Points for a career changer

antelope · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:05 am Post subject: Points for a career changer

I'd appreciate some advice. I was in the IT and Telecoms sectors, the latter most recently, but was made redundant in the telecoms crash. I retrained by taking a masters in Natural Resource Management (looking after land, water, flora and fauna in terms of identifying policy and strategy for those who may not be familiar with the term). I want to move to NZ but am unsure about how to classify my experience. Although I have some 15 years varied IT and telecoms experience, I've been studying for the last year and a half. An old job (ironically) appears to be on the priority skills list (eBusienss Consultant) but I'm now a different beast - an environmental type (emphasis on the mental!). Do I take account of my previous experience in applying despite that fact that I want to work in my new area (although I would go back to telecoms etc if I absolutely had to) or do I apply on the basis of my new skillset? I'm 44 by the way.

Thanks
David

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 4:47 am Post subject:

I think you stand the best chance by using your IT/telecoms experience because you can relate your qualifications to your experience and gain points for both. Of course once you have your permit you could change jobs! How about trying identify some companies in the environmental sector who also need IT skills. You may then be able to carve out a role for yourself with a foot in both camps. Local councils and environmental consultants appear to be your best bet! It might look a bit fishy to an immigration officer having an IT person looking for employment in resource management! I don't think they are programmed to recognise career changes are sometimes part of lifes rich tapestry! I'm an environmental chemist incidently and considering a career change!

antelope · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 12:36 am Post subject: points for a career changer

Thanks for this advice. ALl makes sense...although it seems a bit of a tightrope to walk! May help if I had a job at present.
David