Hamdam, early 20s
"Working in ICT is not all ‘nerdy/techy’ stuff. There’s a huge variety of roles out there … You could work in the IT department at the MCG or in a major fashion house – it all depends on what interests you!"
Business Analyst Hamdam originally had her sights set on a career in medicine, but a change of direction now sees her working for a world-leading IT consulting company (and planning her future as the proud owner of her own vineyard).
Hamdam, what do you do?
I’m a Business Analyst with Accenture. I work closely with our clients analysing their businesses and understanding what they need from their IT systems. From there, Accenture develops an IT solution specially designed for them. I also develop training materials so our clients are ready to use their new systems.
Where did your ICT career begin?
I enjoyed some of the IT subjects I took in high school, but I never imagined it would become my career. I originally studied Biomedical Science at university, before I decided it wasn’t for me. I was looking for a change in direction when I pretty much stumbled across the Bachelor of Business Information Systems at Monash University. This qualification appealed to me because it offered a balance of IT and business studies. I think this combination gives me a real advantage – every business needs to use ICT effectively, and I can help them do that.
My studies included an Industry-Based Learning stream. This stream gave me some fantastic real-life industry experience through internships with two big firms: IBM and Accenture. I started with Accenture after I graduated.
Most recently I’ve been working with a major telecommunications company, helping to roll out software that assists them in planning their telecommunications network – working on a project that complex is always going to present challenges, and plenty of learning opportunities!
Describe a typical day for you.
It’s difficult for me to describe a typical work day because no two are ever the same. Variety is one of the things I really love about my job. Each client throws up different challenges, but it’s satisfying to sit down with them, get to know their business and then come up with an answer to their problems. Because projects are constantly evolving, I’m learning something new every day.
I also like that I’m not stuck in front of a computer all day. I spend a lot of time building relationships with our clients and other Accenture team members.
What do you like to do for fun?
I study Spanish, play netball, catch up with friends and try to get to the theatre when I can.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in ICT?
Working in ICT is not all ‘nerdy/techy’ stuff – it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck on the help desk or spending every day opening up computers with a screwdriver in a dingy office. There’s a huge variety of roles out there, and every business needs an IT system. You could work in the IT department at the MCG or in a major fashion house. ICT offers the chance to tailor your own ICT career, and it all depends on what interests you.
Finally, where do you see ICT taking you into the future?
Anywhere and everywhere. With each new project I pick up new skills, and I’m continually learning. And it depends on the role, but my job offers plenty of opportunities to travel, too. We have teams interstate and overseas, and the Accenture induction training program for new staff takes place in Malaysia.
In the longer term, I really think my career choice gives me the chance to go anywhere I want. And I love the thought of one day setting up the business systems for my very own vineyard – that’s definitely something to work towards!
Find out more about this career path at myfuture.edu.au (Note: free registration is required to access the myfuture site).