Business Listens
Published on 27 June, 2002
Members of the Institute of Business Leaders of Brisbane recently attended the CQU Brisbane International Campus for an Executive Briefing on the topic of “International Students – A Valuable Asset to Queensland Firms”.
The briefing was organised and presented by Mr Ray Scarlett, STEP Manager for CQU’s Brisbane and Gold Coast International Campuses, in cooperation with Mr Luca Casali, an MBA student at the Brisbane Campus. The briefing was based on an investigation by Casali into the employability of international students, who study in Australia and/or apply for Permanent Residency status.
107,622 students from the top ten source countries, all Asian countries, studied through Australian educational institutions in the year 2000. That figure, expected to grow to 180,000 in two years, represents tremendous opportunities for Australian firms according to Scarlett.
A model was presented to demonstrate that small Australian firms were increasingly expanding into international markets and choosing a strategy of employing personnel from the target countries (Polycentric Strategy) and from countries in the region (Regiocentric Strategy), while following the international trend away from employing personnel from the country of origin (Ethnocentric Strategy). Scarlett suggested, though, that most Australian firms are not capitalising on the benefits international students offer such as multiple language skills, highly developed qualifications, and overseas contacts and connections.
A survey will be sent to members of the Institute to further the research. “The questionnaire will cover the ways in which the Employability of students is affected by such student factors as the Demographics and Personal Skills, among others, and such employer factors as the Employer Characteristics” Casali said.
Alex Volossevich, Regional Manager for the Institute, said the presentation had “much to offer the business community”. The Institute of Business Leaders, established in 1996, provides support services, networking opportunities to leading CEOs and Senior Executives.
-- by Ray Scarlett, CQU BIC.
Pictured: Mr Alex Volossevich, Regional Manager for the Institute and Mr Luca Casali, BIC MBA Student.