Just a simple thread for the OzB community; thought it'd be good to get an idea of everyone's occupational backgrounds and provide a platform for some interesting questions and discussions regarding certain jobs and occupations.
I'll start off:
Age: Mid 20s
Current Title: External Auditor (intermediate)
Industry: Professional Services
Location: Melbourne
PS: If you have any questions about my job, ask away :-)
I'm a teacher (languages) I love it but it is hard. People that never taught cannot understand.
My family does especially when they see me continuing work at home (marking and preparing lessons). If we didn't have the holidays neither teachers or kids could sustain the rhythm especially in high school!
Really? Marking isn't that hard.
Most teachers I know don't work the full 9-5, they have periods during the day which are breaks! Preparing lessons, well unless the curriculum has fully changed you can use the past year stuff.
Work in the private sector and you will be thanking God that teaching in Australia is such a breeze. The only thing I acknowledge that is hard is the controlling the children and well the ones who keep asking questions.
I worked in both private and schools so I can give you my point of view from both sides.
I personally prepare a custom less for each of my class.this includes PowerPoints and photocopies. It takes me ages.
Im supposed to be part time and I'm at school everyday between 7-7.30.
3 times a week I finish at 5 and the other ones I finish at 1.30. Then there is parents teacher where I have stayed until 7pm.
I'm on 70% but I work more than a 9-5
Then when I get home I mark or do reports.
I don't know where it is that these teachers work so little. Please tell me where their school is. :)
@fozzie: By private sector I didn't mean private schools, which is pretty much a holiday as well.
From what I am reading you're not efficient at your job, the hours you're putting in is excessive given the nature of the work you do. There is a saying those who can't do, become teachers as the business side of the world doesn't tolerate complacency.
During the mining boom in WA, I remember a couple of teachers run towards the money; nearly all of them returned within a year.
The truth is you can re use the same course work from last year and the teaching time in a period is hardly the full hour! You haven't convinced me that teachers have work loads that akin to investment bankers, accountants, engineers, lawyers etc..
@GameChanger:
You are quite rude saying I'm not efficient. Have you ever taught? I don't think so. Do you know me? No
I worked as a team leader supervising 40 staff in my twenties and it was easier.
I don't need to convince you. If you think that fair enough. Sounds like you are very narrow minded person.. I would never dream to talk about other industries if I never experienced it.
I don't think everyone has the mental health to supervise and teach up to 30 teeneagers. Me and others do it day and day out. I am not complaining though as I love it.
@fozzie: I spent 17 years in school, I'm fairly sure I have experienced it. The same can be said about lecturers, only difference is that they have much bigger classes and actually need to do research which is tough gig.
You might not like to believe it but teaching is one of the easiest white collar job available.
Apologies for being so blunt, its how I feel and what most people know about teaching as well.
Not enough people out there proficient and maths and sciences putting their talents towards teaching instead of peddling their talents to the highest bidder in industry.
In Australia too much focus on students' rights and not enough on their responsibilities, lack of respect from parents and students, being undervalued by the community and underpaid especially with the out of hours prep work you need to do - teaching is one of the hardest gigs I can think of, I know a couple former teachers who've made the switch to industry because it isn't worth it.
Good on you for making a difference
Underpaid? Give me that amount of holidays and basically during class you can be a day trader!
You seem to have a lot to say about what other people do for a living - what is it that you do that makes you so much better than a teacher?
I work in accounting (FC of a medium / large corporate) and earn a heck of a lot more money than the average teacher, on the flip side I work late most nights and some weekends to boot. But what part of that makes me entitled to judge what a teacher does for a living, or anyone else for that matter? I'm just lining my own pockets with a high income, I'm not some kind of martyr for working ridiculous hours nor do I see it as any badge of honour.
I can't stand the mentality of valuing people by the dollars they earn rather than who they are and what they contribute to society.
@jay29043: Well I judge because when I see teachers complain, its not justified. I know exactly how much they work and that the complaints one can't live a social life/long hours don't add up.
What teachers earn given the amount of work required, they're are generously compensated.
@GameChanger: I think we're going to have to agree to disagree here bud. Just like any industry there are always lazy ones that coast on the bare minimum, take the piss and yet feel entitled to everything. I work with people like that too.
But the good teachers, the ones putting the hard yards in and investing in their students and passionate about their jobs - I probably only had one like that in all my years of schooling and he was really inspirational, my hat goes off to them because I know I couldn't do what they do
@jay29043: Agreed.
Therein is the problem, where the number of outstanding teachers is very low! I honestly had only 1 or 2 that were exceptional, whilst the rest enjoyed playing games on their computers. And yes some were very open about their habits in class lol! And this was at one of the most expensive private schools, where teachers are monitored more closely.
Where is your post about yourself in this thread?
I'm sure a lot of other members are curious on what you do and your background.
I'm sure a lot of other members are curious on what you do and your background.
Why would you think that? The truth is no one cares.
@GameChanger: I was replying to cwongtech, not to you. I already know what you do , or at least what you said you did, before you deleted your comments about your "entrepreneurial lifestyle".
@cwongtech: I don't feel the need to share it in front of everyone. If you wish to know, you can message me.
Age: Mid 20s
Current Title: Dentist
Industry: Dental Profession
Location: Perth
Metro area? I've heard all kinds of things about dent salaries so could you provide a rough figure?
200k+ PA
I've worked at a few practices and I've varied between 200-250k
How hard is it to become a dentist as opposed to a doctor?
Lawd. Is it too late for me to study dentistry? :P
@excelsior: never too late to pursue something you want to do but it's never good to chase just money :)
@raven2000: doctor is probably a longer degree and takes longer to get to the same salary level but granted - being a dentist will take its toll on your body as you are fixated in one position all the time
@blehgg: yeah it definitely isn't as easy as it was 10 years ago. i imagine it is still easier than other occupations though
Age: Early 20's
Current title: New car salesman (go easy)
Industry: Automotive
Location: Melbourne
How do we negotiate on price?
The best way to negotiate with a dealer is to do your research first. Have a look at demonstrator models from dealers on carsales. Use this as a start. Usually, demo's are sold with some loss however not by much which means the price of a new car can be sold for the same price, if not a very close price.
Dealers want to sell you the car then and there so they will do anything to keep you in that dealership. One of the most powerful tools of negotiating I have found is to walk away. If your offer is close to what they can sell the car for, they will do anything to keep you there and will most likely give you a last offer which in most cases, is the lowest they can go. However in saying this, all dealerships work off different business models. Some work on gross and some on volume. Go for the volume dealers.
Hope that helps!
Thanks! How do you tell if someone is gross or volume?
Bigger the dealer the more volume they sell. The little dealerships on their own NEED profit on each and every sale, so gross is very important to them. The bigger dealers pump through the cars like Maccas Big Macs, and make a little off a lot of sales… and other areas like trade ins/used cars.
When I buy a new car, I walk into a dealer, go to the front counter and say 'I'd to buy a car today please'.
No test drives, no brochures, no secret sales techniques, no tyre kicking, no "ohh, but I need finance"… I'm ready. Now.
What's the best deal you can do for me?
When you start the conversation like that, it's amazing how attentive the sales person is.
You're not there wasting their time, and they know they aren't wasting theirs.
Do all your homework and test driving days/weeks/months earlier. Explain you aren't ready to buy (so they know a deal is unlikely), and you are still working out which car is for you. And when you make your decision, strike… and strike hard!
Are last year plate cars/drive away cars negotiable much? Or Are the drive away price usually the best they can do because it's already discounted?
Age: Early/Mid 20s
Title: Analyst / Consultant
Industry: Data Analytics
Location: Sydney
What do you work with? R, python, sas?
I've started doing kaggle comps and coursera courses to get my machine learning / analytics chops up, and am interested to know what you do. Especially if you've done any formal study.
Hey sparkanum,
A wide variety; but heavily use SQL (Microsoft SQL and Teradata SQL) and R for day to day tasks. I tried convincing people to use Python but for some reason Python isn't as widely used where I work; almost feared as if it's some foreign language. SAS isn't used widely anymore because it isn't cheap and feels 'dinosaur-like' to the newer tech (Not that Teradata SQL is any less dinosaur).
We also have Hadoop clusters but a lot of the interfaces (I think Apache Spark is the choice for quite a few people) are too new that in a lot of cases we're having difficulty with day to day tasks that are quite simple with developed programs like Teradata SQL which have a wealth of options and stability. Where money is concerned, I think stability is always chosen over R&D.
I personally didn't have any knowledge of any of these things bar personal learning in Python and R for fun.
All the data knowledge / stats / analytics I learned on the job through work and personal learning (including Coursera).
To be frank and a bit sadly, machine learning isn't as popular as you'd think when money is concerned, clients rarely understand and want very simple analytics (1+1=2).
Can I PM you a few questions?
Sure feel free to shoot me some questions.
Age: 23
Title: Principal/Owner
Industry: Real Estate Sales - Residential
Location: Brisbane
Have you been in real estate since you were 18? Very aggressive (but commendable) to start a real estate business at 23!
Age: 25
Job: Owner of a software development company in India
Industry: IT/FinTech
Location: VIC
May I know the name of your company?
Co Lab IT, running incognito at the moment. Happy to answer any questions you might have though :)
Age: Late 20s
Current Title: Field Cost
Industry: Engineering, Construction & Project Management
Location: Brisbane
Age: Early 20s
Title: Town Planner
Industry: Local Government
Location: Melbourne
Any chance you can share tips on how to get planning approvals through council faster?
Approvals? Easy, don't be over ambitious with the design, comply with all regulations, be prepared to make changes and get a designer/architect who actually thinks and knows how to design.
Half the time things take so long is because people always want to "negotiate" and find "compromises" with council which just wastes our time.
Yeah - when I sit on the other side I feel like the council acts as happy handbrakes when I want to make full use of the land I'm building on!
Nice try, Australian Signals Directorate.
Age: Late 20s
Current Title: Management Accountant
Industry: Pharmaceutical
Location: Sydney
Age: 30
Current title : CEO/ retired
Industry: N/A
Location: Melb
I tell you what, a lot of people are proud to wake up every day to go to their 9-5 jobs. But I love doing nothing and I know my name baits in for so much comeback but it's so typical l.
Congrats on early retirement!
You're living the dream.
What did you do?
How did you retire so early?
Lolx.. Centrelink!
Age: 30s
Title: Plain clothes Police officer (Investigator)
Industry: Law Enforcement
Location: NSW
I've always wondered about this role in the Police Force. I feel like it sounds more exciting than it is, or am I wrong?
What exactly do you investigate, Like do you have a particular field, drugs? Organised crime?
Cheers
My field at the moment is drugs (and associated crimes like armed robbery) and organized crime.
I've had experience with lots of different investigations over the years; child sexual assaults, fraud and cybercrime, public government corruption, murder, kidnappings, etc. I've dabbled in gangs and I'm considering moving into counter-terrorism in the near future.
I've just finished a public corruption strike force that has consumed the better part of two years of my life (been running in on the side while still having to do my other work).
As for exciting, I'd say it is. This week for instance I got to be in a high speed pursuit that ended up with an arrest of a wanted armed robber at gunpoint. I run undercover operations, and get to do lots of sneaky things. I also get to run operations involving our tactical guys who love nothing better than ramming their armoured van into houses.
I've worked with the Australian Crime Commission, NSW Crime Commission, ASIC, ATO, ICAC, various other State and Federal police as well as 'other federal agencies'. I haven't done any international work, which I think would be interesting and I know that working in CT they partner with other nations.
I've had guns pointed at me, stabbed at, saved people from cliffs (yes, that's plural), I've rescued animals, run through burning buildings (bushfires are frigging scary), held people as they've died, had a corpse explode on me (it was only a little explosion but I still count it), found missing kids, talked plenty of people out of killing themselves, told mums and dads their kids are dead and despite three attempts I've never successfully brought anyone back from CPR. I've been in armoured vans, helicopters, suped up unmarked pursuit vehicles, abseiled from wheat silos, crept through the bush in camouflage and a fair amount of other things I can't really go into.
The best thing about my job is variety - no two days are the same. That and punching people, while I never go looking for violence there's nothing better than having a job where you're paid to hit people. It's quite cathartic at times. :P
Wow didn't expect that! Thank you!
Sounds like a very exciting job, while very challenging and emotionally tolling.
Yeah pretty much. At times it's hare, at times it incredibly stressful and you see and hear things that you will never ever forget.
But if you're suited for it, it's the best job on earth.
You asked if it's boring, sometimes it can be - especially if you're doing surveillance. It's not all car chases and gun fights and like ever job it's got aspects that annoy you.
If you've got any other questions I'm happy to answer what I can (but I generally don't answer traffic questions. I don't issue infringements and I have no interest in defending cockroaches… er I mean the Highway Patrol).
What is it like to be a plain-clothed officer in a busy area (like at peak-hour train stations), hunting down a criminal?
It kinda reminds me of those Authroised Officiers on the Metro Trains (ticket inspectors) who seem to pop out of nowhere and spot the offender.
@silverrat23:
Hunting people can be a lot of fun, regardless of where you are. Generally these days if I'm leaving the office it's for a pre-planned operation (unless I'm out to get my lunch of course!) so it's a lot less 'hunting for general badness' than it is executing a plan as part of a larger operation. Both fun in their own right, but just very different approaches.
There's a whole unit dedicated to prowling around Public transport networks in plain clothes looking for street (low level) offences like simple stealings and robberies, street-level drug dealing, offenders with outstanding arrest warrants, etc.
That's the best thing about the cops. There's so much different stuff to do.
Thanks for keeping us safe mate.Cheers
Thanks mate, you're very welcome. I love what I do and it's immensely satisfying. Thanks for paying me fairly well. :)
It makes me frustrated when I read and hear people automatically assume we're 'out to get them'.
For instance I could write an impassioned defence of the latest updates to the commonwealth telecommunications laws (the metadata stuff) but no-one listens because they assume I sit around bored all day hacking into peoples' phones looking for dickpics for my own amusement. Sigh
Age: Late 20s
Current Title: Air Traffic Controller
Industry: Aviation
Location: Darwin
Have always been interested in ATC.
I know they have a course through Air Services which then places you in one of the en route/aerodrome zones based on your choice for training. But…I can never find any information on when do they have admissions open for the course (AVI50115 Diploma of Aviation). For example here, they have nothing in regards to the Online Application Form section.
Do they only open it when there's a vacancy? What's the best way to prepare and apply for the position? Do you need any specific pre-req in education in regards to a stream? There are talks that a lot of ATC roles will be automated..do you see a shortage of candidates in the role or excess? Sorry for bombarding you with all the questions :)
Hey mate,
It is a great career path if you are interested. I love my job. It has its ups and downs like any other but I find it to be rewarding and enjoyable. Personally I am part of the other agency that provides ATC in Australia, Defence. If you are interested in ASA ATC keep an eye on http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/careers/air-traffic-cont… for trainee vacancies. They usually they have a couple of intakes a year, says the next one will be in June. Also you can subscribe to receive email notifications of job openings in the available jobs section.
Best way to prepare would be to research what air traffic control is, what we do and the various types of control positions. Research where the TCUs are and where abouts our different towers are located. Practice online time based maths quizzes and those 3D spatial awareness questions. Practice your 6 times tables and learn about miles per minute, as that is what we work in. Also expect questions on your personality and how you work with others and respond to stress. It is generally quite easy to organise a visit to a tower if you are interested, definitely with defence ATC at least.
No specific pre req education wise, other than completing year 12. I do not see our job being automated anytime soon. There will likely always be a large human component in ATC with automated procedures. We are moving that way at the moment with aircraft tracking via SIDs and STARs with VNAV requirements etc. Dont think there is ever really a shortage of applicants for ASA, seems to be pretty competitive to get in. Dont know if ASA are struggling to fill spots or not having enough pass course. But both Defence ATC and ASA are generally short on controllers and constantly looking for more.
Thanks a ton for the reply :)
I looked at Defence ATC part as well. I however assumed that entry for that will be like any normal defence job? Including physical endurance test etc?
I am 33, been working in software development for over a decade, and ignored my health :) Swimming laps, push ups and running laps are not my strong points :(
I have always been interested in ATC and look at it beyond it being just a career. I'll keep an eye out on the course intakes and practice those quizzes. I should visit an ATC and see them in action in real life.
Thanks a lot again :)
Age: Late, late 30s
Current Title: Financial Systems Support
Industry: IT
Location: Sydney
Age: Late 20s
Title: Senior UX/UI Designer
Industry: Advertising
Location: Sydney
That's an interesting role. Just wondering what did you study/qualifications that got you into this role + tips? I'm doing marketing at the moment and looking to get into the advertising industry.
I studied Graphic Design and New Media at UOW, with a minor in Marketing. If you're studying Marketing you probably could get into advertising as an Account Manager or Project Manager pretty easily. The easy way to get in is know people. If not, do the grind and work as a junior in some agency at some stupid wage. Then work your work way up. If you shine the company, they will notice.
If you're end goal is salary. Then you'll need to work in a place for a few years, then move. It's the only way to make more money quicker. Or you can build relationships in one company negotiate your way up.
I also done a short course (16 weeks) at General Assembly for User Experience. There's plenty of other schools out there too like Billy Blue is pretty good. I already have UX experience because of my design background, but anyone working in the industry and understands simple logical human actions can get into it easily.
UI is because I enjoy digital over Interaction Design over print design. I mean, typography and layout is amazing and all, but my world is somewhere else.
Ad land in Sydney is ridiculously small. Everyone basically knows everyone else. I suggest not to freelance straight out of Uni. Get into a company and learn as much as you can. Find a mentor and absorb. That is the most important part. Finding a good mentor.
Good luck.
Lee
How do get into contact people though?
Late to the party but
Age: 25 this year
Current Title: Senior Associate
Industry: Investment Banking
Job Function: Valuations in the Trading/ Finance Division
Location: Sydney
Sounds like IVT - how are you finding it (hours, work, etc.)?
Yep its IVT. Would be pretty funny if you were one of my coworkers or auditors.
Hours vary from person to person. Depending on how efficient you are with your work - for me its pretty good, I cant complain: 9-6 most days and the occasionall 8-8 during busy periods.
The work is interesting until you learn as much as you need/ can to be good at the role. I see it as a stepping stone to other things but again, depending on who you are it could be a really good job. This specific function is very underdeveloped in Australia so theres alot of job prospects and "sexy" stuff you can get involved with and help develop. Its very much a "what you make out of it" type of job.
How am I finding it? Personally, I am done with the role - been working 2 years, straight out of uni. Theres nothing wrong with the role but I dont feel that its challenging me to the fullest and I have little interest in where it could take me career wise. Am close to securing an Actuarial/ Quant consulting role in the banking team of a big 4 accounting firm. Also currently interviewing for a prop trader role too. Not that theres anything wrong with IVT, its just not my cup of tea.
May have been on your floor a couple months ago; only time I saw IVT stuff was with AM rates :)
Sounds like quite an interesting role to start off in!
Best of luck with the future endeavours.
Holy crap! im in charge of all AM rates and FIC at work, so theres a decent chance you know who I am now haha.
Thanks!
age : mid 30s
was a postgrad student when in oz
current title : IT Auditor
Industry : govt
location : Indonesia
Yes, I browse for bargains in oz even I'm in Indonesia. Sometimes I can get it delivered to Indonesia.
Age: 28
Job: Sonographer
Industry: Radiology/Healthcare
Location: Melbourne
Do you bulkbill pregnancy related scans?
Sorry we dont. There is an out of pocket expense.
«16 · Homeschooled High School Student»
Wannabe bargain hunter but wastes too much time being a fail pretentious pseudo-intellectual keyboard warrior
Age: mid-30s
Job: Actuarial Manager
Industry: Insurance
Location: Brisbane
Wild guess - CUA? :P
Totally…
Hmm people are so interesting on Ozbargain. I've noticed a large number of white collar jobs. Did anyone else notice this bias?
So for me:
Age: 25
Job: PhD student (is that a job? certainly feels like it)
Industry: Engineering
Location: Sydney
Do you plan on working?
Why you doing a phd in engineering?
A PhD is great for those who don't quite know what to do with themselves after finishing uni. Hahah
But really, its a fantastic opportunity to really push yourself. It requires an enormous amount of stupid determination and perseverance.
You get paid to do a PHD, so yes it is a job and a hard one at that.
Which university?
I study at USyd, in geotechnical engineering.
I wouldn't say we get paid very well at all. I swear we all "work" for less than minimum wage. Have said that though, we are getting paid to study which is good.
I don't know where I'll go at the end of it all. 50/50 split right now to either work academically or professionally.
I want to PM you!!! PM me please :)
In the interim - congratulations on doing a PhD and best of luck with it.
Age: Mid 20's
Current Title: Premium Support Technician (i.e. I fix computers for people in expensive suits)
Industry: Mining
Location: Brisbane
Age: Early 3100s
Current Title: Supreme Heartthrob and Master of the Universe
Industry: Awesomeness and Inspiration
Location: Planet Kyrpton
Dealing with 30 turds a day takes a toll on you