What does a Gateway to the Tech Industry look like for students?
June 3rd saw 500 students gathered at the Big Day In Brisbane event to find out! One of twelve events that the ACS foundation hosts each year, this year the Advanced Engineering Building at University of Queensland was the perfect location for tech-interested students to come and learn more.
ACS was also represented by the managers of the ICT Gateway to Industry Program (Jonathan Nalder), and the Young Tech Ambassador program (Leanna Tucker) who were able to have over 100 conversations directly with students about digital career options. Particularly impressive were the ‘red shirt’ student helpers, many from Mansfield State High School, who gave up their time to help all the schools feel welcome and find their way around.
Kimberley Valenny, member of ACS’s Emerging Professionals Committee and a Young Tech Ambassador, spoke in two sessions about ‘Career Opportunities in the Tech Industry’ using her perspective as a Front End Developer with Deloitte Digital, where she is constantly inspired by the seamless fusion of design and development. Other speakers covered topics including cyber-security, marketing, the life-cycle of software and product design, and Tim Kitchen from Adobe helped students connect with the creative possibilities available for them.
It was particularly exciting to see seven #ICTGISP schools there, with the attendance of many of their students made possible by the Gateway to Industry program that is proudly supported and funded by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, and managed by ACS (Australian Computer Society). A big congratulations should be extended to Kerrie Bisaro and her ACS Foundations team for an amazing day.
Can't wait for the next ones on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts!
Article written by Jonathan Nadler ICT GISP Project Manager, ACS