Supporters of National ICT Careers Week

28 July - 2 August 2008

A vital component of this campaign is testimonials from current industry professionals enjoying interesting and successful ICT careers. If that is you, please provide your insights into ICT as a career for young people, and help ensure the long-term growth of our industry.

Insights

Here are the stories of people working in ICT (1Mb PDF) that illustrate the differing career paths and entry points, the diversity of roles available, and the benefits of choosing to work in the ICT sector.

Testimonials

"People are often surprised to hear that my move into ICT was not planned, but I’ve spent more than 20 years in the Australian IT industry, so it’s fair to say that I really enjoy it! What’s great is that the dynamics of the industry are always changing. It’s very innovative. Things change very fast, like every couple of years. When you work for a company in ICT, you’re there, right at the very beginning of all of that innovation. You have to create new business models all the time – it’s that dynamic. This makes it very exciting to be in. There are many different opportunities and challenges to deal with, so you are constantly learning. And because of that continuous learning, it means that you acquire new skills which can take your career in so many different directions. It really does open up the world of possibilities. You can be an accountant or a financial analyst or in sales - as I was - and enter the ICT industry and be tremendously successful. I can honestly say I cannot think of a better field to work in."

Tracey Fellows, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia

"The future of ICT is exciting because it will be carried by a generation who embrace technology and recognise the possibilities it can bring. I look forward to seeing a new world of work where offices as we know them will cease to exist, a global community of problem-solvers not bound by geography but who inspire innovation and a generation with a strong desire to go one step further than they did yesterday. This is what the ICT industry is all about."
Glen Boreham, Managing Director, IBM Australia and New Zealand, and Deputy Chairman, Australian Information Industry Association

“With a career in ICT, you can make a difference! ICT has fundamentally transformed the way we conduct business and the way we interact with other people on a personal and professional basis. The momentum behind this transformation will only continue to increase. A career in ICT will position you to take advantage of this rising tide. One of the aspects I particularly like about working in ICT is meeting people, understanding their problems and providing them with solutions that have utility and impact. If you are good enough and bold enough, you have the ability to touch the lives of many hundreds, thousands, millions or perhaps even billions of people around the world. You can make a difference in ICT.”
Stuart Beil, General Manager, Funnelback

"As a consultant in ICT, I have had the opportunity to work with a large number of companies across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Plus start my own business, which now employs 22 staff across 2 states. At its core, ICT powers just about everything, so a job in ICT doesn’t mean working with computers, it means that you will be working day to day on the systems that power business and the way we live and work. We are working with clients to change the way local governments operate, build platforms for next-generation mobile technologies, improve systems that manage traffic flow, and optimising how emergency crews deal with power outages and failures. Despite the different industries and business drivers, all of these projects use ICT at their core and in that sense it is a unique profession, because it is universal. ICT gives you great opportunities to work with interesting systems and people, travel extensively and be well paid for what you do. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working in the ICT industry for the last 12 years and couldn’t imagine doing any else for a living."
Cameron Tuesley, Managing Director, Integral Technology Solutions

"Over the last 20 years my ICT career has developed with some of the world's largest companies including Deloitte, Mercer Consulting and British Telecom. ICT has been the catalyst allowing me to work in UK, Eastern Europe and most of Asia. Few careers are truly international, with skills so transferable to any country in the world. The world is totally dependent on ICT, now and in the future, and I often say that few things are certain except for death, taxes and ICT."
Simon Burke, Managing Director, IPscape

"After high school I undertook a Diploma in Computer Engineering. I then proceeded to teach the course at the same college. Seeing my students understand the principles and listening to their ideas of influencing and changing the world was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I would say this was the point at which I realised that my career would definitely continue in ICT. Since then I have worked in India and China as well, and enjoyed travelling, meeting new people and cultures, building new skills on an almost daily basis, and the opportunity to learn a number of different business sectors."
Zaynab Leeya, Senior Business Analyst, ThoughtWorks

"The information and communications technology industry has never been more dynamic and progressive and there has never been a better time to consider a career in ICT. A career in ICT provides a wealth of diverse opportunities for people who can think differently - even radically - about how technology can change the world. Today, a career in ICT suits people who are broad-minded. The industry thrives on innovation and needs to attract diverse ideas from people from different backgrounds, bringing different experiences, and thinking."
Jackie Korhonen, Managed Business Process Services Leader, IBM Australia and New Zealand

"My career prospects are very wide. I could potentially work in any industry, be it banking, manufacturing, insurance, etc. I've been exposed to most of these industries since we consult with them. I'm currently on a 1-year assignment to Australia from Chicago. I wasn't one of those who loved my studies so much that I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be a developer for the rest of my life. It was a hard 4 years in college but now that I'm in the workforce and doing what a developer does, it gives me a huge sense of accomplishment when even a small thing like a test running and passing happens."
Dahlia Bock, Software Developer, ThoughtWorks

“I am a recent graduate of the Business Information Systems Masters Program at the University of SA. Since completing the program in 2007, I have become an analyst with APA Group, the leading energy transmission business in Australia, with interests in over 12,000 kms of natural gas pipeline and distribution infrastructure. At only 24, I've gained two degrees and a Masters. Having been active in the workforce now for over 6 months, you come to realise how important a good foundation is. I've found myself ahead of the pack in a number of areas. Networks of industry partners, valuable hands-on experience and expanded ways of thinking are all part of giving me the edge I need to take myself further."
Scott McKenzie, 2007 Graduate, University of South Australia School of Information & Computer Science

"I have found the ICT industry to be such a dynamic and fulfilling environment. ICT has come to play such a vital role in day-to-day life, and knowing that our business and its staff rely on our work for their daily operations is extremely rewarding. Whilst it is a challenging and fast-changing industry, I like the fact that this means I am constantly learning new skills. There are so many opportunities in the ICT industry and it is definitely a career path I see myself continuing with."
Tina Ye, Web Administrator, InTACT

"Information and communication technology (ICT) skills have never been more important than in today’s global innovation economy. Demand for technology skills continues to grow across Victoria and Australia, and with few other skills as flexible and transferable, the opportunities are limitless. ICT skills are a passport to many interesting and exciting professional careers, in a diverse range of industries. From fashion and finance to pharmaceuticals and games, there is a technology career that will suit you. I recommend students, parents and those looking for a change to consider a career in ICT as a rewarding choice. Take part in National ICT Careers Week and find out how to start your career in ICT."
Mr Randall Straw, Deputy Secretary, Innovation & Technology, Victorian Government

“The National ICT Careers Week will broaden the horizons of young school leavers who may not have considered undertaking ICT studies or the possibilities that surround a career in the ICT industry. Working in ICT is not just about sitting at a desk in front of a computer. There’s a world of opportunity out there for young people to become leaders and team players in almost any field of high-technology they choose. Working in ICT pays well, with new ICT graduates earning up to $62,000 a year as a starting salary. ICT provides rewarding and dynamic career opportunities and advancement in many of Australia’s economic, community and social aspirations into the future.”
Penny Coulter, Chair of the Careers Week Steering Committee and President of the Information Technology Contract & Recruitment Association

“ICT opens a world of possibilities and offers work across a range of exciting industries - from fashion and finance, to business and building. Current and future generations of Australian ICT professionals will be engaged in solving many of the most of the significant problems we face today – whether that is addressing the impact of global warming, improving access to critical health services, or improving corporate governance systems.”
Kim Denham, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Computer Society

“National ICT Careers Week is about getting young people, their parents and their teachers excited about what ICT study and work has to offer. Many people would be surprised at where an ICT qualification can take them – it is like a passport to the world.”

Ian Birks, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Information Industry Association