Settlement Programmes secret of Sudhakar’s Success
Moving to New Zealand had been on Clement Sudhakar’s mind for some time before he actually took the plunge.
Armed with a masters degree in computer networking and 22 years of teaching experience, he wanted to pursue his career goals – to find a job that combined his two professions within the education sector.
So Indian-born Clement set out ahead of his wife and daughter to find a job and a new home for them to come to.
However, he soon found the job market wasn’t what he expected, nor did he know that employers were looking for more than experience and qualifications, they were after people-oriented employees.
“I had been working in Malaysia for 13 years and in India before that, so everything was completely new to me, I had a lot to learn.”
In Auckland at the time, he discovered the Auckland Chamber of Commerce migrants’ programme, which gave him an insight into the New Zealand job market and tips on how to secure a job.
“That helped me to change my attitude first, I was able to quickly look at how New Zealanders look at potential employees and that helped me to change my focus in a very short period of time.”
After a month he landed a job at the Open Polytechnic in Lower Hutt as a lecturer in information science.
“Just a day before the interview, I was attending the new skilled migrants’ workshop at Auckland. This helped me to tap into my tutor’s knowledge on how I could project myself at the job interview and how to win myself the job.”
It’s been onwards and upwards since. Clement is now working fulltime at Weltec, spending half his time as industrial partnership co-ordinator for its business unit, the other half as tutor at the School of IT.
And his boss, business development general manager Tim Allen, is delighted to have him on board.
“From his first interview he impressed us with his friendliness, energy and positive nature. His CV was also impressive, both in terms of qualifications and relevant experience."
“As industry partnership co-ordinator he builds relationships with businesses around work experience programmes for our students and is able to paint the picture of the benefits to the business as well as the student.
“As an IT tutor, obviously his personal qualities and technical expertise are directly relevant. So he is well-suited to his dual roles with WelTec.”
Outside of work, learning about the Kiwi way of life has continued - once Clement’s family arrived they came across Hutt City Settlement Support.
In fact he has learned about the Treaty of Waitangi, the history of the Hutt, te reo Maori and caring for the environment through interactive workshops run in conjunction with Waiwhetu Marae.
“We learned about all sorts of things, the Maori culture, income tax, the New Zealand education system, KiwiSaver, emergency preparedness, it was all very useful and enlightening.”
It’s now been more than two years since Clement and his family arrived here and he says, thanks largely to the workshops, courses and seminars on offer to new migrants, they are settled and happy here.
Clement has a job he finds exciting and challenging, his wife is working in childcare and his daughter is enjoying intermediate school. Out of work they often go hiking, cycling or swimming together.
“I had always wanted to come to New Zealand because of the career prospects and because of its nature, adventure and how beautiful it is, and we have not been disappointed, it has lived up to our expectations,” says Clement.
“As a family we are happy living in Wellington, we have got ourselves attached to good society contacts and that’s been very helpful in leading to a peaceful life here.”
