Why it took me almost a year to get my degree recognized (and what no one tells you)

Getting my career validated as an industrial engineer in Australia took me almost a year. And no, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort. It was due to burnout, fear, and misinformation. I started the process from Colombia because I was clear from the beginning that I wanted to apply for permanent residency. And for that, I needed to validate my degree.

But wow… no one tells you how tough this process can be:📍 I didn’t know anyone who had done it.📍 I didn’t have professional guidance.📍 I only had internet information and my determination.

Even so, I took the leap.

Taking the IELTS had already been a challenge. But the Skills Assessment from Engineers Australia was on another level.

I had to:

• Write technical essays in English.

• Talk about past projects.

• Translate documents.

• Read the entire Engineers Australia website.

• Rewrite texts multiple times because they were rejected or didn’t meet the standards.

  
  

They even asked me to rewrite two entire essays, which had already taken me more than a month, and submit them an hour before the deadline. I felt on the brink of collapse.

They also requested additional documentation from my work experiences, and even copies of old contracts. Getting contracts from years ago was not easy.

All of this happened due to ignorance: being an industrial engineer in Colombia is very different from being one in Australia. I should have sought professional advice… but let me be honest with you: that guidance didn’t exist back then.

I felt alone, lost, and frustrated.

But I did it (and you can too). Yes, I did it. But the toll was huge. Today, I look back and think: "I wish someone had explained this to me earlier. I wish someone had guided me, as I guide others now."

That’s why today, with pride, I am the CEO of Entrelingo Group, and within the group, we have SkillsPRO, a specialized division where we help professionals like you validate your career in less than 4 weeks.

With real advice, experts, migration support, experience… everything I wish I had back then.

My advice if you’re starting your validation process:

• Don’t do it alone. The information on the internet helps, but it doesn’t replace experience.

• Seek professional advice from someone who knows the Engineers Australia process and requirements.

• Prepare to translate and document everything. Everything counts, from contracts to small projects.

• Be patient and persistent because rejections don’t mean failure; they’re adjustments that bring you closer to success.

  
  

At SkillsPRO, with our experience in Skills Assessment, we help professionals design the most effective strategy for their migration, minimizing costs and maximizing visa and employment opportunities in Australia.

Our services include:

✔️ Review and preparation of all required documents.

✔️ NAATI-certified translations of your academic and relevant documents.

✔️ Comprehensive guidance on what documents are essential for your specific occupation.

✔️ Free consultation to help you understand your case and provide the best options – Book your free consultation here

If you want more information about the Skills Assessment process, migration, or simply want to connect with other professionals, we invite you to join our WhatsApp group "Latinos Profesionales en Australia" 🇦🇺. Share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your path to residency in Australia. You can also join our Facebook group here.