Hi all,

I have a computer studies degree and worked nearly 2 years in a local distribution company as techician-cum-sales / technical sales.

Am thinking of studying again, and have civil engineering in mind. The reason? My gf is in Australia studying and her parents are asking her to stay there after that. What I plan to do is to study 2 years at Inti College and then the final 2 years in Australia. This would be my way of going over and getting a PR in Australia.

My question is:

Am 25 this year, starting the course next year means that I will graduate (assuming I have no problem passing the exams and no major distruptions during the course), at the of 29. A 30 year old, fresh civil engineering graduate looking for job in Australia (Perth to be specific). What do you think of my job prospect by then? Would anyone hire some 30 year old fresh civil engineering graduate?

It would be nice to have opinions from those who are currently working in Australia but to anyone who would like to help out, your views are welcomed too.

hi jrhew,

No offense taken, because i know it sounds really idealistic. actually i have thought about it for months, and decided to get opinions from others now. Am aware of the things you mention, and am just thinking about my own future there right now.

How about we just assume I want to migrate to Australia and want to be a civil engineer there? Lets get back to the question wether I will be facing lots of problem getting a job at 30?

That's actually a great idea, however, I would have to do a final year for my degree in Australia again before getting my Masters:

An excerpt from the immigration website concerning work exemption for Masters holder:

Source:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-ski...lifications.htm

My Adv. Diploma would only get me 1 year exemptions to Curtin's BSc. IT degree. So I would have to study another 2 years to have an Australian BSc. IT degree.

What I heard is, getting an Australian PR for people with IT degree is very tough these days. Not to mention a job... At least with an engineering degree, PR is much easier to get. Any ideas?

I have seriously gone through the pros and cons, for months, before deciding on this.

I have been there for a short trip and like what I see. Am not much of a teh tarik or mamak lover so no problem there. Hehe.


Yup, that's the thing I worry most about.

It is one thing for their government to say that employers are not allowed to discriminate, but is not a guarantee, hence am seeking those who are working there right now, to give a true picture(or at least, close) of how good a chance for a 30 year old fresh graduate would have in Australia.

After my looking at what they do, the responsibility, the challenges the face at work, I find it quite interesting and believe I will like it. I have also asked about the working life from my civil engineer friends here to get first hand information of the job. Not sure how relevant their Malaysian experiences will be in relation to the working life in Australia though, so I will need fellow forummers to help me out here.

I have looked at the course requirement, the subjects and believe I can cope. Other than that, it's also one of the job that would be easier to get a PR for. Of course, Accounting is an even better degree for getting a PR, but I don't think I will survive a day in the course : P

Yup, you are quite correct

But besides the obvious, after my singple trip there, I do like the weather, the way of life(from observation only though), and the benefits given to PR(number one on my list... health care).

Question 1 & 2:

Fortunately, for the money part, that has been settled. Mum and dad knows my plan, and is supportive.

#3:

If you are referring to IT probably not, because ageism is very much alive in IT, no matter which country.

However, would being civil engineering graduate (yup, made my mind on that) have more of a chance? Honestly, that's the only part I am worried over.

elhh82,

Doing post-grad study is an excellent idea, and in my case it may not be suitable because am trying to get out of IT. The work and future does not get me interested anymore. My fault for choosing the wrong field when I was younger.

I guess what I am doing now is a career change.


fyire,

Your sister had good grades(I assume) and one of the main advantage is that she studied in a local (Australian) university, and that definitely helped her to secure her job.

Without work experience of at least 4 years in IT, I cannot go over under the skilled migrant visa (881).

cks2k2,

Referring to health benefits: At least you get something worthwhile at the end? What do we get from our tax money in Malaysia?

Yes, ageism is worse in IT. Well, how bad is ageism in the civil engineering field?


Neslo[#^PenG^#­],

Haha. I am not sure how I motivated you, because I am worried about my chance of landing a job after I graduate!

Everyone else,

Anyone working in civil engineering field in Australia right now?

Would any employer in Australia mind a career changer who got his second degree at 30? This I believe, is a better question to ask.

This post has been edited by trials: Sep 18 2006, 06:20 PM