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In Australia, your language background (MESC vs. OTMESC) can significantly influence your civil engineering job prospects.
You may have never come across the terms MESC (Main English-Speaking Countries) or OTMESC (Other Than Main English-Speaking Countries), but if you’re a migrant engineer in Australia, understanding these labels can be crucial to your job search.
These terms categorize your language background, which can influence how Australian employers view your qualifications and communication skills. MESC backgrounds generally refer to countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, where English is the primary language.
OTMESC, on the other hand, includes countries where English is not the dominant language. Many employers in Australia may favor candidates from MESC backgrounds due to perceived language fluency, often creating barriers for OTMESC engineers despite their skills and qualifications. Understanding this distinction can help you better navigate job hunting and address any biases in the recruitment process.
Migrant Engineers in Australia
Australia has long relied on skilled immigration to fuel its engineering workforce, with migrant engineers making up a significant portion of the profession. In fact, over 60% of Australia’s engineering workforce is born overseas.
Yet, despite their qualifications and experience, a large number of migrant engineers face significant barriers to securing employment in their field. Around 50% of qualified migrant engineers in Australia are not working in engineering roles (Engineers Australia), a situation that not only affects individuals but also the Australian economy and its capacity to meet infrastructure demands Engineers Australia, ConsultANZ Recruitment).
Migrant engineers from MESC (Majority English Speaking Countries) such as the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand have an employment rate almost identical to Australia-born Engineers. But migrant Engineers from OMESC countries (Other than Majority English Speaking Countries) have high unemployment rates (Source: Engineers Australia, Barriers to employment for Migrant Engineers, 2021).
Candidates with non-native English accents, even if they are proficient in English, face bias in the hiring process. Accents can sometimes lead to perceptions of lower competence, communication difficulties, or cultural differences, which may affect how candidates are evaluated.
How Your Language Background Can Determine Your Employment Opportunities in Australia
Here’s how your language skills and the country you come from might impact your job prospects:
1. Proficiency in English
- MESC (Main English-Speaking Countries): If you come from a MESC country (United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and South Africa), your fluency in English is generally taken for granted. Employers assume you have strong communication skills, which are essential in most Australian workplaces. This often gives you a competitive edge, especially in roles that require high levels of interaction, such as customer service, management, and education.
- OTMESC (Other Than Main English-Speaking Countries): If you are from a non-MESC country, your English proficiency is often scrutinized more closely. Employers might require evidence of your English skills, such as results from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or similar tests. Strong English proficiency is crucial, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and law, where clear communication is vital.
2. Industry-Specific Language Requirements
- Technical Roles: In industries like engineering, IT, and scientific research, technical language proficiency is essential. While the core job skills are critical, being able to understand and use industry-specific terminology in English is equally important. MESC applicants often have an advantage, but those from OTMESC backgrounds with strong technical English skills can still be competitive.
- Customer-Facing Roles: Jobs that involve significant customer interaction, such as retail, hospitality, and sales, require not just basic English but also the ability to understand and use colloquial language, slang, and idioms. MESC candidates naturally align with these expectations, whereas OTMESC applicants may need to demonstrate their ability to adapt to the local dialect and communication style.
3. Recognition of Qualifications and Work Experience
- MESC Countries: Qualifications from MESC countries are usually recognized without the need for further assessment. Employers are familiar with the educational systems of these countries and often regard qualifications and work experience as directly transferrable.
- OTMESC Countries: If you are from a non-MESC country, your qualifications might need to be assessed by Australian authorities to determine their equivalency. This process can be time-consuming and might delay your entry into the workforce. Additionally, work experience from non-MESC countries might not be as readily accepted, particularly if there are perceived differences in workplace standards and practices.
4. Cultural Fit and Adaptability
- Cultural Understanding: Language is closely tied to culture, and your ability to understand and integrate into the workplace culture is often a key factor in employment. MESC candidates might find it easier to adapt because of the shared cultural norms and values, whereas OTMESC applicants might need to invest more effort in understanding and fitting into the Australian workplace culture.
- Networking Opportunities: Being fluent in English and understanding the cultural nuances can also impact your ability to network effectively. Networking is a critical part of job searching in Australia, and those who can navigate social interactions in English are often more successful in building professional relationships.
5. Bias and Discrimination
- Potential Bias: Unfortunately, language background can sometimes lead to unconscious bias in the hiring process. Candidates from MESC countries might be favored over equally qualified candidates from OTMESC backgrounds simply because of their English proficiency or cultural familiarity. It’s important for employers to recognize and mitigate such biases to ensure a fair hiring process.
- Combatting Discrimination: As an OTMESC applicant, demonstrating a high level of English proficiency, highlighting your adaptability, and emphasizing your unique skills and experiences can help overcome potential biases. Some sectors are actively seeking diversity, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences in a globalized world.
How to improve your chances of landing a job as an Engineer
One of the most effective ways to enhance your job prospects is by improving your English proficiency. Consider enrolling in courses offered by organizations like TAFE, which provide language programs tailored to skilled migrants. Additionally, practicing English daily through conversations, media, or language exchange platforms can help build confidence.
Joining professional associations such as Engineers Australia can help migrant engineers build important local networks. Networking not only increases your chances of learning about job opportunities but also helps you engage in conversations that improve your communication skills. Attend industry conferences, workshops, or local meetups to immerse yourself in conversations with local professionals, which will expose you to Australian workplace norms and communication styles.
Mentorship is a valuable tool for migrant engineers. A mentor can provide you with insights into the Australian engineering industry, offer feedback on your communication skills, and help you navigate cultural differences in the workplace. Programs such as Engineers Australia’s Global Engineering Talent (GET) program or other mentoring initiatives specifically designed for migrant engineers can match you with local industry experts who can offer guidance (Engineers Australia).
Adapting your resume and job application to Australian standards is crucial for standing out. Ensure that your resume is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Highlight your technical skills, but also focus on your ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and solve problems in English. Consider having your resume reviewed by a native English speaker or a professional service to ensure it meets local expectations. How to write an Australian CV
Where to seek employment help if you are a Migrant Engineer from an OTMESC country
We have a variety of resources to help you find your very first engineering job in Australia:
Are you a Migrant Engineer in Australia with no local experience?
A new university course aims to help overseas qualified engineers in Australia
Finding an engineering job in Australia: 9 reasons why your job application is getting rejected!
Conclusion
In Australia, your language background can play a significant role in shaping your employment opportunities. MESC candidates often have a natural advantage due to their English proficiency and cultural familiarity. However, OTMESC candidates who demonstrate strong English skills and the ability to adapt to the local culture can also succeed. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of diversity, but it remains important for job seekers to be aware of how their language background might impact their job search.
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