The recently launched Indian Professionals in Victoria (IPV) aims to have the answer to the key questions of What, When, Why, How and Who, when it comes to navigating career challenges.
IPV was created to provide a learning roadmap that will help Indian professionals in Victoria to fulfill their career aspirations.
With more than 165,000 Indians living in Melbourne Indian professionals and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the Victorian economy.
As the new generation hits the workforce and embraces the shifting nature of jobs, it is critical to find a sustainable way to build capacity for the future.
This not-for-profit organisation’s vision is to mobilise this development.
“Indian professionals are known in Australia for their technical prowess and acumen, reliability and hard-working nature but there is lot more that is needed to create and lead a successful and settled life,” President Naishadh Gadani told Indian Link.
According to him IPV aims to help Indian professionals through mentoring, workshops, seminars, networking events, entrepreneurship programs etc. to ensure that they establish a firm foothold in their new home here and have a support system to rely on.
IPV’s target audience are recent arrivals to Australia. Many members have young families, a mortgage to pay and kids to educate. IPV also attracts international students.
Naishadh is perfectly suited in his role as president here, given he is Project Coordinator/team leader at Skillinvest Limited and founder of Your Career Down Under, a coaching service for migrants. His expertise lies in personal branding and resume services.
“As someone who has overcome many challenges to succeed in a new life in Australia, my career path has equipped me with a unique set of skills that I can now leverage to help others help themselves,” Naishadh revealed.
The IPV team comprises of Indian professionals who volunteer their time and expertise with a focus on developing non-core (soft skills) for Indian professionals.
“We have recognised that Indian migrants have the technical skills required to complete workplace tasks, but often lack the equally valued soft skills, such as communication, public speaking and leadership, to excel at work. Soft skills are key to building relationships, gaining visibility, and creating more opportunities for advancement. IPV provides professionals with a platform to fortify these skills.”
He added, “If you have an idea, we will help you to make it viable,” said Naishadh, elaborating on IPV’s vision. “Our USP is a dedicated team that is very clear on their objectives and capable of providing logical solutions.”
The platform is not a unique idea; the IPV model is based on a similar organisation in South Australia.
“There are many networking organisations like ours out there,” shared Naishadh. “Initially we looked at the Indian professionals in Adelaide and realised that it was an idea that was already working, so there was no need to reinvent the wheel. We decided to cater state-wide rather than just Melbourne because Geelong and Ballarat are slated to become major hubs and our network should incorporate regional Victoria.”
IPV’s next event is on 4 June, a free networking event and a panel discussion on How to Thrive During Disruptive Times.
Interested people are invited to register and learn about strategies to help them become resilient and adaptive in this rapidly changing economy.