Technology-related roles are some of the fastest-growing across the world.
As stated in the recent Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning specialists and software and app developers will be in high demand. But, that’s just the beginning.
“There are jobs everywhere. I usually say to students coming in that if you’re interested in computing, find that other area of passion that you’ve got and use that to drive where you want to be… You’re going to be able to use your skills to change people’s lives,” shares Dr Brett Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.
So, how can you succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving field? With the help of Dr Wilkinson and Dr Richard Leibbrandt, let’s explore how to get a job in IT in Australia as an international student.
You’ll need qualifications
“It’s important to get a degree, of course!” shares Dr Leibbrandt, College of Science and Engineering Lecturer. “There’s a lot of need out there for people who are qualified… It’s a case of getting a good grip on basic skills, which is what you’ll be learning at uni. Your first job will then be when you refine all these things.”
However, a qualification is also an opportunity to develop your real-world experience.
“At Flinders, we try to emphasise a very practical approach to applying what you learn to realistic examples and being informed by our knowledge of what goes on in industry. There’s a lot of hands-on experience and practical projects where you don’t just get the theoretical skills, but you get the opportunity to put them into practice,” Dr Leibbrandt explains.
When it comes to looking for the right IT qualification for you as an international student, seek one that has accreditation, which will help you find jobs, not only in Australia but globally.
“At Flinders, our computing degrees are accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). That means your degree is recognised around the world,” says Dr Wilkinson.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen IT degree, pathway courses are designed to help you reach your career goals.
“If you think you’re not going to qualify for university because of grades, for example, consider that there may be another pathway for you,” shares Dr Leibbrandt. “At Flinders, this is through the Flinders University Academy. There, students get an enriched experience for a year where academics talk to first-year IT topics, but with a specific kind of consideration of international students’ needs, for example, language.”
Find your passion
You may hear the term IT used broadly, but as someone seeking a job in the industry, it’s important that you understand the different courses available.
“A Bachelor of Information Technology is about applying the tools and technologies already out there, putting them together into a system and solving a problem for an employer,” Dr Leibbrandt explains. “Computer Science degrees are where you start thinking more about how you make a new solution. So, you’re not just using the tools that are there, but you’re actually developing your own solution.”
From there, you can find a specialisation that suits your interests and passions. Remember – there are jobs everywhere for IT professionals.
“If you’re interested in computing, you don’t have to just have to into a programming job. You might have an interest in law and find computing jobs within a legal practice. Or teaching – you’ll be able to use computing skills within the field of education,” shares Dr Wilkinson.
“Personally, I’ve had lots of jobs where my programming skills in, for instance, scientific research. There’s a niche for those skills,” Dr Leibbrandt says.
Understand where to look for jobs
So, what are some of the best jobs for new IT graduates?
“There are opportunities everywhere!” shares Dr Wilkinson. “Organisations like Deloitte and KPMG are always looking for qualified graduates. They are also organisations that would look for a higher level of qualification, like a masters, for research or management type of roles… But it’s not just the big companies that are looking for these specialists. It’s your little law firm down the road seeking a cybersecurity person looking at digital forensics.”
If you’re hoping to work in Australia after graduation, you can look to the skilled occupation list for certain working visas for an idea of what roles most eagerly need to be filled – these will be a great way to start your career.
“For instance, software developers, full stack developers – all of these things are listed as a shortage in Australia,” shares Dr Leibbrandt.
Plus, if pursuing higher levels of education seems out of reach, know that there are pathways available! For example, the Pre Masters Information Technology Program at Flinders University Academy allows you to fast-track your way to a masters degree in IT in just 7 weeks.
Build a portfolio to stand out
For both Dr Leibbrandt and Dr Wilkinson, the significance of a portfolio cannot be understated when it comes to getting a job in IT.
“Visible portfolios are very important for employers,” shares Dr Leibbrandt. “A lot of people have repositories of code, for instance, on GitHub, where they can say, here’s my portfolio of things that I’ve done myself during my studies or as my hobby.”
“I always say to my students, start a portfolio early,” echoes Dr Wilkinson. “Show what you’ve been working on. Show the development – the progress from when you first started through to your graduation. How have your skills developed? Show an employer the complex problems you’ve solved, and they can have that hands-on evidence.”
Make use of your university’s services and professional networks
As a student, you will be surrounded by access to industry professionals, career support services and expert academics – utilise these resources and services! They’re here to help you.
“We’ve got a Flinders CareerHub, and they will go out and do a lot of the legwork and help students with soft skills – things like resume writing and applying for jobs. They’ll also have a list of jobs that are currently available,” explains Dr Wilkinson.
“I would also encourage students to join a professional society like the Australian Computer Society as there are networking opportunities there, and the ability to connect with employers.”
As a final piece of advice for international students looking for their first job in IT in Australia, Dr. Wilkinson summarises:
“Build your portfolio, build your evidence, make your connections and engage with your institution.”
Didn’t meet the entry requirements for your Information Technology course? You could start a Masters degree in Information Technology in just 7 weeks, studying at the state-of-the-art Tonsley campus!
