5 Minute with… Gavin Fairlamb MACS Snr

17th February 2021

Highlights

Get to know your local Member - Gavin Fairlamb MACS Snr.
Gavin provides insights on what interests him about the tech industry, how he keeps his skills up-to-date and how ACS Membership has benefitted him.

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

I enjoy the variety and breadth of what the industry offers. You can be a specialist or have skills and experience in a number of facets of tech and have a worthwhile career doing something you enjoy. In addition, the industry is continually developing and constantly progressing, I can remember when 9Gb hard drives were 5.25inch form factor chunks of metal going for $20,000.00. Others still older (ha), remember when punch cards were used.

I know a lot of juniors in the industry would not know what a 3.5inch floppy disk is! That is part of the beauty of working in ICT, its forever changing and there is always something to branch out into and learn about. Emerging technologies of the past become commonplace and are replaced by new emerging technologies of today which generates a new wave of interest and excitement of working in the industry. That is also important to keep recruiting younger professionals, which means engaging and tapping the minds of our youth in the community through applicable STEM (STEAM) related activities in schools and educational bodies – I know the ACS has contributed in this aspect as well. There is always something happening, I am also very excited about Space.

It is in reality becoming a new frontier and opening up new opportunities and applications of technology, re-imagining existing industries in a new environment. While early days, we have a growing space industry in Australia, developing rockets, satellites among many other things, utilising the keen minds and ideas of many Australian technology professionals. It is an exciting time to be working in ICT!

2.What is the key piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

The same advice I would give to anyone. Do what you enjoy, make a difference. If you have an idea, do not let others talk you out of doing it because it is ‘not done that way’. Network, get to know people and what they are doing, it is enriching and a lot of good things can come of it.

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

I admit, I cannot stay on top of it. I read when I can and find out new developments via talking with contacts in the industry and what they are doing. I also like and take up the opportunity when I can to attend ACS forums and online courses to rack up my CP hours. The thing is, if I do not know it (highly likely these days), I know someone who will or they know someone who does.

4.What is your greatest challenge as a leader/ business owner?

I think it can be easy for people to get stuck in the same routine and adopt a lethargy for change. The exciting counter to that is if you have a good team and you support them, listen and assist with their development, then anything is possible. The tech industry and its pace of development can be a great proving ground for leaders.

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

It has provided a medium to network with like-minded professionals, find out what they are working on in the industry. The ACS provides learning platforms and opportunities for development. I appreciate and have received a lot of value in being a member of the ACS.

Find out more about how to become a member of ACS, go to www.acs.org.au