- Employment prospects remain strong for Pakistanis in Australia with experience, networking, and local support.
Interview with Mr. Zohaib Ahmed, a Pakistani-Australian polyglot
Profile
Zohaib Ahmed is a seasoned IT / Telecom Engineer based in Melbourne, Australia, with a strong background in project management and cloud technologies. His journey reflects the experience of a skilled Pakistani professional thriving in Australia’s diverse and competitive landscape.
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself:
Zohaib Ahmed: I am a Pakistani-Australian polyglot with nearly 19 years of experience in the IT and Telecom industry. My expertise spans IT infrastructure and cloud services, and I’ve had the privilege of working across multiple countries. Currently, I serve as a Senior Cloud Engineer at a leading financial institution in Melbourne, Australia. I hold a master’s degree from the University of Sunderland. Outside of work, I’m a proud Trekkie (Star Trek), a fan of classic black-and-white films, and a self-proclaimed cricket critic.
PAGE: How would you describe the life of a Pakistani in Australia?
Zohaib Ahmed: Australia is a multicultural society that warmly welcomes people from around the world and celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity. It acknowledges its complex history and strives to ensure past injustices are not repeated. While the Pakistani community may be smaller compared to other South Asian groups, it is vibrant, well-established, and deeply engaged in civic life.
Pakistani immigrants in Australia experience a blend of opportunity and adaptation. Many have excelled as academics, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs, contributing meaningfully to both Australian society and Pakistan. They are generous with their time and resources, especially during times of need back home. Despite cultural differences, Australia offers a safe, inclusive environment where Pakistanis can thrive, raise families, and maintain their cultural and religious practices.
PAGE: What are the employment prospects for Pakistanis in Australia vis-à-vis other nationals?
Zohaib Ahmed: Employment prospects for Pakistanis in Australia are generally strong, particularly for those with qualifications and experience in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Like other migrants, success often hinges on language proficiency, networking, and gaining local experience. While initial challenges may exist especially compared to native English speakers, many Pakistanis overcome these through certifications, internships, and community support.
Attitude plays a crucial role in career progression, regardless of location. As the world embraces AI and shifts away from traditional work models, Australia continues to offer abundant opportunities for those willing to adapt and grow.
PAGE: Tell me about the standards of education in Australia?
Zohaib Ahmed: Australia offers world-class education, with institutions like the University of Melbourne, ANU, and UNSW consistently ranked among the best globally. The education system emphasizes critical thinking, research, and practical application. Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs also provide strong pathways into trades and technical careers.
For international students, including those from Pakistan, Australia is a top destination due to its academic excellence, post-study work rights, and migration pathways. For migrants with young families, the primary and secondary education systems are on par with global standards, offering children a balanced learning environment that fosters growth without overwhelming academic pressure unlike some systems in Southeast Asia.
PAGE: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Zohaib Ahmed:
Agah apni maut se koī bashar nahin,
saman sau baras ka hai pal kī khabar nahin
(The time of his death, man cannot foresee, uncertain of the morrow yet, plans for a century)
Keeping this verse in mind, I hope to evolve into a senior leadership role perhaps as a Head of Technology or CTO, leading digital transformation initiatives. I aim to deepen my expertise in cloud security and enterprise architecture, mentor emerging professionals, and help build inclusive tech environments. Whether through corporate leadership or entrepreneurial ventures, I plan to remain at the forefront of innovation while continuing to give back to both the Australian and Pakistani communities.