The journey of international students in Australia is filled with ambition, challenges, and constant adaptation. Reuben, the founder of prop-tech startup Rekro, represents exactly what is possible when skill, strategy, and courage come together. His story—from moving to Australia as a Master of Architecture student to building a company that solves a major rental market gap—is inspiring for students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs alike.
Reuben arrived in Australia in January 2019 to pursue his Master of Architecture at UNSW, motivated by stronger career opportunities and international recognition of his B.Arch degree. Supported by the Future of Change scholarship, he specialised in High Performance Architecture, exploring sustainable and energy-efficient building design.
But his real breakthrough came not just from academics, but from a strategic approach to building his career.
Building a Career Through Networking and Mentorship
Reuben followed a simple but powerful philosophy:
“If you ask for advice, you will get a job. If you ask for a job, you will get advice.”
Instead of mass-applying for jobs like many international students, he focused on:
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Staying connected with UNSW tutors
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Regularly improving his portfolio
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Seeking feedback from practising architects
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Maintaining long-term professional relationships
This approach earned him a referral to BVN, a major architecture firm, helping him secure a job in just four days—bypassing traditional application queues. His time at BVN also led to Permanent Residency sponsorship, giving him career stability and work-life balance.
Reuben highlights common mistakes made by international students, such as sending unstructured applications, hand-delivering CVs to corporate offices, or applying to small firms first. He advises starting with large firms for better growth and lifestyle balance.
The Birth of Rekro: Solving Accommodation Challenges for Students
Rekro emerged from real conversations with thousands of incoming students who reached out after his scholarship story was published online. The biggest issue they faced was clear:
new students could not secure long-term rentals due to no rental history, no payslips, and no references.
This insight led to the creation of Rekro, a prop-tech solution designed for international students.
How Rekro Works
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Rekro signs leases with landlords as a corporate tenant.
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Students apply directly to Rekro for individual rooms.
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No rental history, references, or payslips required.
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Flexible lease durations and a simple online booking process.
This model benefits both landlords and students—landlords get a reliable corporate tenant, while students finally gain equal access to long-term accommodation.
Rekro also lists rooms on platforms like Facebook Flatmates, ensuring maximum visibility among the student community.
Lessons for Students and Entrepreneurs
Reuben’s success comes from preparation, courage, and trust in his instincts. After gaining financial stability from four years of professional work, he completed a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship, helping him avoid common startup mistakes.
His advice is simple and powerful:
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To international students: “Be a little bit brave.”
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To entrepreneurs: “Your gut instinct is the best compass you will ever have.”
Reuben’s journey shows that with clarity, persistence, and genuine problem-solving, international students in Australia can transform challenges into opportunities.