Discover how skilled migrants navigate challenges in Australia’s ICT sector, from job hunting and local experience to networking and thriving in tech careers.
- Why does Australia’s ICT sector rely so heavily on migrants?
- What is the future of the ICT industry in Australia?
- What challenges do skilled migrants face when seeking ICT jobs in Australia?
- What job-hunting tips can help ICT professionals succeed in Australia?
- Why is local experience so important for ICT?
- How can migrants build networks and showcase their ICT skills in Australia?
- What steps can ICT professionals take to integrate, adapt, and thrive in Australia?
This article shares practical tips from Work in Progress, an Australia Explained series exploring the journeys of skilled migrants building meaningful careers in Australia. Listen to all the episodes for more inspiring stories and expert advice.
In this episode, we follow Vishal’s story as he navigates the challenges of breaking into Australia’s ICT workforce, as well as expert advice on how skilled migrants can overcome barriers, build networks, and succeed in their careers.
Why does Australia’s ICT sector rely so heavily on migrants?
Migrants are a driving force in Australia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, making up more than a third of the workforce—one of the highest rates across all industries. In software and applications programming, they represent two-thirds of professionals, with India as the leading country of origin, bringing valuable skills and global perspectives to the industry.
Australia’s booming ICT sector relies on migrants, but even qualified professionals like Indian-born data analyst Vishal sent more than 80 CVs before landing his first job.
What is the future of the ICT industry in Australia?
With emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, Australia will need millions of tech workers by 2030. But demand far outpaces supply.
Betsy Gregg, Director of Migration Pathways at the Australian Computer Society (ACS), says these numbers reflect both opportunity and urgency.
We recognise that the skill shortage we have awareness of today is likely not the skill shortage that we will see in the future.Betsy Gregg
What challenges do skilled migrants face when seeking ICT jobs in Australia?
Many skilled migrants — even those with strong educational backgrounds — face unexpected hurdles. Though 56 per cent of ICT-skilled migrants hold a bachelor’s degree and 46 per cent have postgraduate qualifications, some wait up to two years to land a job in their field.
Vishal Mittal, for example, was once a successful software engineer in Gujarat, India. With a solid job and a stable life, he had little reason to leave. Except for ambition.
Australia promised career advancement, world-class education, and better work-life balance.
He enrolled in a two-year Master of Data Science program at the University of Canberra, studying remotely during the pandemic before finally arriving in 2022 on a student visa.
The move changed more than just his surroundings. "The air quality is so good over here… I stopped taking any medications," he recalls.
Despite holding advanced degrees, Vishal couldn’t even get a part-time role. “You're too overqualified.”
From December 2022 to April 2023, he sent 80 job applications but scored just two interviews. The first online interview was a disaster.
“As soon as the camera switched on, I was all nervous. Words weren't coming out of my mouth,” Vishal recalls.
What job-hunting tips can help ICT professionals succeed in Australia?
Ayesha Umar, an electrical engineer from Pakistan and National Executive Committee Member of the Career Development Association of Australia, understands the struggle well.
Her advice? Don’t just spam applications, study the market.
Look at the job advertisement. The first dot point is mandatory. The second is a strong preference. Tailor your resume to reflect that exact language.Ayesha Umar
Migrants also often struggle with job titles. Is a business analyst a management role? Is a data scientist an engineer? The answer depends, and that ambiguity can be confusing for newcomers.
According to ACS research, about 30 per cent of ICT migrants end up working below their skill level, at least initially.
Betsy Gregg adds that the problem isn’t always competence.
The Australian job search style is very different. Migrants don’t always get to the interview stage.Betsy Gregg
Why is local experience so important for ICT?
Even with qualifications and a well-written CV, the biggest challenge many migrants face is having no local experience.
For 55 per cent of ICT migrants, this is the main obstacle. Recruiters often filter resumes based on local work history, a criterion that rules out many capable candidates before interviews even happen.
How can you build networks and showcase their ICT skills in Australia?
Experts suggest finding non-traditional entry points into the workforce. Betsy recommends working with nonprofits, building open-source projects on GitHub, or volunteering within the community to demonstrate practical experience.
Hackathons are another strategy.
Jiaranai Keatnuxsuo, a Perth-based AI architect, used hackathons to network, collaborate with locals, and solve real-world problems.
“You’re not only building tech skills, you’re making industry connections,” she says.
She also emphasises showcasing work online:
Write a technical blog post. Share your code. Connect on LinkedIn. Australians are on LinkedIn. They will remember you.Jiaranai Keatnuxsuo
What steps can ICT professionals take to integrate, adapt, and thrive in Australia?
Integration is more than joining a workforce—it’s about joining a culture.
Ayesha Umar’s three golden rules for ICT migrants are:
- Engage locally: visit councils, go to meetups.
- Join professional associations.
- Understand workplace expectations and social nuances.
Betsy Gregg echoes this, advising migrants to research their destination, especially if moving to regional areas. These may offer better visa options but often come with fewer job opportunities and slower career progression.
Despite the challenges, Vishal Mittal now works as a data analyst in Canberra. It took him six months and 80 applications, but he got there thanks to preparation, persistence, and a growth mindset.
Don't think any work is small. Be confident, ask for help, and keep learning. You can do it.Vishal
Disclaimer: This story is just one example, and the advice provided is correct at the time of publishing. For detailed information and guidance tailored to your circumstances, please check the Australian Computer Society and the Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date details.
