Alexandra Posoldova – Senior data scientist

Background

• Name: Alexandra Posoldova
• Nationality: Slovak Republic
• Family members: I am from a family of four, but have no family members in Australia.
• Visa type: Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
• Location: Brisbane
• Occupation: Senior Data Scientist

First steps and experiences in building a new life

Q: Why did you choose Queensland?

A: After finishing my Master’s Degree in Telecommunications, I found a supervisor at Griffith University and came here to start my PhD study from Europe. When I accomplished my PhD, I was granted a 485 working visa and worked on my application for a permanent residency visa.

Q: When did you first arrive?

A: It is the eighth year I have been living in Australia since I arrived in October 2013.

Q: What were the biggest challenges?

A: Even though I passed the required English test, I had challenges to understand the Australian accent. Then finding accommodation and going through the application process without prior renting history was challenging as well.

Q: What were the greatest successes?

A: I finished my PhD study and found my first full-time job.

Visa nomination process

Q: How did you find out about Queensland nomination and why did you choose a state-nominated business visa?

A: I chose State Nomination because of the options provided by my PhD and compared to Employer Sponsored visa, the processing times were much shorter. Many companies require employees to be permanent residents so my chances for employment increased once this was granted.

Q: What was your experience with the application process? Do you have advice for prospective applicants?

A: It is very straightforward and easy to follow the application process on the website. Meanwhile, I received such good support from the Queensland Government. It is no-brainer. Queensland has a lot to offer so this is the perfect state in Australia to settle.

Current situation

Q: What are you doing now?

A: I am working as a Senior Data Scientist for an AI and RPA consultancy company. I also have a couple of volunteering roles in related groups and organisations.

Q: What are the most positive aspects of living in Queensland?

A: Beautiful weather with mild winters in Queensland allows outdoor sporting whole year around. It is spacious, not crowded, and as a result I can live in a house close to the CBD and enjoy nice surroundings with well-maintained paths and parks. In addition, there is a lot of work opportunities, which allowed me to find a full-time job quickly.

Future plans

Q: What are your next steps?

A: I would like to work on my career as much as I can before starting a family. I aspire to become AI Specialist or AI Solution Architect. I am candidate for the Chair of IEEE Queensland position for next year. I am also looking at expanding my volunteering work to humanitarian activities and helping to solve world problems with technology.