In recent years, software engineering, specifically developers and programmers, has been listed among Australia’s 20 most-needed professions in Australia. 

Does this surprise you? Well, it is quite obvious that this rise in demand for software engineers is equivalent to the development of technology, in Australia and globally. 

This also establishes a competitive IT market with millions of professional IT developers hired in small to big-size enterprises. However, the more competitive the market, the harder it is for IT beginners to enter, right?

Yes, local and Australian immigrants have raised the biggest question on entering the labour market to achieve a stable income with potential career development in this field. 

This article, based on ITPA expert’s practical experiences, will provide an overview of how the market works and advice for Vietnamese IT professionals to start a career in Australia. 

Software Engineer Jobs In Australia: Statistics In 2023 – 2024

Before entering the how-to, here’s a brief snapshot of the software engineering job market in Australia for the years 2023 – 2024:

• The software engineering industry in Australia is forecasted to exceed $6 billion by 2024.
• There was a significant increase in employment in Q4 of 2023, with the total number of workers exceeding 14 million for the first time.
• High-paying roles in software and engineering include positions such as Senior Engineering Manager and Software Development Manager, with salaries ranging from $140,000 to $180,000.
• Developers and programmers are among the top 20 most in-demand jobs in Australia.
• As of January 2024, there were 2,390 open software engineer positions in Australia.
• The average annual salary for software engineers in Australia ranges from $110,000 to $130,000.
• In 2024, the demand for software engineers across all industries increased by nearly 17%.

The Struggle of Vietnamese IT Professionals In Finding Computer Engineer Jobs 

Vietnamese IT professionals face significant challenges when seeking computer engineering jobs. Each year, Australia’s software industry sees an influx of local graduates and highly skilled immigrants, intensifying competition. This raises a critical question for these professionals: How can they penetrate this competitive labour market, sustain their careers, and achieve growth?

Australia’s unique work environment demands more than just technical skills and experience. It requires a holistic understanding of different aspects of work life, some of which Vietnamese programmers might overlook.

This struggle isn’t limited to Australia. Even in Vietnam, according to Code Complete, there is a scarcity of jobs in software development due to the economic downturn. Moreover, poor training has rendered up to 200,000 IT engineers unemployed. By 2025, Vietnam will need nearly 700,000 IT engineers, but currently only has around 530,0002.

To navigate this landscape, one LinkedIn user, titled Vice President of Engineering, stated that Vietnamese IT professionals often switch computer engineer jobs to gain diverse experience and increase their employability. Some even consider career changes or seek employment opportunities in other countries like Singapore, where Vietnamese software developers are in demand.

Expert Practical Advice to Start Software Engineering Jobs In Australia

Skills

Breaking into the Australian IT market requires a blend of technical skills, industry knowledge, and an understanding of the local work culture. Here’s a little breakdown of the skills you need to obtain to help streamline your software engineer jobs in Australia:

• Master the Basics: 

A strong foundation in object-oriented programming (OOP) is essential. Choose a specific programming language (such as Java, C++, C#, Python, Visual Basic, PHP) that aligns with your career interests and master it.

• Local Experience: 

While international experience is valuable, many Australian employers prioritize local experience. This doesn’t mean you can’t break into the market without it, but be prepared to demonstrate how your skills and experiences are transferable.

• Continuous Learning: 

The tech industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Make it a habit to learn about new technologies and trends regularly. Joining programming communities and participating in tech forums could be a good way to keep yourself updated.

• Specialization vs Generalization: 

While being a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ might seem appealing, the current trend in Australia leans towards hiring full-stack developers who are proficient in both front-end and back-end development. This includes languages like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, AJAX, and more.

• Exploring Emerging Fields:

DevOps and cloud-based development are emerging fields with great potential. Cybersecurity is also a high-demand field but often requires Australian citizenship and security clearance due to its sensitive nature.

• Soft Skills: 

Beyond technical skills, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. These skills will help you collaborate effectively within diverse teams and adapt to the Australian work culture.

• Networking: 

Networking can open doors to opportunities you may not find in job postings. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with people in your desired field on LinkedIn.

We understand how competitive the IT market is at the current time. However, remember that every job market has its unique dynamics and challenges. Struggling with the ups and downs in the starting phase of your career is an experience that everyone will have to go through. Your only solutions to overcome are persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning.

English Level

Isn’t it quite obvious that working in a foreign country, especially in a technical field like IT, a native-English level is a must-have for all immigrants?

For your information, if you want to apply for work and permanent visas, the government requires applicants to have at least a functional or competent level of English. However, for certain visa subclasses (494, 491, 489, 190, 189, 188, 187, and 186), a competent English level is mandatory.

It is undeniable that achieving native-level English is not an easy process, and as a Vietnamese immigrant, your challenge is understandable. However, here are some of my tips to help me navigate this:

• Learn in Australian Accent: 

English in Australia has its unique accent and phrases. Familiarise yourself with Australian English through various channels like newspapers (The Age, Sydney Herald Sun), TV shows, online content, and daily conversations.

• Take IELTS Certificate: 

IELTS is common in Australia, and most enterprises use your IELTS score to certify your English. Hence, practice English in 4 skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening. Try to implement real-life situations as much as possible. Or join English-speaking groups or find a language exchange partner to practice.

• Integrate Culture: 

Understanding Australian culture and daily events can enhance your socialisation skills and help you integrate into the work environment more quickly. Activities such as following Australian cricket and footy matches can provide conversation starters with your colleagues.

• Professional Development: 

As you climb the career ladder, your English communication skills must match up. Senior roles often require direct communication with clients; miscommunication can lead to significant issues. Consider taking professional English courses aimed at improving business communication.

• Networking: 

Networking plays a crucial role in job hunting. It’s also an excellent opportunity to practice your English skills. Attend industry events and join online communities to meet professionals in the IT field.

Notice that language proficiency is impossible to build overnight. Consistent practice, patience, and the willingness to learn are key to mastering English and higher career development potential to proceed further with your software jobs in Australia.

Networking

Breaking into the Australian IT market as a Vietnamese professional involves more than just technical skills and English proficiency. Networking plays an integral role in job hunting and career advancement, especially considering that many Australian employers value employee referrals.

Here’s some of our expert advice to help you build and leverage your professional network:

• Take Professional Courses: 

Enrolling in short-term courses at universities or TAFE institutes can help you meet like-minded professionals and expand your network.

• Leverage Academic Relationships: 

Maintain relationships with your professors, tutors, and instructors from your internships or studies. They can provide valuable contacts and may help you find internships or jobs after completing your courses.

• Stay Connected with Classmates: 

Keep in touch with your classmates. As they advance in their careers, they could become potential colleagues or provide referrals.

• Participate in IT Events: 

Attend IT events, especially in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Following major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Adobe, SAP, and Atlassian will keep you updated on upcoming events. Websites like Meetup are also useful for finding technology groups to join.

• Network Actively: 

Don’t be hesitant to approach other participants at events. If you find it challenging to connect with experts, consider reaching out to the event organiser for information about other members.

• Respect Everyone in Your Network: 

Be respectful and open to learning from everyone, regardless of nationality or background. Cultivating positive relationships can lead to unforeseen opportunities and benefits in the future.

Networking is key to professional development, locating new contacts, and uncovering new business opportunities. In essence, networking is about finding a job through who you know rather than what you know. It can provide valuable information, advice, and access to job opportunities.

Focus On Promoting Your Expertise

Have you ever heard about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

This means leveraging practical experience to bridge the gap between formal qualifications and real-world skills, which is essential for ICT professionals in Australia.

Consistently improving your IT skills can increase confidence and productivity, which are highly regarded by employers. Moreover, having skills, experience, and expertise in information technology is necessary in today’s job market, especially as the most in-demand software engineer in Australia.

For your information, this is the base that many professionals like ITPA experts are doing to build personal branding and establish a wider network:

• Make Your Expertise More Visible: 

Make sure your CV and cover letter are complete and professional. Highlight your strengths, unique skills, and achievements. Don’t forget to tailor your applications to each job you apply for, ensuring your skills match the position’s requirements.

• Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile: 

Your LinkedIn profile can be a powerful tool for getting noticed by potential employers. Keep it updated with your latest achievements, ask former colleagues or managers for recommendations, and participate in relevant discussions to increase your visibility.

• Share Your Knowledge: 

Take a little of your free time to start writing articles and blog posts about your area of expertise. No need to be so professional, just a regular thought of you. This not only helps to establish your credibility but also demonstrates your passion and commitment to your field. Sharing your insights on technology forums can help you build a positive reputation within the community.

• Attend Meetup Events: 

Regularly participating in Meetup events, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, offers opportunities to network with industry experts and like-minded professionals. Introduce yourself, exchange ideas, and establish connections that could lead to job opportunities.

• Present Your Ideas: 

If you have innovative ideas, don’t hesitate to share them. You could contact event organisers and propose presenting your ideas to the community. Recognition from the community can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

Work In Specialised Fields

Entering the Australian IT market as a Vietnamese professional, particularly in specialised fields, requires a deep understanding of specific applications, techniques, and technologies. While proficiency in programming languages like Java, .NET, and PHP is important, employers often seek individuals with in-depth knowledge of e-commerce, Learning Management Systems, banking application management systems, or real estate transaction management systems.

Australian IT labour market trends show that having a specialisation can give you an edge over the competition. Universities typically provide general theoretical knowledge and some programming language skills. However, it might be challenging to stand out from the crowd without specialised skills or knowledge.

This situation is similar for Vietnamese immigrants. The Vietnamese labour market mainly involves outsourcing software to other countries. These roles require knowledge of programming languages, while clients typically manage business and application aspects. This leads to a broad but not deep understanding of different business requirements, making it difficult to convince Australian employers.

Therefore, focusing on a specialised field and gaining in-depth knowledge can significantly increase your chances of securing a job in the Australian IT market.

Catch Your Chances & Know Your Worth

Many say luck determines more than 50% of your ability to get a job. However, luck will never come to those who do not know how to seize opportunities.

Putting effort into technical learning is an absolute YES. However, you should also learn the habit of “sniffing” for new opportunities (lead generation management) through traditional professional information channels such as Linkedin, Microsoft, Google, … or through your networks. 

Remember, success often comes to those who are prepared and willing to seize opportunities when they arise. By staying informed, leveraging your network, and being ready to act, you can increase your chances of securing a job in the Australian IT market.

Conclusion

We know this process of finding software engineer jobs in Australia is not easy, especially during the economic downturn in recent years. However, there are always opportunities. So, the best advice for you as an experienced person who has gone through all these struggles is to be consistent with whatever you are doing right now. Keep trying, know your worth, and improve your skills, we are sure the results will come right soon!