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Fast-tracked USC degree leads to IBM job
The next time you drive over the Gateway Motorway without scrounging around for coins, remember University of the Sunshine Coast graduate Adam White.
The 29-year-old from Aroona is one of the IBM information technology experts involved in implementing the new free-flow tolling system from July for Queensland Motorways Ltd.
The system will involve removal of the toll booths in favour of automatic payments linked to technology that recognises vehicle number plates. Etoll tags will still work. The website www.etoll.com.au points out how drivers can pre-pay or finalise bills after using the motorway.
It’s a dream project in the first year of a dream job that the associate IT specialist landed in February 2008 – weeks before he graduated from USC.
“I had worked as a programmer in smaller companies but I really wanted to get into big business,” said Adam, a mature-age student.
“The whole reason I went back to uni was to get a degree to pursue my goal of working at a top tier company like IBM. It felt pretty good to go through the interview process before I’d even got my final results!”
He chose the USC Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (BICT) because it offered extra industry-recognised qualifications.
Adam used credit from previous TAFE studies and work to fast-track the degree, finishing it in two years with a Distinction grading average.
“I was a C student at school years ago but got a grade point average of 6.2 (out of 7) at USC. It’s all because the teaching staff built up my confidence and made me believe I could do a lot better.
“My lecturer Wayne Clutterbuck really helped me out. I even flew to Sydney to sit the exam so I could get my Microsoft certification quicker.”
Adam has since been flown by IBM to Sydney for training in the company’s own graduate program.
“I commute from the Coast to Brisbane but IBM promotes a work-life balance so there are opportunities to work from home, as well as travel interstate. A lot of my co-workers have been here for 10 or 20 years.”
Adam attributed part of his success to doing paid work experience on the Student Help Desk at the USC Library.
“I’m sure that helped me get the job at IBM,” he said. ‘Relevant industry experience stands out when you’re competing against graduates from other universities.”
USC Faculty of Business Teaching and Research Fellow Wayne Clutterbuck said he encouraged all ICT students to work on the Help Desk at the library.
“It’s great on the resume, a huge factor in getting shortlisted for interviews, and provides students with people skills,” Mr Clutterbuck said.
“These days in the industry you’ve got to be able to communicate with different people at different levels. Computing students tend to be introverted by nature so we help them build these skills.”
He said Adam was reaping the rewards of his dedication, which included taking summer courses to finish his degree quickly. “He put in the effort and was serious about his career.”
More than 1200 USC students will graduate at the 2009 ceremony on Friday 17 April.
- Julie Gatehouse