5 Minutes With... Apurva Khemani, ACS Graduate Member

10th August 2020

Highlights

• In this article ACS Graduate Member Apurva Khemani talks about her career journey so far working with Queensland Health, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
• A firm believer in the age old adage "change is the only constant", she believes that to succeed in a tech role one has to develop a passion for learning.

1. What is the key piece of advice you would have given your younger self when starting out your tertiary studies in tech? 

If given an opportunity to go back and advise my younger self, I would suggest to her to focus more on communication skills, as they are a key factor when it comes to the Australian work culture. I learnt this throughout my education in QUT. 

2. You’ve specialized in data science. Tell us about how and why you selected this pathway? 

I always had a zeal for mathematics. I would say I was a geek when it came to analysing numbers and I remember when I saw the number plate of a vehicle going by I used to apply permutations and combinations on those 4 digits. Also, after I did my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Science, I wanted to pursue a course that would amalgamate two of my interests. Mathematics and Programming, and Data Science was the answer.   

3. You split your time working across some amazing organisations, Queensland Health and Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. Tell us about your average day? 

Currently I am devoting two days of my week to QIMR and three days are dedicated towards Queensland Health (QH). The work at QIMR revolves around Gut Health Analysis for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease and at QH my work is focussed towards the Mental Health Domain for the Indigenous population.    

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

I have completed three degrees in the field of Computer Science and Data Science. I am a firm believer in “Change is the only constant” and the more you keep yourself updated and informed about the technologies emerging, the more you feel empowered. I guess I am a learner and that never stops for me, the only mantra is “Develop a passion for learning.” If you do, you will never cease to grow. 

5. How has ACS membership supported your career journey as an emerging tech professional? What do you value the most in your membership? 

The Australian Computer Society has given me a platform in the form of the Professional Year Program. This has helped me in many ways and is helping me build up my professional approach towards opportunities and the technical community as a whole. I consider ACS as the backbone of technology in Australia.  

"5 Minutes With..." is a series of articles showcasing exceptional ACS Members and their amazing, innovative, and game changing stories. Representing over 48,000 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.