It’s a gutsy move that many people dream about, but most of us aren’t game enough to make the jump. But for Liz, her career hasn’t looked healthier.
Liz originally studied health sciences after leaving school and went on to work as a professional nurse, mostly in the UK. After eight years, Liz decided it was time to change life’s track and enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in IT (Systems Development) at Swinburne University.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my nursing career, but I wanted to stretch my skills in other directions and IT was the obvious path to follow,” Liz explained.
“I was always interested in the technology surrounding health care and I had some exposure to the industry through friends and family working in IT. I knew there would be a good job there at the end of my studies – IT is so profuse – it’s part of every industry.”
When she graduated in 2001, Liz went straight to the National Australia Bank via its graduate recruitment program.
Liz’s current role is computer programmer and she is now immersed in a major SAP implementation project, believed to be the biggest IT project NAB has undertaken. Liz said she is enjoying the opportunity to work on a major software implementation project in a large and complex corporate environment so early in her career.
“The SAP implementation will provide a great grounding – it’s a big business impact implementation that has many interesting technical issues.”
The part of her job Liz finds most satisfying is the problem-solving dimension. “I still get a real buzz from the micro issues that we face and resolve practically every day, then seeing the bigger take shape from these small milestones,” she said.
Liz feels she needs about another 12 months commercial experience to make it all gel – combining the technical skills with an understanding of the business and the role of IT. She would then like to move into an analyst role.
According to Liz, she is still at a phase in her IT career where it’s important to bed down her formal skills and to learn as much from colleagues and mentors as possible - a measured strategy, but one that will no doubt pay off.
Ask Liz about the factors that shape a successful career, and she gives a simple response. Networking.
“I made a conscious decision very early in my career move to develop a professional network. While studying, I joined the Australian Computer Society as a student member and became active in the Victorian Branch,” she explained.
Liz took responsibility for organising keynote speakers to address the Students and Young Professionals Group, and has also served on the National Conference organising committee for the last two years. She is currently a member of the Victorian Branch Executive Committee.
“You can only get so much out of your studies and work environment,” Liz said. “I have always believed that the best way to learn is through other people. The ACS is a great networking platform for people working in the industry and it’s a great learning environment.”
Drawing some parallels with her past career in nursing, Liz believes that people with diverse backgrounds moving into IT are likely to emerge as major contributors in the years ahead.
“IT professionals that can draw on past commercial experience and people that have honed their communication skills in other roles are in great demand in the industry,” she said. “Employers are looking for these different perspectives to produce unique solutions.”
“If you are wondering about what life would be life on the IT side of the fence, my advice is give it a go.”
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If you would like to nominate yourself, or a peer, for participation in the IT Whiz Kid of the Month series, simply e-mail edit@zdnet.com.au. IT Whiz Kid of the Month is jointly supported by ZDNet Australia and the Australian Computer Society.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the recognised association for Information Technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership (over 16,000) from all levels of the IT industry. It provides a wide range of services to its members. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the public voice of the IT profession, the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
