When Jeth arrived in New Zealand in March 2023, he wasn’t chasing a quick win.
He came from the Philippines with a clear intention: to start over and build a more stable future for himself and his wife. Back home, he had accumulated experience across IT, public service, and running a family business—a diverse background that had served him well, but didn’t immediately translate into a clear role in the New Zealand job market.
He enrolled as a full-time student, knowing that study would be part of his long-term plan. At the same time, he understood that rebuilding a career in a new country would take patience.
Hindi malinaw sa simula kung saan hahantong ang lahat—pero kailangan niyang subukan.
As Jeth settled into life as a student, the realities of the job market quickly set in.
He balanced:
Despite sending out over 500 job applications, rejection after rejection followed. Pero hindi ‘to dahil sa kakulangan sa skills niya, kundi sa visa limitations.
The pressure wasn’t just professional. Financial strain and self-doubt crept in, especially as time passed without a breakthrough.
To make things harder, Jeth was involved in a scooter accident, adding physical recovery and emotional stress to an already challenging period.
Imbis na sumuko, Jeth adjusted and persisted.
He took a closer look at how he was presenting himself:
These changes didn’t bring instant results—but they prepared him for the right opportunity when it finally appeared.
From early on, Jeth knew that balancing study, work, and visa conditions would require careful planning.
As he navigated all of these, Koru helped him understand which options were viable given his student visa conditions, and how to move forward without putting his studies or immigration status at risk.
Rather than rushing decisions, Jeth was able to think ahead and approach each step with a clearer view of what was possible at that stage of his journey.
As opportunities emerged, Jeth was prepared for the possibility of transitioning to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if the right employer came along—allowing him to respond confidently instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Koru's guidance didn’t remove the challenges, but it helped Jeth make informed decisions, kahit na may mga bagay na hindi pa masyadong klaro para sa kanya.
Eventually, Jeth’s efforts and preparation paid off.
A New Zealand agritech company recognised his experience and potential, and—in a rare move for an international student—offered him a role with employer support for an AEWV.
This moment marked a significant shift. With the employer’s backing and the right advice in place, Jeth was able to transition from student status to full-time employment under an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Today, Jeth works full-time in New Zealand while completing his master’s degree.
He has moved from a period defined by rejection and uncertainty to one with stability, direction, and renewed confidence. The journey wasn’t straightforward—and it certainly wasn’t quick—but it was shaped by persistence, adaptability, and guidance at the moments that mattered most.
Para kay Jeth, ang tagumpay ay hindi lang ang makakuha ng trabaho,kundi ang makahanapng tamang direksyon kahit paulit-ulit siyang tinanggihan.
Jeth’s story is a reminder that building a future in New Zealand doesn’t always follow a smooth or predictable path.
Are you currently navigating study, work, and visa limitations and wondering if your efforts will eventually pay off?
The next step–and timing–can become clearer with the right guidance.
