ITU

Thursday 23 April is international 'Girls in ICT Day'. To celebrate, we see what the ITU is doing to acknowledge the day, and check in with some of our own women in ICT, to hear about their journey to a career in information and communication technology (ICT).

At the ACMA

We check in with some of our own colleagues and hear about their journey to a career in I CT.

Wendy Soh

Wendy, tell us about your role at the ACMA?

My role is an ICT Project Manager. I'm responsible for the Disaster Recovery project, ensuring the ACMA can still operate in the event of an ICT failure; and the Enterprise Cloud project, which will allow the ACMA to fully utilise Cloud computing capabilities.

Do you recall when you became aware that a career in ICT might be possible, or as something that you were interested in?
At university where I completed a Science degree with a major in Computer Science. A number of presentations by companies and government agencies showed us the many career opportunities available to us.

Did you have any role models or supporters (male or female) in ICT that helped shape your journey?
Not a specific role model; there were many passionate people I've come across during my working life that have influenced my career, and they were not all in ICT. I started as a technical systems administrator and moved into ICT project management. People who approach their work (and life) with integrity, commitment and joy, have all had an impact on me and where I am today.

What do you like/love about working in ICT?

I like the variety in project management and the sense of achievement when my team delivers on our project outcomes. I've worked on many projects over the years, from operational ICT projects to science-based projects to high security projects. One of my most enjoyable was a project to overhaul an antenna at a ground station in Alice Springs. Not only did we upgrade the software and replace the physical components of the antenna, we also commissioned an indigenous artwork and organised for it to be painted on the antenna dish.

Any advice for anyone thinking about a career in ICT?

ICT encompasses so many different fields—there is ICT in almost everything we do. There will be doors that shut—for example jobs where manual repetitive IT work is performed—but many others will be opened, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Look for the opportunities and don't be afraid of change.

Melody Cahill

Melody, tell us about your role at the ACMA?

My role is Records Coordinator and I'm part of the Information Management (IM) and Digital Workplace team. My role involves enabling the business to do their business better by supporting them in their IM and digital practices. Business as usual includes responding to IM helpdesk requests, troubleshooting and technical administration of IM systems including Teams/SharePoint Online, Content Manager, SharePoint and GovTEAMS. I've gotten to work on some really exciting projects, including technical system upgrades and developing and implementing fit-for-purpose collaboration solutions for business areas. All the while covertly ensuring the ACMA's valuable records are managed in accordance with government requirements.

Do you recall when you became aware that a career in ICT might be possible, or as something that you were interested in?
After working as a dish-hand and waitress for six years I was ready for a change. 1 began in the public service doing data entry for the Records Management Unit at Geoscience Australia. This role also included responding to basic TRIM system helpdesk requests. It was during these early days that I learned not only how to turn on a computer, but that I really loved troubleshooting system issues and solving problems for people.

Did you have any role models or supporters (male or female) in ICT that helped shape yourjourney?
One of my previous managers was and still is a big support in my journey. They allowed me to be involved in many different projects which gave me invaluable experience across many different areas. Having a supportive manager and team is so important to professional development.

What do you like/love about working in ICT?

Troubleshooting and solving problems for business areas, whether it's a technical issue, or developing a solution which improves their business processes.

Any advice for anyone thinking about a career in ICT?

Be prepared to start small and get involved in everything you can.

Nicole O'Loughlin

Nicole, tell us about your role at the ACMA?

My current role is acting Manager for the Customer Service Centre (CSC), I've been with them since October 2019. This role has opened my eyes to what the CSC does as well as provided me a wholistic picture of the ACMA. My previous role was as the Enterprise Desktop Administrator, and prior to that (where most will know me) was in the Corporate Service Desk as the Team Leader.

Do you recall when you became aware that a career in ICT might be possible, or as something that you were interested in?
For me, it was something I just fell into. I was looking to do something different back in 2007 and a job in IT as an IT Technician was presented to me and I took it! I knew nothing about IT at that time but thought, heck why not?

What do you like/love about working in ICT?

I enjoy helping people and figuring stuff out—ICT covers both of these areas for me. Probably the other thing I love about ICT is that, often, no two days are the same. The variety keeps you on your toes.

Any advice for anyone thinking about a career in ICT?

ICT can be hard at times (like any job) but it is often very rewarding. I have learnt over the years that ICT is a broad category—there are many different roles within it so there might just be something for you as well!

Jen Newton

Jen, tell us about your role at the ACMA?

My role is an ICT Service Desk Analyst. I am a part of the team that provides front-line support for the agency. I also manage the use and allocation of licensed software.

Do you recall when you became aware that a career in ICT might be possible, or as something that you were interested in?
I was previously working as a veterinary nurse (talk about a career change, right?). My hobby is video games, and I always had an interest in computers but was intimidated by the technical aspect. I decided to dive in and learn about the field and fell in love with the progression of the IT world.

Did you have any role models or supporters (male or female) in ICT that helped shape yourjourney?
I feel that I have a lot of support in my current role from managers and team members, and believe if I set my mind to a certain career path that I would have the tools and support to get there.

What do you like/love about working in ICT?

I love the opportunities in the field, and that I can apply a lot of the things I learn into my personal life. I also find that I am able to share my passion of computers and video games with people in the field.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your ICT career?

I have no regrets changing career paths. I had little to no knowledge about the technical side of IT, and although it was easy to say 'I just am not technically minded/I don't understand the ITjargon', I decided to educate myself and become competent, which resulted in an even bigger passion for IT.