Nicolas Roth – French Working Holiday Maker
‘I was tired of living in Luxembourg, sick of my job and I needed a break.’
Josie Chun
When Nicolas Roth, a 31-year-old accountant from France, decided to take a break from life in Luxembourg, he never imagined that a spontaneous working holiday visa would lead to a professional career—and potential permanent residency—in Australia.
From backpacker jobs to Big Four interviews, Nicolas’ experience captures the ups and downs of living, working, and studying in Australia as an international visitor. Here’s how he made it happen.
Why Nicolas Chose Australia
“I was tired of living in Luxembourg, sick of my job, and needed a break. A colleague told me about Australia’s working holiday visa, and it seemed like a great way to travel while working.”
After applying for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) online—without using a migration agent—Nicolas landed in sunny Sydney with a plan to explore and work.
Settling In: First Impressions and Backpacker Life
Like many travellers, Nicolas started out in a backpacker hostel near Bondi Beach. “It was easy to meet people from all over the world. The hostel helped me find casual work through word of mouth,” he says.
His early jobs included:
- Labouring and removals
- Gardening and construction
- Catering during the Christmas season at Luna Park
- Acting as a ghost in the Easter Show haunted house
- Cleaning in a hostel kitchen
“Some of the jobs were rough—long hours and low pay—but they were part of the experience,” he reflects.
Transitioning to a Career Role
How Nicolas Landed an Accounting Job
Eventually, Nicolas sought stability and re-entry into his professional field. He emailed over 400 résumés to French business contacts in Australia—and got three responses.
“One of them offered an interview, and I got a maternity leave cover role in accounting. It wasn’t permanent, but it was a foot in the door.”
From Student Visa to Sponsored Visa
To stay longer, Nicolas enrolled in a business course at a Sydney college, switching to a Student Visa (subclass 500). He also completed an RSA certificate and barista training to boost job prospects in hospitality.
But his long-term goal was a skilled job with visa sponsorship—and he knew the Big Four firms were key. “I focused my job search on auditing roles at large firms because they’re more likely to sponsor international talent.”
Securing Employer Sponsorship
The Big Break
After a series of interviews, Nicolas secured a two-year employment contract with sponsorship under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).
“It was a tough process. I wasn’t used to interviews anymore, but I improved through practice. Sponsorship meant commitment—I couldn’t leave the company without risking my visa.”
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Since ‘Auditor’ is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, Nicolas plans to apply for permanent residency. “Sponsorship helps fast-track the process,” he says.
Challenges and Lessons
English Skills and Social Life
“My English was OK before coming, but living with another French flatmate didn’t help. Watching TV and reading the news helped me improve,” he laughs.
“It was easier to make friends in hostels than in the professional world. Working helped with socialising, but job hunting can be isolating.”
Finances and Travel Advice
Nicolas funded his stay with savings from Luxembourg and work in Australia. “You need to arrive with about AUD $5,000. Border officials might check your bank statement when you land.”
He doesn’t plan to stay forever. “I’ll go back to France eventually—but this experience changed me. It gave me space to think and reset.”
Thinking of Doing a Working Holiday in Australia?
If you’re considering your own adventure, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start with the Working Holiday Visa (417) or Work and Holiday Visa (462) if eligible
- Use casual jobs to gain local experience and connections
- Upskill with short courses like business, accounting, or hospitality
- Switch to a student visa pathway or target skilled occupations for sponsorship
- Learn about permanent residency options through the Department of Home Affairs
Your Australian Adventure Could Be a Career Pivot
Nicolas’ story is a powerful example of how a working holiday can evolve into something bigger. With persistence, adaptability and the right support, what starts as an adventure can become a new chapter in your professional life.
Want to follow a similar path? Explore our guides to:
About the author
Josie Chun shares engaging articles on career choices, workplace skills, and educational trends at Career FAQs.
