Hitesh’s story is a perfect example of how determination, strategy, and clarity of purpose can turn uncertainty into opportunity. His journey to Australia began in 2018, motivated by his younger brother, who was already pursuing a Master’s in IT in Brisbane. At that time, Hitesh was working at KPMG Bangalore as a Business Analyst and Software Auditor. Though he had a stable career, he felt “stuck” — craving personal growth and a new direction. Encouraged by his family and then-girlfriend (now wife), he decided to pursue a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Sydney.
Initially, his goal wasn’t permanent migration — it was purely educational. But life in Australia had other plans.
The Struggles of Starting Over
Like many international students, Hitesh’s first challenge was survival. He tried Uber Eats delivery on a $70 bicycle, riding nearly 37 km in a single day — only to realize it wasn’t sustainable. He applied for jobs at Domino’s and local restaurants but faced repeated rejections, partly due to limited English fluency.
After a month of struggle, he made a game-changing decision: focus entirely on IT-related jobs, leveraging his existing skills instead of chasing temporary casual work.
The Turning Point
His persistence paid off when he landed a short-term project through Ernst & Young (EY), collecting commuter data for NSW Transport. Though brief, it was his first Australian professional experience — and a huge confidence boost.
Soon after, Hitesh attended a startup hiring event at Stone & Chalk, where a simple line on his resume - building an app in 2012 - impressed an Australian entrepreneur named Craig. He was hired part-time, which later turned into a full-time role, giving him continuous experience through his studies.
This hands-on exposure completely changed his perspective. The open, balanced work culture in Australia — where CEOs wore shorts and respected work-life boundaries - inspired him to stay longer. He upgraded his one-year master’s degree to a two-year Master’s in IT (with Management) to qualify for a post-study work visa and eventually, Permanent Residency (PR).
Staying Focused on the Long Game
By 2023, Hitesh successfully achieved PR - a journey he completed in just five years, despite pandemic challenges. He attributes his success to one factor: focus.
Many students, he says, get distracted by easy-money part-time jobs and lifestyle spending, losing sight of their real goal — a professional career and long-term stability. His disciplined approach of building relevant experience early gave him an edge and led to a higher-than-average starting salary after graduation.
Hitesh’s Philosophy
Today, Hitesh works across multiple roles in marketing, data, and AI consulting, even volunteering his skills for a childcare organization. For him, IT is about problem-solving and constant learning - “In IT, the learning curve never becomes flat.”
He values Australia’s professional culture deeply, recalling how a manager once called him to apologize for overwork after seeing him email late — a small gesture that symbolized the respect for work-life balance he now cherishes.
Advice for Future Students
Hitesh’s message to aspiring international students is clear and practical:
- Choose your course wisely - Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Research your occupation on the immigration website and plan strategically for PR.
- Look beyond job portals - Attend networking events, target startups, and seek opportunities where your skills matter most.
His journey is a reminder that success in Australia isn’t about luck - it’s about focus, persistence, and the courage to adapt.