Originally from India, Uday Konda is a migrant engineer who now calls the Northern Territory home. Like many in his position, he faced challenges breaking into the local industry, but with persistence and support he’s now thriving as a mechanical engineer.
We spoke to Uday about his journey, the challenges he faced and how Engineers Australia supported his transition into the workforce.
What led you to pursue a career in engineering?
I grew up in a farming family, where fixing machines and figuring out how things worked was just part of daily life. The hands-on experience sparked my interest in engineering. I was also inspired by the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan– his story of perseverance, self-learning and his groundbreaking contributions to the field reminded me that curiosity and dedication are key to innovation in engineering.
Where did you study and what led you to decide to settle in the Northern Territory?
I completed a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India. I chose to come to Australia because of the great engineering and business opportunities, particularly in sectors like mining and energy. The country’s strong economy and diverse culture made it the right place for me to build my career.
I also saw that the NT offers great opportunities for migrant professionals to establish themselves and build a career in engineering.
What challenges did you face as a new migrant engineer, and how did you overcome them?
As a migrant student the biggest hurdle when it came to finding a job was the demand for local experience, which I didn’t have. To overcome this challenge, I took on small roles to build experience and attended networking events to improve my skills and grow my connections. I applied everywhere, reached out to consultants and networked on LinkedIn. It was a tough journey, but with persistence and the right opportunities, I was able to break into my field and build my career in engineering.
How has your connection with Engineers Australia supported your journey?
Engineers Australia has helped expand my professional network and knowledge. Attending their events and using their resources has been incredibly beneficial.
In addition, the Migrant Skills Assessment through Engineers Australia was clear and detailed. It helped validate my qualifications and made it easier to pursue engineering roles.
Do you have any advice for new migrant engineers, and the companies who might employ them?
My advice for migrant engineers is to stay persistent and proactive in building their professional network. Take advantage of resources offered by Engineers Australia, attend industry events and seek mentorship to gain local experience and improve your chances of success.
Companies hiring migrant engineers should value diverse perspectives and skills that migrant engineers bring with their international experience. With mentorship and support, we can really thrive and contribute effectively.