ACS Queensland Emerging Professionals Committee – A Year of Growth and Reflection
Highlights
- Our ACS Queensland Emerging Professionals Committee have had a bumper year delivering quality professional development and networking events, and supporting valuable connections and pathways for our emerging professional members.
A Year of Growth and Connection for ACS QLD Emerging Professionals
As the year draws to a close, the ACS Queensland Emerging Professionals Committee (EPC) celebrates and reflects on the achievements and learnings. With a mission to support young professionals navigating the tech industry, 2024 has been a transformative journey of connection, empowerment, and collaboration.
Our focus this year was clear: build a supportive community where emerging tech professionals could learn and thrive together. We worked to cultivate a space where experiences were shared, challenges were embraced, and collaboration flourished. Beyond that, we sought to strengthen the foundations of the committee itself, establishing a sustainable structure to ensure its independence and continuity for years to come.
Above all, we dedicated ourselves to organising events that offered meaningful professional development for those stepping into the dynamic and ever-changing tech world.
In May, we kicked off our event calendar with Career Pathways: Unveiling the Path to Internship & Graduation Programs. This panel event brought together 74 eager attendees and a lineup of speakers who had firsthand experience navigating internships and graduate roles.
August brought an insight and understanding of the world of entrepreneurship through Innovate and Ignite: Empowering Entrepreneurs. With 9.09 out of 10 customer satisfaction, the event was gave an opportunity to hear from seasoned tech entrepreneurs.
In October, we turned the spotlight on a topic that often remains hidden—failure. Screw-Up Stories: Surviving and Thriving was a candid, thought-provoking event designed to show how setbacks can become the foundation of future success.
Building Connections Beyond the Meeting room
Our efforts to foster community extended beyond professional events. In August, we organised QLD EPC and Brisbane Executive Committee (BEC) joint hike at Mount Coot-Tha, followed by coffee and casual conversations. The event was a breath of fresh air, bringing together an equal mix of EPC and BEC members. Many participants suggested making it an annual tradition.
In October, we embraced mindfulness with a yoga session, offering members a chance to unwind and recharge. Additionally, our new virtual coffee catch-up initiative bridged the gap between regional and Brisbane-based members. This simple yet effective idea allowed team members to connect and collaborate casually, either virtually or in person, further strengthening bonds within the committee.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, the EPC will be infused with fresh energy and new members, eager to build on the successes of the past year. EPC remains steadfast in our commitment to cultivating a supportive and inclusive community, empowering emerging professionals, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined us, shared their time and expertise, and helped make 2024 an unforgettable year. We’re excited to see what the future holds as we continue to grow and thrive together. Be sure to stay tuned for updates on our upcoming events and community catch-ups in the year ahead!