AIIA Shows off ICT Careers

By Greg McNevin

May 13, 2008: The AIIA has announced that it will be co-hosting Australia’s first national ICT careers week this year, drawing together over 70 companies, industry and professional bodies, educational institutions and government agencies to showcase career opportunities currently available in the sector.

An initiative of the ICT Industry Leadership Group and co-hosted by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the inaugural National ICT Careers Week will kick off on the 28th of July and run to August 2nd under the theme “Start Here, Go Anywhere”.

During the Week, organisations will host events and activities promoting the benefits of post-school ICT studies for school students, and of careers in ICT for graduates.

“The National ICT Careers Week will broaden the horizons of young school leavers who may not have considered undertaking ICT studies or the possibilities that surround a career in the ICT industry,” said Penny Coulter, Chair of the Careers Week Steering Committee.

“Working in ICT is not just about sitting at a desk in front of a computer. There’s a world of opportunity out there for young people to become leaders and team players in almost any field of high-technology they choose.”

And despite recent reports of ICT salaries dropping, Coulter adds that working in ICT still pays well, with new graduates able to expect up to $62,000 right off the bat.

“ICT opens a world of possibilities and offers work across a range of exciting industries - from fashion and finance, to business and building,” added ACS CEO Kim Denham. “Current and future generations of Australian ICT professionals will be engaged in solving many of the most of the significant problems we face today – whether that is addressing impact of global warming, improving access to critical health services, or improving corporate governance systems.

More information about the careers week can be found on the National ICT Career Week web site: www.aiia.com.au/pages/nationalictcareersweek.aspx

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