Hi everyone,
I received an Unconditional Offer of Place at EIT for Post Graduate Diploma in IT, Level 8. I initially applied for the Graduate Diploma in IT, Level 7. However to my surprise, I was assessed a higher qualification instead.
I don’t have a formal education in IT, but my previous jobs has zeroed me down to the Technical and Customer Support aspect of that field, plus the companies and years I have worked through could have led the school to grant me a higher level of qualification. I am thinking of staying on the Level 7 as I don’t need to bring a partner in NZ (one of the benefits of Level 8), and I think Level 7 is suffice, since I want to have a better grasp and foundation on the IT course.
But such opportunity is now presented and I would want to take advantage of the Level 8 course.
My concern now is regarding the STUDY TO WORK program.
1. Post Study Work Visa (open) – I believe this will be automatically granted given all the requirements are satisfied.
2. Post Study Work Visa (employer sponsored) - here’s where my dilemma lies, so:
QUESTION: If I take Post Graduate Diploma in IT, do I need to get a JOB that is within the managerial position in IT (mid to high level management) or is it okay to land a rank and file job within the IT industry?
Based on what I have been reading, the job opportunities in the Level 7 and 8 in IT are somewhat overlapping in terms of job titles or even perhaps job scope. Except that some jobs under level 8 has a Managerial post attached to it.
Job titles are kinda similar to both, so I was thinking, should the competition for a managerial post would be stiff for a foreigner like me, perhaps I can land a rank and file job as long as it’s in the IT industry (ie if I take level 8)
I am really concerned if taking Level 8 would require me to be employed within the mid level or higher managerial posts in IT in order to be granted a 2 year extension of Post Study Work Visa.
Thank you for your replies!