When I first arrived in Toowoomba as an international student, I had a simple plan in mind—complete my studies, build a career in IT, and create better opportunities for myself. Like many students, I thought the path would be straightforward: study, graduate, get a job. But reality turned out to be very different—and, in many ways, much more meaningful.
My journey here didn’t begin in an office or in the IT field. It started on a farm
One of my first jobs in Australia was berry picking and farm maintenance work. It was physically demanding, long hours, and completely different from anything I had done before. But looking back, it taught me something important early on—there is dignity in every kind of work, and sometimes you have to start wherever you can.
After that, I took on cleaning jobs, including working at Woolworths. Again, it wasn’t related to my field of study, but it helped me stay independent and manage my expenses while studying. These early experiences shaped my mindset. They taught me discipline, consistency, and the importance of showing up every day, regardless of how difficult things might feel.
Eventually, I moved into a role as a Personal Care Worker, where I spent almost two years. This was one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. Working in care is not just about completing tasks—it’s about patience, empathy, and responsibility. You are supporting people in very personal ways, and that changes how you see the world. It made me more patient, more understanding, and much better at communicating with people from different backgrounds.
At the same time, I was completing my Master’s degree in Cyber Security. Balancing study with work wasn’t always easy. There were times when it felt overwhelming—managing assignments, work shifts, and everything else that comes with living independently in a new country. But those challenges forced me to become more organised and more focused on my long-term goals.
During my studies, I realised that having a degree alone wouldn’t be enough to build a career in IT. I needed practical skills, real-world exposure, and the ability to apply what I was learning. That’s when I started focusing more seriously on developing my technical knowledge and preparing myself for opportunities in the IT industry.
About a year ago, my wife joined me here in Toowoomba. By that time, I was already working in aged care, but her arrival brought a new sense of stability and support into my life. We started building our life together here, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other through the ups and downs of work and study. Having that support system made a big difference—it gave me more strength to stay focused and keep pushing forward.
After completing my degree, I reached a turning point
Like many graduates, I started applying for jobs, hoping to break into the IT field. It wasn’t immediate, and it wasn’t easy. But something unexpected happened. Instead of me finding an opportunity, an opportunity found me.
I was approached by a recruitment agency after they discovered my profile on LinkedIn. That connection led to an opportunity with Energy Queensland, where I worked in an IT support role. For me, this was a huge step forward—not just because it was my first professional role in the field, but because it validated all the effort I had put in over the years.
Working in that environment gave me real exposure to IT systems, user support, and how technology operates within a large organisation. I wasn’t just learning anymore—I was applying my knowledge in real situations, solving problems, and contributing to a team. It was the kind of experience I had been working towards since I first started my studies.
Now that my contract with Energy Queensland has come to an end, I’m in another phase of my journey—looking for the next opportunity. At the same time, I continue to work as a Personal Care Worker when needed. It’s a balance between staying financially stable and continuing to push forward in my IT career.
This stage is challenging in its own way. Job searching requires patience, resilience, and consistency. Not every application leads to an interview, and not every interview leads to an offer. But what I’ve learned is that progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes, you move forward in small steps, and that’s still progress.
Alongside job searching, I’m continuing to improve my skills. I’m preparing for certifications like SC200 and working on personal projects to strengthen my technical abilities. For me, it’s important to keep learning and not stay stagnant, especially in a field like IT and cyber security where things evolve constantly.
Being a Study Toowoomba ambassador has also been an important part of my journey. It has given me the chance to share my experiences with other students who are just starting out. When I first arrived, I didn’t fully understand what to expect. Now, I can offer a more realistic perspective—one that includes both the challenges and the opportunities.
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that success doesn’t come from a perfect plan. It comes from persistence. It comes from being willing to start small, take on different roles, and keep moving forward even when things are uncertain.
To anyone who is planning to study in Toowoomba or is already here, my advice is simple. Don’t compare your journey to others. Everyone moves at a different pace. Be open to opportunities, even if they don’t seem directly related to your goals at first. Every experience teaches you something, and often, those lessons become valuable later in ways you don’t expect.
Most importantly, stay consistent. Whether it’s studying, working, or applying for jobs, small efforts every day add up over time.
Looking back, I can see how far I’ve come—from working on farms and cleaning jobs to gaining professional experience in the IT industry. It hasn’t been a straight path, but it has been a meaningful one.
And this is still just the beginning
I’m excited for what comes next, and I’m grateful for the journey so far. Toowoomba has played a big role in shaping my experience, and it’s a place that has supported me as I’ve worked towards building my future.
