In this episode, I sat down with đź‘‹ Nathan Lee, the co-founder of Stint, an innovative platform dedicated to supporting international students in Australia. Nathan shared insights into the creation of Stint, strategies for community engagement, and his vision for the platform’s future.
📍Q: What inspired you to co-found Stint, and how do you balance your responsibilities there with your role at HEX?
Nathan: “The inspiration for Stint came from living with an international student who highlighted the challenges they faced, especially in finding suitable employment. This led to the creation of a community and a job board specifically tailored for international students. Balancing this with my role at HEX involves a structured routine—my weekdays are dedicated to HEX, while evenings and other spare times are for Stint. This structured approach helps me maintain a balance between my professional commitments and personal life.”
📍Q: You’ve built a significant community around Stint. What key tactics have you employed to engage and grow this community?
Nathan: “Engaging our community starts with really listening to them. We began by conducting surveys and interviews to understand the specific needs of international students. Our approach includes hosting workshops, offering free CV reviews, and providing valuable resources like migration advice. We’ve also leveraged social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where we’ve grown an organic following of over 10,000. These efforts are all about adding value to our community’s experience and supporting their career aspirations in Australia.”
📍Q: What future developments are planned for Stint, and how do you envision its evolution over the next few years?
Nathan: “Looking forward, we’re planning to enhance our job board significantly, increasing both the number and diversity of employers. Our goal is for Stint to become the go-to platform for international students, similar to how SEEK Grad serves graduates. We want to expand our reach and continue to be a crucial resource for career development among international students.”
📍Q: One message for the world?
Nathan: “Take action as early as you can and don’t be afraid of failure. It’s never too late to start, and the mistakes you make are part of your journey—they make you who you are. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; the experience you gain is invaluable.”
✨Key Takeaways:
Nathan’s journey with Stint exemplifies the power of identifying a need and passionately pursuing a solution. His commitment to enhancing the international student experience and his strategic approach to balancing multiple roles offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and personal development.