Case study

Brendan is a CMS technical consultant with Squiz

Job pathway

Sales assistant > High School teacher > CMS technical consultant

Qualifications

Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology

How did you end up working in your current job?

While teaching computer studies I found myself more and more interested in the technical side of computers. I found I enjoyed working with computers and was blown away by their limitless possibilities. I ended up spending a lot of my time in the school's server room. I decided I would go back to university and study computer science.

At university I focused my studies on information systems and networking. When I finished studying I started seeing my friends looking for work and decided I had better start looking as well. I searched the Internet and applied for any job that I thought I would like and within the first week I had lined up an interview at Squiz. They were looking to fill several positions including a server administrator and a programmer. After assessing my skills they decided my current skill set would suit the CMS technical consultant role.

What skills do you use in your job?

I get to use a wide range of skills, which is what makes the job enjoyable. I need to use research skills as well as logical and analytical skills to problem-solve. I also need to use specific computing skills like programming and database design. Soft skills are also extremely important, as I need to train people and deal with clients daily.

What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?

I would be qualified for any IT graduate position, including a position in programming, support and as a junior system administrator.

What do you think it was that got you the job over other applicants?

My final project at university involved a lot of the skills that this particular job required. I also showed that I was keen and willing to develop and learn new skills.

What advice would you give to students who have commenced a Computer Science degree and want to get a great job when they graduate?

Most graduates don't have experience working in IT so I would suggest to really develop your IT skills. If you can demonstrate that you have the skills to do the job you are applying for, it will help you if you have no prior experience working in the field.

What were your biggest mistakes during your life when applying for jobs? How would you have done it better?

I didn't start applying for jobs early. Many people in my course halfway through the final year started applying for graduate positions. Some received job offers while others didn't. The ones that didn't receive offers still had valuable experience in resume writing and interviews. I also didn't take the time to ensure that my resume and cover letter were perfect. I found I had more responses from employers after I put effort into my resume.

What type of activities were you involved in at university and high school, and did they give you any skills that you use in your job now?

I played a lot of team sports during university and that gave me a lot of skills when dealing with people.

What was the most surprising thing about working full time in IT that you did not expect?

I did not expect to like my job and the routine of working everyday so much (as opposed to a few hours face-to-face everyday at university). Every day is different and presents new challenges. The industry does not stand still so I am always learning and expanding my skills.

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

I would have put in a little more effort to really understand things and take a more proactive view to expanding my skills and knowledge. In some subjects I was reduced to knowing enough to pass. This now affects me, as there are some things in my job I should know more about and am catching up in some knowledge areas and skills.

Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

I would either like to be in a more senior position in another company or open up my own Squiz in another country.