Written By Pia Bobeff
The hardest part about relocating to Canberra for university is not adjusting to the frosty climate or the 8am lectures, but rather the job hunt.
We’ve all faced the disappointment of rejection and the suspense of waiting to hear if we’ll get an interview. At times, it can feel as if you are destined to remain unemployed. But do not fear, for Observer is here to help you find your first job here in Canberra.
The ANU’s Current Opportunities web page is the perfect place to start looking for a job on campus. Their “Talent Register” provides an “exciting opportunity to build your professional skills and gain a variety of employment experiences in a diverse and complex working environment”. Whilst registering won’t guarantee employment, it will give you a chance to be matched to a temporary or fixed-term vacancy that aligns with your capabilities, qualifications and skills. If you are someone who is flexible in your work approach to working in teams, has experience with Microsoft Office suite and possesses excellent communication skills, then this would be a great fit for you.
ANU’s Students’ Careers page provides students with a range of employment opportunities, providing information on what work is available on campus.
Currently, the only job available is to become a tutor to “give one-to-one or small group assistance to international students studying at ANU on Australia Awards Scholarships”. Successful applicants will be able to “communicate effectively with a wide range of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences; maintain confidentiality; and acknowledge the particular issues relating to international students”. Applications close 23 August 2026. If you’re interested, apply here.
The ANU’s Students’ Careers’ page provides listings for plenty of casual and graduate job vacancies. These jobs cover a range of different industries and positions and are not listed on Seek or Indeed, so they could be less competitive as not as many people know about them. The page also provides a list of volunteering opportunities, which can be a great way to give back to the community and to fill your day whilst upskilling with low commitment.
If you’ve just graduated, or are about to graduate, some of the ANU colleges have their own careers page, advertising everything from graduate jobs to internships. They can be found here:
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Science and Medicine
- College of Systems and Society
If, at the end of all this, you are still struggling to find a job that suits you, there is always the tried and true method of handing in your resume in person. Whilst it may feel awkward, you will come across as driven and motivated, qualities that all employers look for.
As you continue to fill out application after application, this author wishes you luck. May the odds be ever in your favour.
Graphics by Olivia Xu
Know something we don’t know? Email news@anuobserver.org or use our anonymous tip submission.
If you have an issue with this article, or a correction to make, you can contact us at news@anuobserver.org, submit a formal dispute, or angry react the Facebook post.
If you don’t have an issue with this article and want to hear more from us, we’re in the process of making a newsletter! Sign up here, and have the latest news delivered directly to you.
Want to get involved? You can write articles, photograph, livestream or do web support. We’re also looking for someone to yell “extra!” outside Davey Lodge at 1AM. Apply today!
ANU Observer 