Just saw this thread, and I just moved here 4 months ago, and lucky me found a job in just 2 weeks (was offered on the spot). Came with no job, no money, only got honey. Initially I was warned that it will be tough for me to find a job since every tom, d*** and harry has a degree and mine is from a local Uni. They did not even look at my qualifications (as in uni degree lah, but i graduated more than 2 years ago.. so.. no need see anymore lah).

I'm in the IT industry and most of the job opportunities are in Syd (while I'm based in Melbourne). But I would say that, never try never know! Or perhaps I am just a lucky b**** (yes, i'm a female)... Life's good, co-workers great, job is awesome and everything is nicely in place for now.

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Added on August 31, 2011, 6:26 pmBy the way, they revise the immigration fees/rules every year in July.

This post has been edited by static: Aug 31 2011, 06:26 PM

I would suggest that attitude is another plus point as well. When I first started working, I took a job offer doing SAS which is not a well known field at that time, SAP is wayyy more in demand and pays exceptionally well but I wanted something different. My salary is shit, it was only borderline compared to other uni mates who earn 1k more than me, but i am doing it for the experience. After a while, gaji still shitty since starting salary is low, it's hard to 'jump' esp in the IT line, they will always look at your previous income. When I got here, my experience was recognised though I am no longer doing SAS, and more of a specialised role in the bank. Starting pay is just average, but I guess they were 'evaluating' me still, and now I got a promotion, raise and a permanent role with great benefits.

The fees are expensive, yes, but if you don't sacrifice, you get nothing.

Too many people are doing IT, lots of competition especially I have to compete with Aus grads and have local experience. Yes, they would prefer those with local experience or AUS degree. I was lucky to have some contacts in the IT industry when I first came out to work and told me which 'path' i should take even though I may suffer for few years.

Engineering in Aus is a skill that they are looking isn't it? Saw it somewhere before... I'll post up a link once I manage to find it.

Did you buy a new car? We bought a 12 yr old Holden, LOOOL! We only need it go get around to places, I take the train to work since only 2 stations away. My bf drives to work lah, but his workplace is nearby as well. We plan to get a new car in 2 years time, but if this oldie still serves us good, then we'll continue driving it

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Added on September 2, 2011, 6:20 pmI do agree, I work from home sometimes as we've just moved in to a new apartment and lots of errands to run. Occasionally, we have long lunches that stretches up to 4 hours, which was paid for by the company! Come 5pm, all pang kang. I am lucky that my cab fares are being paid for as well (if I really need to use it, as I need to travel to other offices), using cabcharge cards, and they are not cheap! An average of 200AUD a week.

When I came here, I don't have much money as well, and I do agree it's the initial settling down costs that are very expensive. Over time, you can save again

This post has been edited by static: Sep 2 2011, 06:20 PM

My parking is paid for but no car T_T... rather take the train anyway, cos it's only 5 mins walk from home. Plus, I still have my car back in KL! Ouch.

Yeah, mid 2012. More $$$ going out

Yay to tax return, my first time filing it.

I did SAS in Malaysia for 2 years, also some SSIS/SSRS since I am project based. Whatever boss say, must do loh

Initially plan to do SAS in Aus, got in touch with the HR manager, but he was slow and got offered a better role (not SAS)

Are you doing SAS in Msia? With SAS Institute direct or vendor?

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Added on September 11, 2011, 12:30 pmYou can still apply, and if the company really wants you, they will sponsor you for a visa, but that is not easy.

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Added on September 11, 2011, 12:34 pmYup, living with bf. I started applying for jobs before I even apply for my visa and got a few positive responses (as they don't have to sponsor me), i will be getting my own anyway. So when I arrive, I recontacted them (and applied for a few more) and things just fall into place. Lucky I guess, got job and working on the 4th week.

We paid 3k for the Holden Vectra and another 2k or less for maintenance (change front tyre, tuning, etc) and roadworthy. Got it off a friend

This post has been edited by static: Sep 11 2011, 12:34 PM

Alamak, not too sure, bf handles the car issue. I just sit next to him and become my driver

annielee, you can work if you're on spouse visa, defacto, prospective marriage visa, etc. Not necessarily need PR to work

Not sure about fresh aus graduates...

Left Malaysia cos my Aussie bf won't be granted PR even though we get married, have a dozen kids, etc. Ridiculous. So we left for Aus, duh. No point hanging around and investing our time (and money) in KL. But we're hoping to go back in the future, settle down, and waiting for them to change the rules

The point of no return once convert... NOOOOOO Cannot let go pork and whisky lah the fella. Might as well start up a company in KL and request for work permit till eligible for MM2H

They are still hiring contract workers for project related stuff... I am with one of the big4 banks. Wondering if they will axe me (youngest and newest in the team of 6), or not renewing my contract at all end of this year!

The banks are still hiring so not to worry about can't getting a banking job, but most of them are not a permanent role, mostly fixed term contract so it's easier to get rid of you without paying redundancy.

Most of them wouldn't reply if you're not in Aus (personal experience) and without an Aussie number. Most of the banking/finance jobs offered to me were based in Sydney but I wanted Melbourne since most of the family are here. Luckily got hired on the 2nd week as the dollar was quite high at that time! It depends which area you're in, most of the IT banking related stuff, I believe most of them are based in Melb. Good luck!

The ANZ news is not insider, it's all over the newspaper here and we already knew it since last year when they laid off the first batch. They are offshoring hence cutting down on redundant roles, OR otherwise, you can move to Phils or Bangalore to keep the job...

It depends what your skills are, whether it is a high sought one or just an average skill. Most banks use agents here, or advertised internally (good if you have friends working within the bank). Just apply the advs in SEEK, if you get a few positive feedbacks then you're good

This post has been edited by static: Feb 25 2012, 07:52 PM

What makes you think so?

Which part of Melbourne and when are you coming over? We might need a new roomie by end of this year. It's a 3BR apartment in Toorak, only me and bf staying, $200 pw

First time in AU? Probably better if you live closer to office for the first few weeks to get used to everything.

Wow, which era are you living in now? 1800s?

This post has been edited by static: May 20 2012, 09:51 AM

I am also sorry to hear that you failed to get laid

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Added on May 21, 2012, 7:32 pmBut a work visa can create a pathway to obtain a PR. Personally, I'd grab the work visa first then weave my way through to get the PR afterwards. Will the local experience be useful in PR application?

This post has been edited by static: May 21 2012, 07:32 PM

How much?