Hi! I'm a 24 year old Australian guy who's planning on coming to Istanbul around March next year to attempt to find some IT software development work and stick around for a while - how long I guess depends on how much I like it.

Currently I'm trying to get a bit of an idea what I'm up against work-wise and I'm thinking my lack of knowledge of Turkish combined with dubious visa status could be an issue. That said, I've got a degree and a couple of years experience combined with few expectations. What do the people of the board think my changes of finding an OK development job are? My, er, "backup plan" is to get a job teaching english, from what I have ascertained this is relatively straightforward to come across.

Either way, although I'm ages away from arriving I am a bit excited already and feel that I'm doing less and less work each day with my current job

Cheers!

I'd go with the English teaching based upon what you've written, as the IT sector is full of people who do this and don't require work visa's to do so.

Yes, well, I thought something like that might be the case - still, I'll probably give IT stuff a go, I'm thinking maybe some places if I don't mention my lack of visa they might not ask?

Unlikely, and problematic with accommodation as you'll need visas for phone lines, electricity and other essentials. Try hawking yourself around international companies that have offices here, I know one who makes windows, but not doors, who might be recruiting.

Hmm, that's far too cryptic for me

Ok, it's Microsoft.

Welcome Sebastian182. So, why Istanbul and not Kabul?

Thanks for the welcome, utabe.

Why Istanbul? I spent a few days there a little while ago and I think it seems like a really interesting and fun place - lots to see, lots to do. Somewhere in large contrast to my current residence ( of Canberra ). But then I guess by the same logic I might as well go to Kabul

Welcome Seb!

I'm constantly amazed that there are people who actually move to Istanbul by choice and not because they have to.

Apart from the usual "My boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/plaything is Turkish" reason......WHY?????

Well, good luck with everything, esp finding a job and place to live

Back on topic though, the only way that you'll get a decent job here in the IT sector is to get a job in Australia with Microsoft and then get posted to Istanbul. If you arrive in Istanbul and apply for a job with MS, if you're lucky and get one then maybe you'll earn $1,500 per month but as I said if you're lucky.

Blush, how can you say that.....Istanbul is the wonderfullest, bestest, beautifullest place I've ever lived in, it's so great.

Back on topic though. Mr. Sahne is correct. It's much better to apply to companies who are looking for staff to work in Turkey, rather than applying here. You'll get expat salaries and expat expenses. You have time, so get your CV up to date, check out lists of foreign companies who have operations here, and bombard them with applications. Email costs nothing and might pay off. If this succeeds though I will expect you to buy at least 5,000 medical books from me.

Ok thanks for the suggestions, I guess I'll just have to see what I can - as you say email cost nothing.

Hi Sebastian,

IT job market is very active in Istanbul these days. Especially telecom sector. Turkcell (the larger wireless provider), Nokia, Cisco, Nortel are all hiring. What is your background?

Hi Ibagoren,

My background is a Comp Sci degree and 3 and a bit years of development work, mainly java / j2ee stuff with oracle databases - although I think the language ( and visa ) barrier may be more of an issue than experience. Thanks for the leads, I'll check out those companies and see what I can find.

Hi Sebastian,
I also have a similar degree. (comp eng) I would suggest you to take a look at one of the websites for careers. http://www.Kariyer.net or secretcv.com are some of them. That's at least what I'm doing