Forget IT, Australian students told

[Nathan Thurm]

http://www.zdnet.com.au/newstech/hr/story/0,2000048610,20276063,00.htm
"For some IT undergraduates, there's no turning back. "As a Computer Science student at Melbourne University, I can say it is almost guaranteed that students will shy away from IT as a career without outsourcing legislation," said ITM member Jesse Stratford."
Sounds like Australia is going through the same thing we're going through ( not that it's a bad thing since, of course, this means cheaper and cheaper products, more profits for the corporation, etc. ).

[Billy Tsai]

DAMN IT I am screwed I am just thinking about moving to Sydney from Auckland, NZ if I still can't find a job here
I will get SCBCD and SCEA and see if they helps

[Nathan Thurm]

Billy,
Hey, I just wanted to say hang in there! I know it's tough.
My intent for posting the article was to point out that the US isn't the only
country facing the outsourcing issue, and hopefully the wheels will start turning and country's will realize that they'll need to pass legislation to protect the backbone of society their middle class, including IT workers. Or at least regulate this so that the flow isn't so destabilizing to the countries involved.
I also wanted to say that I've been through what you're going through to some degree. Graduated with a degree in accounting and a not so hot GPA, couldn't find a job. Went to an MBA program, did not have a job by the time I graduated, finally got a below average paying one seven months after graduation. Worked as an accountant for two years, got laid off. Went to school a third time for an MIS degree and was fortunate to get a job that I've had for awhile. While I'm glad to have a job now, we have gone through several rounds of layoffs and are hearing rumors of more this fall. So who knows what's going to happen, but I have been able to make through a lot of bad and some good times.
Regarding your situation, it sounds like you've been to good schools and got a good education from what I've read.
One suggestion, regarding the going back to school option. I don't recall how well your admission scores were, but if they could be higher, I would cram for one of those tests and raise your score. I had a friend who got a 580 (80% on the GMAT) and then studied like crazy and got a 700 (98%) and got into a pretty good Phd program. It also made a difference in my case, I got a pretty good score and that's what offset my GPA. So, if you have a high score then hopefully you're set, or if you have time to study that can make a difference. And besides that, personally, I'm impressed by the certifications you've listed, I can't recall seeing anyone else with Microsoft, Oracle, and Java certifications on this site. I would think you have a lot to offer a future employer, so hope something comes together for you soon.
Sorry to ramble. Hope this helps.
Nathan

[Natalie Kopple]

Billy, I encourage you to give your story to Peter Jennings -- software development offshoring drives Australia's brightest citizens jobless.
[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Natalie Kopple ]

[HS Thomas]

Good news for you, Billy.
End of the IT cowboys
NZ is the place to be perhaps.
regards

[Lance Duncan]

let's not forget the richest man in the world is still a IT guy.