International Education Perspective: Advice for Applicants

If you are looking to apply for the General Manager, Operations role with EDU Group, it is important to leverage your international education experience and demonstrate your ability to thrive in one of Australia’s leading tertiary education providers. EDU Group operates across multiple campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, with a focus on high-quality education for both international and domestic students. Bringing an international perspective and cross-cultural understanding to this role will be advantageous.

Here’s how you can tailor your application from an international education perspective:

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About EDU

As you prepare your application, it’s important to familiarize yourself with EDU Group’s unique offerings and commitment to both domestic and international students:

• Australian Learning Group (ALG): A provider specifically for vocational education and training (VET) aimed at international students. If you have experience working with international students in VET settings or are familiar with their needs, highlight this in your application. Visit alg.edu.au for more information about their programs and student demographics.
• Ikon Institute of Australia: A higher education institution catering to domestic and international students alike. Experience navigating the complexities of international higher education or contributing to student engagement strategies for diverse learners will be highly valued. Learn more at ikon.edu.au.

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Key Tips for Applying

If you come from an international education background, align your application with the following advice to demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for this executive leadership role:

Understand and Highlight Your International Experience

• Emphasize your leadership experience in institutions that serve international students. Focus on areas where you’ve actively contributed to improving the student experience, which is a significant part of this operational role.
• Showcase your ability to navigate regulatory frameworks for international education, such as Australia’s National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 or the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. Knowledge of frameworks like PRISMS, compliance regulations, and visa protocols is essential in ensuring seamless operations for international learners.
• Discuss strategies you’ve implemented for creating cross-cultural engagement or supporting students throughout their learning journeys in a global context.

Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Awareness

With international education being a key focus of EDU’s operations, highlight your ability to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within diverse teams and student cohorts. Discuss:

• Initiatives you’ve launched to overcome potential barriers faced by international students, such as orientation programs, cultural inclusivity workshops, or enhanced student support services.
• Your experience managing and nurturing global teams, including offshore staff and multi-location operations, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and leadership cohesion.

Leverage Your Technology and Data Expertise

EDU Group places a strong emphasis on data reporting, systems, and IT management to deliver high-quality student services. Showcase any experience you have with technologies frequently used in international education, such as:

• Student Management Systems (e.g., PRISMS or other CRM software tailored for international students).
• Systems used to track student engagement and satisfaction across campuses or countries.
• Robust data interpretation and reporting experience to support governance structures or improve operational efficiency for international student cohorts.

Highlight Problem-Solving Skills in a Global Context

Discuss how you’ve addressed challenges unique to international education, such as:

• Managing campus facilities and accommodation tailored to international students.
• Facilitating successful work placements and industry partnerships aligned with visa requirements.
• Crafting strategic solutions to improve the day-to-day operational experience for multicultural student populations.

Tailor Your Leadership Narrative

EDU is looking for someone who can mentor, coach, and instill leadership qualities across teams while maintaining a supportive and inclusive culture. As a senior leader familiar with the international education landscape, highlight:

• Your ability to manage cross-functional teams across multiple locations (including offshore staff).
• Previous contributions to growing culturally diverse teams, fostering mutual respect and understanding within your leadership approach.
• Your implementation of DEI principles in creating a positive environment for international students and employees.

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Why Join EDU and Showcase Your Alignment

EDU Group offers benefits like hybrid working, professional development budgets, a fun and diverse environment, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you share their values and have experience fostering diversity within international education, let this shine in your application.

Highlight any personal connection or passion for global education, your enthusiasm for their diversity-driven initiatives, and how you foresee contributing to their mission of fostering meaningful careers through high-quality education for both domestic and international students.

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Next Steps for Your Application

To stand out as an applicant with international education expertise:

1. Familiarize yourself with EDU’s mission and operations by reviewing their websites and student focus.
2. Create a tailored cover letter and resume that emphasizes your experience with international student services, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and leadership in multicultural contexts.
3. In your cover letter, share specific examples of your cross-cultural leadership experience and the impact you’ve had in international education.
4. Apply online or send your application to [email protected], addressing how your unique background aligns with EDU Group’s vision and requirements.

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If you are inspired by EDU Group’s commitment to nurturing meaningful careers through high-quality education and believe your international expertise can help them excel, we encourage you to apply today!