Hi everyone, I'm Shubha Ramakrishnan, currently working as a Senior DevSecOps Engineer at TPG Telecom. I've spent around 4 years in Australia and have around 7 years of experience in the IT industry overall. This blog post is all about my experience as an international student who landed in Australia and carved a path in the vibrant IT industry. Buckle up, because it's been a wild ride filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between!
Landing Down Under: First Steps in a New World
I moved to Sydney, Australia in 2018 to pursue a Masters in Inter-networking from the University of Technology Sydney. Prior to the move, I had already accumulated around 3 years of experience working in the industry in Qatar and India.
Coming to Australia was a whirlwind. A new city, a new culture, a new education system – it was all a bit overwhelming at first. But amidst the initial anxieties, there was a burning excitement – the chance to build a future in a country known for its tech innovation.
As the country was also known for its beers, I spent a lot of time in my first few weeks hitting up different bars and meeting new people. Here is one of my first few pictures enjoying those beers.
Diving into the Deep End: Studies and IT Exploration
My studies were intense but incredibly rewarding. The professors were top-notch, and the curriculum exposed me to cutting-edge technologies. The subjects I took at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) were mainly segregated into two domains: technical and project managerial.
Technical Domain
Considering my degree was related to Networking, the technical subjects covered a lot of the skills required by a network engineer in the market today. These included:
- CCNA Certification Basics: This is Cisco’s course on Networking, which dives into the fundamentals of the field.
- Python Programming: Essential for automation related tasks.
- UNIX: Including Bash scripting and working with the command line.
- Cloud Technologies: Understanding cloud infrastructure and services.
- Software Defined Networks: A modern approach to networking that is increasingly relevant in today’s tech landscape.
Project Managerial Domain
In terms of project management, we were introduced to various tools and methodologies, which included:
- Project Management Tools: Learning how to use software and tools to manage projects efficiently.
- Methodologies: Understanding different approaches to project management, such as Agile and Waterfall.
Choosing UTS
The reason I chose UTS was because the course was more industry skill-oriented rather than research-based. I believe that when choosing a technical course, it's important to think about where you see yourself post-completion and how the skills will translate into your future career. UTS provided a curriculum that was aligned with my career goals, focusing on practical skills that I could directly apply in the industry.
Building a Network
The university offered numerous workshops and networking events, but at that time, I preferred to enjoy my university life rather than attend them. However, I made sure to connect with friends who participated in these events, so I still received all the necessary information and insights.
In addition to this indirect networking, I also took on university jobs, such as being a note-taker for students living with a disability, and secured internships in the IT industry. One of my notable internships was with Telstra as a network engineer. These internships and part-time roles were invaluable in helping me build a professional network.
My experience taught me that it doesn’t matter how you build your network; what’s important is that you do. Networking is crucial, especially when you are new to a country, as it opens opportunities and provides support in navigating your career path.
Navigating the Job Market
Let's be honest, landing that first job was tough. There were moments when the "international student" label felt like a hurdle. But I persevered. I graduated in 2020, right around the time when COVID-19 hit. Thankfully, the IT industry was on a massive hiring spree, and I knew I had to take advantage of it.
I honed my resume and cover letter based on multiple reviews from both industry professionals and my trusted circle of friends. The hiring process in the IT industry in Australia is heavily driven by agency recruiters, so I made it a point to connect with them on LinkedIn, reaching out to as many as possible. I also contacted every one of my connections to check if they had any open roles. I was ready to take up any role, even if it was an unpaid internship, just to get my foot in the door.
LinkedIn became my new Instagram/Twitter. I was on it all the time, applying for every job that matched my profile. A pro tip for LinkedIn and the resumes you send out: make sure all the keywords mentioned in your Favourite job postings are also included in your profile and CV. This way, you have higher chances of being picked.
Initially, I narrowed my search to networking-related jobs, but after two months of searching, I realized I wasn't particularly passionate about just networking. I was open to any domain in IT, and that's when Cloud came into the picture. The skills I had obtained in university through my networking course were transferable to this domain and other infrastructure-related domains such as Windows/UNIX support, containerization, DevOps, Security, etc. I started looking into these different areas and eventually focused on Cloud, pursuing the AWS Solution Architect Associate certification.
The moment I got the certification, I landed a job at Fitzroy IT, an IT consultancy based in Melbourne. I wouldn't say it was just the certification that got me the job; it was a culmination of many things: my certification, the networking, LinkedIn stalking of recruiters, resume grooming, and so forth. Looking for your first job in any industry post-university is a full-time job in itself. It took me about 2.5 months, but I got there.
This is Just the Beginning: Reflections and Looking Forward
Landing that first Aussie job was a turning point. With local experience under my belt, doors started opening. The "international student" label became a badge of honour, showcasing my adaptability and resilience.
Four years in, and I'm still on a learning journey. Networking with industry leaders and recruiters has been key to staying ahead of the curve. Constant upskilling ensures I remain relevant in this ever-evolving field.
This blog post is just the beginning. In future posts, I'll delve deeper into specific challenges I faced, tips for fellow international students, and insights into the Australian IT landscape.
Do you have questions about studying or working in the Australian IT industry? Leave a comment below, and let's connect!
