International students harness their strengths in new coaching program

In a new program focusing on identifying personal strengths, international students work with accredited coaches to achieve their personal and professional goals.

RMIT has launched a brand new coaching program designed to help international students identify and harness their strengths.

Manager of the International Student Support Program Lisa Williams says it’s unlike any program RMIT has offered before.

“We’re very excited to offer this program to international students. It’s unique in that it pairs students with accredited coaches who help each student to know themselves better and understand how their strengths can be applied to reach their goals – in their studies, career and beyond," she said.

The program will run on City campus and online so international students can participate no matter where they are.

During the first face-to-face workshop in May, students created their own strengths profile, that they then used to form a personalised action plan in a 1-on-1 coaching session.

Student coach Haruka Tsurutani, described the strengths profile questionnaire as “nothing big or scary” and explained the benefits.

It gives you insight into the things that bring you joy and spark your energy and some other things that are maybe more draining for you.

The profile places strengths into four different categories – those you should use more of, less of, use when needed and use wisely.

International student Cristian Mori said the workshop helped her grasp how to approach tasks.

"This holistic approach gives me a better perspective of working on things according to my strengths and achieving my goals” she said.

In addition to discovering how they work best, students had the opportunity to connect, collaborate and socialise with one another.

One student commented that “interacting with peers was fun and interesting”.

Students participate in a Coaching Program group workshop.

The program is designed to facilitate confidence and assist students in navigating life at university and in their career.

Student coach Alex Kingsmill explained how knowing your strengths can enable you to excel in all aspects of life.

When you know your strengths better, you actually study, plan and engage with life and other people more easily and just preform at your best.

Following their workshop students continue to solidify their strengths in bookable 1-on-1 sessions with a coach.

The coaches guide students and provide them with the support and resources they need.

Haruka expressed the value and what students can get out of attending 1-on-1 sessions.

“We can really tailor and refine what is you a want to get out your uni experience or your future, and help you plan to get there and stay on track" she said.

RMIT international students can find out more and sign up for the program via the International Student Coaching Program webpage. The next workshops will run on City campus and online in July and August 2022.

The International Student Coaching Program has been made possible by funding from the Victorian Government through Study Melbourne.

Words by Alex Stellini

21 June 2022

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