[dmanww]

Hi Guys,

I'm from Los Angeles and am starting my NZ adventure on Aug 12. :) I will be there on a Bunac WHV, and I'm trying to figure out what my job prospects are.

I know everyone usually talks about temp office jobs like data entry or bartending, etc. But would it be possible to pick up some IT contract work?

All together I probably have about 2.5 years of experience with Crystal Reports and SQL. The thing is, I don't have any certifications or official training. Everything I did, I picked up on the job. The two major projects I worked on was designing a freight tracking system for a freight forwarder and most recently I'm working on editing some reports that are built into a CRM system.

I also earned an MBA in strategy about a year and half ago. And just to make things a bit more confusing I just got my EMT-basic certification. :)

The reason I'm looking at IT/Crystal reports, is because it's where I have my most recent experience and it seems there is more opportunity for better paid short term work.

Do you guys have any other suggestions? Am I missing something?

[Beachcombers]

As far as I am aware, there is nothing preventing you from picking up contract work on WHV. I think you are limited to three month contracts however, but there is nothing to stop you starting another three month contract, immeaditly after.

A mate from the UK, did a similar thing, he was a video editor and got month long contracts for the same firm(earned way more than me as wel).

[dmanww]

Thanks for the reply.

I've spoken to BUNAC and they say that the 3 month rule doesn't apply to their visa. It seems they have a special arrangement with NZ Immigration.

[Watna]

I'm on an Irish working holiday visa.

I found out when I got here that the requirements had changed and the three month thing no longer applied. I can work for any length of time in one position, I just can't take on permanent employment. Luckily my job seem happy enough to keep me on contracts until my residency comes through.

From my experience, you should be able to find work in something similar to what you do at home. I did! (I don't work in IT though but I know people that work in IT and got IT contracts in Wellington when on their WHV)