5 Minutes With... Madushi Jayasundara, ACS Professional Year Student Member

2nd September 2020

Highlights

This week we interviewed ACS Professional Year Student Member Madushi Jayasundara.
She has also been a student ambassador at Deakin University and the school Head Prefect.
Her secret to keeping tech skills updated are online videos which she filters and sorts using filters, hashtags and sorting features.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Computer Science graduate from Deakin University with Distinction (WAM of 70.313). Moreover, I have been a Student Ambassador at Deakin University and the school Head Prefect. Coming off to an enlightening web developer internship and successful completion my Professional Year course with ACS and Performance Education, I am actively anticipating the commencement of my professional career in Information Technology.

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

If you are passionate about the ICT Industry, I would say that it is a great place to thrive yourself. Especially if you are not a developer or if you’re not from a Tech background, combining your existing diverse skill set such as teamwork, project management and communication, there are often chances, no matter what your passion is, you can most likely find a way to integrate it with a career in tech. If you are looking for a challenging work environment that keeps your engine running, the Tech Industry would be the ideal place, as it is a diverse platform with never a shortage of challenges.

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

All of us are lifelong learners despite the field we work in, but when it comes to technology, every moment it’s evolving, and to stand in the industry it is crucial to keep ourselves up-to date. I use online courses, as there are plenty of them finger tips away, also when I want to perceive any technological advances or languages that are being used, I use filters, hashtags and sorting in career /social media platforms to see what areas most companies used. Government bodies like ACS hold conferences and networking events where I participate to grasp new updates to expand my networking. I believe there is something we could always learn from our colleagues, superiors, and mentors. Life-long learning is the key to staying updated with industry trends and getting new career opportunities.

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

One of the great humans that inspire me is Dr. Jordan Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Psykinetic. He is such a hardworking, dedicated character who wants and has made a huge impact to our society taking the initiation and technology innovation to the next level. He wants to use the latest technology and AI to the betterment of the humanity which is why him and his work inspires me.

5. How has ACS membership supported you in your journey to a tech career?

The ACS membership and its online PE course has been a catalyst for my lifelong learning by providing essential takeaways that can be applied at the workplace to contribute and tackle real world scenarios with professionalism. It teaches ethical implications, decision making, understanding project scopes, importance of ethical dilemmas, communication and rightful practices which of utmost priority while entering any professional workplace. It also provides a pathway to expand the network, by providing opportunities to attend industrial events, conferences, access to webinars, meet professionals as well as get to read articles and publications to keep ourselves up to date which has become a pillar to the career success.

"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.