Q: What do you do?

A: I work in the Technical Support Group for Macquarie Bank Limited. My primary role is to support the Technical Infrastructure for Macquarie Bank in terms of Email and Network Servers.

Q: What was your first big break?

A: Landing my role at Macquarie Bank has definitely been a high point in my professional life. Combined with my degree at UTS, I feel that I have gained a strong grounding in IT and I am on the way to establishing my career.

Q: What attracted you to working in Information Technology?

A: I have always had an interest in computers and the Internet from a young age and always enjoyed helping people. My role in IT allows me to investigate problems that affect a wide group of people and provides me with the satisfaction that I am providing an invaluable service to my peers.

Q: Can you briefly explain your career pathway so far?

A: After completing my HSC,
I studied a Bachelor of Science degree and landed a job in a Pharmaceutical Company administering databases. After working 18 months in that role,
I secured a role as a Support Analyst with Compaq. This role provided me with exposure to all levels of technology and gave me the necessary skills to land my role at Macquarie Bank.

While working full time, I have undertaken several technical courses and commenced studying a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology at UTS part time.

Q: What are your passions?

A: I am passionate about helping people and my role allows me to assist others by providing technical support.
I also enjoy meeting and working with diverse people and challenging myself to learn new skills.

Q: Do you have any mentors? Who do you find inspiring?

A: Along my academic and career path, I have been fortunate to be inspired by many individuals, including female IT managers who have "made it" in such a male dominated industry.
I particularly admire women who successfully manage their own business or hold high profile professional roles as it gives me hope that your hard work and effort are eventually rewarded.

Q: What advice would you give to a young woman who is considering a career in IT?

A: Educate Yourself- The IT industry is always changing and to make sure that you are never left behind, keep yourself informed of the latest technology. You will find something that was "cutting edge" 2 years ago is now close to being obsolete so the only way to keep current is to keep reading technology publications and Technical Websites.

Perseverance- Surround yourself with people and thoughts that encourage you to chase your dreams and stick to a "can do" approach. You may find that the IT industry is primarily male dominated, but if you concentrate on what you can achieve in spite of this fact, you will definitely go far!

Q: What has been the high point so far for you?

A: My role at Macquarie Bank has been an invaluable experience as it has given me the exposure to the latest Technology and work along side very technically experienced colleagues.

My postgraduate course in IT at UTS has also provided me with a great opportunity to develop my technical skills and network with other professionals from various backgrounds within IT.

Q: What are your plans and goals for the future?

A: My aim is to further develop my technical skills and in a few years be in a position where I can manage a team and really develop my people skills. I also hope to use my skills to work overseas and at the same time travel throughout Asia and Europe.