May 26, 2026
Meet Leonie Lam, Career Consultant at Sydney CBD Campus
We are delighted to introduce you to Leonie Lam, a Careers Consultant at UOW Sydney CBD. Leonie supports students with career development by providing guidance and practical advice to help build confidence and improve employability. We sat down with Leonie to learn more about the career support and opportunities available to students.
Could you introduce yourself and provide an overview of the student service you offer to our students?
My role as a Careers Consultant is to provide students with career support. I conduct one-on-one consultations with students and deliver workshops to educate students on career pathways, applying for work, and strategies to increase their chances of securing employment in Australia.
What inspired you to work in student career development and support services?
I was inspired to work with students because I love the enthusiasm and excitement they bring when starting a new career journey or exploring future opportunities. I enjoy helping students identify their transferable skills and key achievements, supporting them in recognising their potential and building confidence to communicate this effectively to employers.
What are the most common challenges students face when entering the job market today?
Common challenges that students face when entering the job market today include a lack of patience and resilience. As our society is so fast-paced, we purchase products and services instantly, respond to messages quickly and expect things to happen immediately. As a result, students may expect to gain experience and progress in their careers just as quickly. However, it takes time to develop knowledge, skills, and experience. It can take weeks and months to build the foundational knowledge needed in the first 18 months of a career before progressing to the next role. Managers and employers respect and value when students develop patience and resilience to spend the first few years developing the foundational knowledge, experience and skills.
What skills do you think are most important for students to succeed in today’s workforce?
Communication and emotional intelligence are two essential skills. Communication involves listening with curiosity, communicating clearly and thoughtfully, and taking time to understand others. Emotional intelligence includes empathy, understanding how others feel, and building meaningful relationships and connections.
What advice would you give to students who are unsure about their career direction?
It is completely okay to feel unsure about your career direction. As you gain experience, participate in different opportunities, and continue learning, you may discover new interests and possibilities. Career clarity often develops over time, and sometimes people find their direction later in their careers. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself the space to explore.
Can you share a memorable success story of a student you’ve supported?
I coached an MBA student in Sydney who lacked confidence in his communication skills and underestimated the value of his experience due to English not being his first language and limited local career background.
I helped him build confidence by reframing his strengths and improving his interview skills for both face-to-face and phone interviews. As a result, he performed well in interviews, secured a more senior role in his field, and has since continued to thrive in his career.
How can international students improve their employability in Australia?
Networking is incredibly important. Students can attend professional development events, connect with industry professionals both online and in person, and arrange informational interviews or coffee chats. They can also reach out for a coffee chat or an online meeting and conduct informational interviews.
International students often need to put extra effort into networking and consistently building relationships both online and in person. Platforms like LinkedIn can help develop connections that lead to meaningful relationships and, eventually, employment opportunities.
How can students make the most of the career services available on campus?
Book a career consultation with me. I work on campus on Wednesdays and I am also available online on Thursdays. If the consultation is urgent, I can organise an online session on the other days I work. Outside of appointments, students can email me at leonie_lam@uow.edu.au.
What other career support services are available to students?
Students can submit their resume for review, use Interview 360 to practise mock interviews, explore potential career paths related to their degree, and view job vacancies advertised directly by employers. Visit the Careers and Employability website.