5 Minutes With... Hannah Vu, ACS Professional Year Student

30th June 2020

Highlights

Hannah is a Software Engineering graduate from the University of Canberra and an ACS Professional Year Student.
She shares with us her journey in tech, what she enjoys most while working in tech and tips to make the most out of ACS membership.
She recommends courses and certifications along with attending networking events to keep skills updated.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Hannah, I am 25 years old and from Vietnam.

I am a Software Engineering graduate from the University of Canberra (UC). I had experienced on various programming languages, which Java and C are my strongest, also the knowledge about website design and programming, database management, networking and information security.

Then, I had a chance to intern as a Software Engineering at Instaclustr company where I adopted Agile methodology and test automation techniques for a given project, which I was selected from the Knowledge Exchange Placement Program at UC.

After that, thanks to ACS and Navitas Professional Year Program, I gained an opportunity to work as a Web Development intern at Canberra Web where I could apply my knowledge and skills of advanced HTML/CSS, JavaScript, SEO and WordPress into customer websites.

Besides the ICT field, I have also exposed myself out to Customer Service and Health Care by working as a Dental Assistant and Hospitality services.

2. What do you enjoy most about working in the tech industry?

I have a curious brain that is always processing, so studying and working in the ICT field helps me to solve my concerns and queries. Because of this, I would love being a part of a tech team to invent, innovate and transform our life to be easier, quicker and simpler.

3. What is the key piece of advice you would give someone interested in making the move to the ICT Industry?

In this technology era, learning is a continuous journey which includes up and down moments. Sometimes we can achieve what we desire but sometimes things are not going as we expect. But the most important thing is that we should never give up. Our ideas can be little at first but we can grow them bigger thanks to our courage and willingness to continue.

4. Tech changes fast. How do you keep your skills up-to-date?

Technology is emerging every day. So, an ICT professional should always commit their continuous learning to maintain and develop their career path. There are a variety of ways that we can learn and strengthen our. First, courses and certifications boost our understanding and knowledge. Second, networking events can be attended to acquire the current trend.

5. Who is your tech mentor or a leader that inspires you and why?

Besides academic teachers and colleagues at the workplace, I have been inspired and supported by my uncle who is working as a senior ICT public servant. He, along with my two own elder brothers, has helped to develop my love of technology innovation, specifically programming and web development. Since I have got in the ICT field, my uncle is always willing to share his ideas and experiences about tech news or trends. Exchanging information with him helps me understand more about the concept and the application of ICT into the real world. He is also the one to give me useful advice for my career development. He has helped by revising my resume and playing a role as an interviewer to gain me more confidence and improve my skills. With his help, I gained a good record from the university and valuable opportunities to work as a Software Engineering and Web Development intern.

Apart from that, thanks to attending ACS events, I have discovered more great and talented professionals in the ICT field. They are juniors, seniors, leaders or influencers who drive their successful career path and inspire others. And, one of them whose name is Arjuna Kulatunga (also known as AJ) was a keynote speaker at “ACS Summit: The ICT Culture” happened on September, 2019. The energy he has and valuable ideas presented by him have kept him in my mind since then. AJ did not tell us much about the technical parts but more about the way to success, which included a variety of practical steps towards our bright future. I have also followed him on LinkedIn. Seeing his energy and powerful presentations has enhanced my passion a lot, not only about ICT skills but also about ways to have a successful life, attitudes and behaviours.

It is important to remember that ICT knowledge and skills are essential parts to start a career journey. However, if we can have a great company who are able to inspire and motivate us, we are more likely to reach our pursuing target soon.

6. How has ACS membership supported your career journey in tech?

ACS has provided me with a great opportunity not only learn more interesting knowledge about technology but also enrich my networking connection with other professionals in the field. Thanks to events held by ACS, I got to know more ICT recruiters and organizations, which boosts up the opportunity that I can achieve my pursuing career. Last but not least, ACS offers us the essential courses and certificates that support and strengthen our skills as well as our profile.

"5 Minutes With..." is a series of articles showcasing exceptional ACS Members and their amazing, innovative, and game changing stories. Representing over 45,000 tech professionals across Australia, our Members work across industry, government, research, and education organisations and each edition highlights the role they are playing in making Australia a world leader in technology talent, fostering innovation, and creating new forms of value.