How long have you been in Australia and how long prior had you been planning to make the move?
I have been in Australia since Jan 2016. We got our PR a few years ago when we were in the States. Coming to Australia was always an option since then.
What visa did you initially enter Australia on?
I am a Permanent resident and entered on the same visa.
Why did you choose to come to Australia on that visa?
Permanent Residency offers many benefits without some of the limitations of a regular work visa. It is probably the best way to come here and experience what it would be like to live and work in Oz. Australia was closer to my home (India) than the US so I felt this is the best time to see if it could be feasible to live here.
What was the process for securing the visa?
It took over a year I suppose. My wife and I applied together and both of us are IT professionals with advanced degrees and relevant experience. We had to first get accredited by the ACS and then apply for the PR. There were quite a few forms to fill and procedures to follow. This was followed by a medical test. The key thing is following instructions and being patient.
What was the hardest thing about relocating to Australia?
For me personally it was having to leave the USA where I had spent a good amount of time. My employer there had filed for a permanent residency. Also I had a very good rapport with my colleagues and managers at work. I definitely miss working with them but will remain friends for life and that door has not been shut on me. I also spent 9+ years in the states and so had gotten used to that way of life. It was hard to give it up and take a leap into the unknown. I definitely had to make adjustments here. Getting back to the metric system, driving on the left hand side, dealing with slower speed limits etc.
What advice would you give to a Salesforce job hunter looking to secure their first role in
Australia?
My advice would be to do research and try to secure a job before coming to Australia.
What advice would you have for a Salesforce professional looking to move to Australia?
Do relevant research, brush up or acquire the desired skills and try to secure a job before moving here. Always keep up to date with certifications and new technologies.
For example Lightning components are a critical skill to learn judging by the changing Salesforce ecosystem.
What have you found to be the main differences between living and working in Australia compared to your home country?
So far in the Salesforce workplace, I have not seen a lot of differences. Work is challenging and rewarding at the same time. There are some cultural differences but the Salesforce job market is so universal right now that it is amazing to be able to ply one’s trade across the world.
What do you most like about living and working in Australia?
So far I have come across friendly Australians both at work and outside especially here in Tasmania, the healthcare system is awesome, food and drink is great and it is overall a very beautiful country.
Why did you choose Australia in the first place?
It was closer to my home and because of Salesforce I was able to get a similar job to what I had in the States.
How has moving to Australia been good for your career?
My previous job and my current job have provided challenges and learning opportunities. It has been a great transition so far. I have had the opportunity to continue to grow as a developer, architect and Tech Lead.
Have you now got an Australian accent?
I usually do not pick up accents on purpose but I might pick some Aussie accent. I have definitely picked up a bit of Aussie slang. I get teased by my US friends when I add “mate” when speaking or chatting with them.
My Salesforce blog: http://www.decodingthecloud.com/
My twitter: https://twitter.com/calvin_nr