ICT( Recent graduate) depressed and losing hope

[Sydneytina]

Hi all,

 

I need guidance and advice about my current situation.

 

I did my masters in IT (2009) from OZ and then kept trying to get a job in the IT sector with no success. I have previous experience teaching programming and database to high school students in my home country hence I landed up a job as a IT trainer in a college and after 6 months of working there I got a part time teaching position as a lecturer in my university (from where I did my masters).

 

However I worry a lot about my future; mostly because, my family's financial situation has gone down the drain and I'm becoming very irritated and stressed. I grabbed whatever opportunity came my way because I needed the money to pay the bills and the rent. I really want to get into the IT sector but my visa condition (currently on TR) and lack of experience is posing a big hurdle:cry: . If I apply for graduate jobs, I never get a reply and few of those who have replied, tell me they want someone junior to fill the position. It’s a catch 22 situation :arghh:. I find myself depressed and frustrated each day. Looks like I will be forced to stay in a profession (Teaching) which I do not wish to pursue. I do like the job that I'm doing; it’s just that my heart is somewhere else.

 

Will I ever get an IT job? Is there any employer who would wish to employ someone in my situation (No experience but determined to achieve my dream)? Do people who have no experience or wish to change their career have to forget about their dreams? I feel trapped.

 

I guess my question is: I know there are a lot of people on this board that have a job in the IT industry; please guide me. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO????? I am lost :confused:.

 

Thank you all for your time and patience. All advice will be much appreciated.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

P.S: Sorry if this is a wrong place to post the thread.

[Sydneytina]

Hi Hybrid,

 

Thanks for your reply. Sorry, I forgot to mention; I did my degree from OZ ( I've now edited my post).

[Guest Toorak Trev]

Working in IT is a very broad statement. Do you have specific areas within IT that you are interested in?

 

There are those that make millions in IT and those that struggle. Those for whom its a hobby and for those its a meal ticket only.

[Guest noskich]

Hi all,

 

I need guidance and advice about my current situation.

 

.

 

I m in the same situation, but i dont have any job whatsoever. Interested in business analyst, project officer/manager types of roles.

[User Name]

Working in IT is a very broad statement. Do you have specific areas within IT that you are interested in?

 

There are those that make millions in IT and those that struggle. Those for whom its a hobby and for those its a meal ticket only.

 

If you are new grad with no experience there you pretty much go for everything out there, from help desk to development roles. As you gain experience you can pick which area you want to specialise.

[Sydneytina]

Working in IT is a very broad statement. Do you have specific areas within IT that you are interested in?

 

There are those that make millions in IT and those that struggle. Those for whom its a hobby and for those its a meal ticket only.

 

I am interested in Database development or Quality Assurance/Testing and would love to get any related opportunity but its difficult to find entry level roles. I cannot apply for senior roles as I lack experience and they find me overqualified for Junior roles.

 

If you are new grad with no experience there you pretty much go for everything out there, from help desk to development roles. As you gain experience you can pick which area you want to specialise.

 

Yeah I agree with you. I'm struggling to get into the industry, let alone think about my interest or choice. I am happy to start from any role/position and as you mentioned after having some experience I can pick up my area of interest. However, the sad part is, it's been around 12 months of job hunt; all in vain.

[Skyrocket]

I am interested in Database development or Quality Assurance/Testing and would love to get any related opportunity but its difficult to find entry level roles. I cannot apply for senior roles as I lack experience and they find me overqualified for Junior roles.

 

 

 

Yeah I agree with you. I'm struggling to get into the industry, let alone think about my interest or choice. I am happy to start from any role/position and as you mentioned after having some experience I can pick up my area of interest. However, the sad part is, it's been around 12 months of job hunt; all in vain.

 

 

dont just look at the big cities, there are often jobs in regional areas that go begging just coz people arent willing to move there, the pay is just as decent (if not better) and the cost of living is a lot lesser :biggrin:

[Guest Manj]

dont just look at the big cities, there are often jobs in regional areas that go begging just coz people arent willing to move there, the pay is just as decent (if not better) and the cost of living is a lot lesser :biggrin:

 

Agree with you Skyrocket!!! Sydneytina - have a look interstate (I assume you are from Sydney), its easy if you are single but if you are a family I think its a bit difficult, but if you have no choice its worth going for what you get!!

 

 

There were quite a few grad jobs advertised in Melbourne (seek.com.au) I suggest go for a helpdesk role first, get the experience and move onto the next step...

 

I know it 's a bit difficult, but try some IT voluntary work initially, you can then claim experience on that and move to a paid job!!

[User Name]

If employers find you overqualified just dumb down your CV a bit like not mentioning about Masters. Try and see if that works.

 

Avoid mentioning your visa status unless they quiz you.

 

And it doesn't hurt if you BS a bit. End of the day finding a job is about selling your skills. No harm in exaggerating it a bit. It's one way to stand out from e crowd.

 

Try customizing your CV with the job requirements. When I look for jobs I always change the CV to closely match the requirements instead of sending one standard CV for all jobs.

[Guest ericanto]

dont just look at the big cities, there are often jobs in regional areas that go begging just coz people arent willing to move there, the pay is just as decent (if not better) and the cost of living is a lot lesser :biggrin:

 

Sky Rocket is right on the money. I was in a very similar situation to you "Sydneytina". Masters in Networking from a top uni Oz and very little experience while my 885 application was lost in oblivion. My job search in the major cities churned out similar results to you. That is when I decided to try my luck with the country bumpkins . They were more than welcoming and guess what, my employer was happy to sponsor me under the RSMS -857 category after a couple of months with them.

 

Give the Country side a go!

[Guest mahesh]

LOL !. don't wait. take a boat and goto Christmas Island . few months in hostels and motels with nice facilities sponsored by OZ tax payers then strait-way into OZ.. whooooooooooooooooo!!!!

 

OZ does not like educated people anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sydneytina]

I know it 's a bit difficult, but try some IT voluntary work initially, you can then claim experience on that and move to a paid job!!

 

Manj, I know that's a good idea but for some financial reasons I need a paid job. Even if I wish I cannot go for voluntary work.

 

dont just look at the big cities, there are often jobs in regional areas that go begging just coz people arent willing to move there, the pay is just as decent (if not better) and the cost of living is a lot lesser

 

and

 

Sky Rocket is right on the money. I was in a very similar situation to you "Sydneytina". Masters in Networking from a top uni Oz and very little experience while my 885 application was lost in oblivion. My job search in the major cities churned out similar results to you. That is when I decided to try my luck with the country bumpkins . They were more than welcoming and guess what, my employer was happy to sponsor me under the RSMS -857 category after a couple of months with them.

 

Give the Country side a go!

 

Thanks Skyrocket and Ericanto for this advice. I haven't yet thought about regional but I think its worth a try and Ericanto, you are really lucky to get sponsored as well.

 

 

My advice is to make contact with an IT agent who will pimp you out. Pick one who you can work with and they can get to know you - develop that relationship and they'll certainly work harder to get you placed!

 

Hi Hybrid,

Do you know of any good IT consultants in Sydney who are interested in IT grad portfolios?? The one's I contacted were not keen enough. Please let me know if you know about any.

[Graemsay]

I'd suggest a couple of things.

 

1. Have a chat to a recruitment agent and make sure that there's nothing wrong with your CV. If it's more than two pages it's too long. (And don't give me any BS that you need more space than that. I've got a dozen years and too many degrees, and mine fits.)
   
2. Trawl Seek, approach employers directly (I once found a list of IT opportunities via the Live in Victoria website) and generally get yourself out there.
   
3. Look at doing some development work off your own back. There's a shortage (in the UK) of Adobe Flex developers, and you can download the SDK for free from their website if you're an unemployed programmer.
   

 

It's not easy, but it is possible. It just takes a bit of hard work and a lucky break.