Hey,

I don't have any leads for a grad but as a data professional here are some tips:

• Have a portfolio of your own work (dashboards, presentations, reports) ready to show a potential employer, you can produce this using publically available information, such as what's available on Google Public Data Explorer. Your portfolio should show new and interesting insights generated from raw data that have meaning and what action could be taken to remediate or take opportunity of what you found.
• Based on your certs and self-learning it actually sounds more like the role you're aiming for is a BI Developer or BI Analyst rather than Data Analyst. So you could include those roles to broaden your search. I would expect a junior Data Analyst to have basic proficiency in languages like Python and R as well as some understanding of AI/ML concepts. A junior BI Developer/Analyst should have basic knowledge of dimensional models and ETL processes.
• Don't assume that all employers will run their data platform on the Microsoft stack. You might want to consider certifications and exposure to Tableau, Oracle, AWS and Snowflake to give broader knowledge than just Microsoft's offerings. Tableau has student licences and reasonably priced e-learning/certifications.
• In addition to your uni check out some of the big consultant firms for graduate intake (KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PwC etc.). Also state/federal government departments although any grad intake will probably start in 2024 as others have said.
• Networking is very important in IT. In addition to Linked In there are professional associations that offer student memberships and programs to get graduates into the workforce and start to build your network. Have a look at Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Unless you're really keen for an office job in Perth this type of role can often be done remotely. So be open to applying to jobs outside of Perth if you're comfortable working remotely, even if they aren't advertised as remote working they may still consider it if they're desperate to fill a role. Although understandably most companies probably want to train a grad or junior role face to face. But no harm trying.

Hope this helps, good luck!