Meet Saad: journey of a student who achieved his goal with strong determination and hardwork

Every student’s experience is unique in Australia. Some settle down in Australia as a Permanent Resident and some go back to their country to pursue further dreams and others drop out from studies and return home.

However, success follows only those who has demonstrated strong determination, discipline and dedication towards their goal. I would like to bring the experience of Saad Azam who had successfully completed his studies and got Permanent Residency recently. I met Saad in one of the Facebook groups, he said ‘yes’ as soon as I seek help for his interview.

Let’s congratulate him and ask him how he achieved it:

1. Tell about yourself?

I am Saad currently working as a Customer Care for a Consumer Electronics company. I live in Sydney

2. Tell us briefly about your student visa process and your arrival in Australia?

I personally applied through a consultant and arrived in 2014. The visa process was smooth and granted in approx. a month.

3. What course have you completed in Australia and When?

I have a master’s in mining (2016)

4. What was your first part time job and how long did you take to find your first part time job? What strategies have you implemented to achieve it?

First part time job was in dominos as a delivery driver. I used to check vacancies online, apply online and then visit the stores that I applied. Its always good to ask for the shift manager or the manager. Rather than asking for a job, I would just chat, and they would tell me on-spot if they were hiring or not.

5. Was the income from part time job was sufficient to cover your tuition fee and living expenses? Please explain in detail.

The income wasn’t sufficient for tuition but was enough for living expenses. It compensated a small amount, but the bigger chunk came from back home.

6. What was your routine day as a student?

University in the morning when I had classes. Back home for lunch and then leave for work. After finishing work, dinner at home and go to sleep. I played football twice a week, so I kept those days free.

7. Did you have any academic problems in completing the course, if yes how did you overcome them?

Not really, if you attend university regularly, the studies seem to be much easier. Also, there is a lot of support initially in terms of mentorship which helps as well.

8. What was (ere) your secret(s) to finish your studies successfully?

No such secret, just regular attendance and timely submissions.

9. What were your priorities after completing studies in Australia?

Most important was PR

10. Which English exam did you undertake (IELTS, PTE or any other)? What was your strategy to score 8 in the exam?

I gave IELTS several times but got 8 in PTE in the first attempt. PTE is all about practice. I bought the online test and would prepare for one part and then give a test. I would work on the part that I struggled and then give the online test again.

11. On what basis, did you apply for PR? What did you do to achieve eligibility for PR?

I applied 189 at 70 points, the first step was IELTS. Then I applied for the Engineers Australia assessment. After that, it’s just a matter of going through the documents like police certificate etc.

12. What are/were your trials to get the first professional job or setting up a business?

The first job was a bit easier as I had experience in Customer services. But engineering positions are a still a challenge as I do not have experience.

13. What advice do you have for prospective students?

Make up your mind before coming. Everyone struggles but just remember that this too shall pass.

Saad made his way to success by working hard, following the rules of the university and managing his time.  I am pretty sure the journey of Saad is inspiring to every one of us and it gives confidence and hope to those who are on their way to success.  All the best friends!

Thank you Saad for your interview on my blog and wish you all success for all your future endeavours.