When I first arrived in Sydney, settling in took time, but the real challenge began when I started job hunting. Despite my over 15 years of senior-level experience in global organisations, I struggled to even secure an interview for mid-level positions. This harsh reality exposed me to the structural racism and biases that many migrants face in Australia. It became clear that the professional skills and experiences of migrants of colour are often minimised and dismissed.

This difficult phase, however, taught me valuable lessons and ignited a passion for change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of us—each a migrant with our own struggles—came together to form International Collective (IC), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting migrants in their job search and professional development.

International Collective was born out of the desire to address the challenges migrants face in the Australian job market. We recognise the systemic biases, such as assumptions about poor communication skills, lack of local experience, and doubts about long-term stability, that hinder migrants from securing meaningful employment.

Our services at IC are designed to empower migrants at every stage of their job search. Through group sessions, we offer resume-building assistance, interview training, & negotiation strategies. We operate entirely online, making our services accessible to migrants across Australia. What drives us is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.

Every member of IC is a volunteer, united by a shared purpose: to help migrants build a better future. Hearing from those we’ve supported, knowing that our efforts have made a tangible difference in their lives, keeps us motivated. If our work helps even one person feel less alone and more empowered, we consider it a success.

I’m proud to be part of International Collective, contributing to Australia’s ongoing journey toward greater equity and inclusion. While challenges remain, I’m committed to being part of the good fight for a more just and supportive society.” Monica Rawat