Sydney is beautiful, so whether you’re spending the day at Bondi Beach surfing, exploring the stunning Blue Mountains in search of unique Australian creatures, or lounging by the iconic Sydney Opera House Imagine, there’s always something special around every corner and I know you’ll fall in love with it – just like I did!
When I first arrived in Sydney, I had no plans; didn’t know what job I was going to apply for….nothing…but was reassured that finding a job would be relatively easy. Initially, I thought I would eventually get the standard backpacker job of bartending or working in a dorm, but that idea has changed. During my first week, I visited the Sea Life Aquarium and thought it would be a pretty cool place to work… I had no idea I was going to spend the next four months there! My advice on getting a job during your gap year is to be as imaginative as possible, try something new, and get out of your comfort zone. Why not do your PADI and become a diver, work at a surf camp or get a job as a tour guide? There are countless opportunities out there, so what’s the point in doing something you can easily do at home or spending sunny days in a country you’ve wanted to visit for years crammed into an office block? It was easy to look up locations to see if there were any jobs available… and that’s how I found my place at the Sydney Marine Aquarium.
At Sea Life, I worked on a boat trip that passed through the penguin enclosure (I might add a unique variety) where two adorable species of penguins, Gentoos and King Penguins, live together. I never in a million years thought I would be a game controller – or work in an Aquarium – but I love this job so much, getting to know the penguins and meeting and working with some great people.
Put yourself out there and get inspired.
