Updating Results

Aaron Vandermey

Don’t stop learning – building your skills, building yourself, building a better future for yourself.

What did you study? When did you graduate?

I studied a Bachelor of Software Business and Networking Systems. I graduated in 2017.

Where did you grow up? Important stages of your life that have led you to where you are today?

I grew up in a country town named Eden in New South Wales. Following my schooling in Eden, I moved to Melbourne and I had to pick up two jobs; at a local burger joint and at a logistics firm.

While working, I decided to explore other opportunities, so I started doing a Cert 4 in Web Design and had to stop working at the burger joint; it was really challenging. After completing my Cert 4, I worked on the Diploma which meant going to TAFE five days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM, while doing a job from 4:30 AM to 9 AM. It was always a rush to class but I still managed to pass with high grades.

It was at this stage that I realised that I needed to upskill myself but due to the amount of work I couldn’t do a Bachelor’s degree while working, so I applied for University and when I got accepted I had to quit my part-time job.

I then focused on my Bachelor’s degree full time and spent a lot of time learning about the fascinating world of technology that is rapidly shaping everything we do.

While I was finishing university, I began my job hunting journey – it is quite tough because I had to constantly give interviews and prepare around 30 resumes and cover letters for different roles. While doing this I was also working as an FSA (Food Service Attendant), when you live away from home you need money so I needed anything to start with and then I could work towards my career.

5 months into the job and my professor got in touch with me saying that a Talent Acquisition team of a technology company visited the university and was looking to connect with technology talent. Luckily I did extremely well with my studies and scored the highest GPA in my college.

I got in touch with the team and that is when the story of Infosys begins.

How did you get to your current job position? For how long have you had it? 

I have been in my current job position for about a year and a half now, and I got this position by applying for the role and going through the recruitment process of Infosys. The skills that I picked up at university really helped.

How did you choose your specialisation? Were you weighing up any other alternatives before choosing this specialisation?

I have always had a passion for Networks, I enjoy innovating in the space, I like to tinker with problems and create ways to bring out the full potential of the technology. I never really considered much else.  

What was your interview process like? What kind of questions were you asked?

My interview process was very interesting and different from other interviews I had given. It was a face to face interview, and there were two people on my interview panel, one was a technology expert in the field I was being considered for, while the other was a manager and was assessing my soft-skills.

The interview process was very engaging — I was asked a series of questions relating to technology and questions that assess my decision making in a team environment. While it’s normal to get nervous for interviews, they can also be a great learning experience, especially when you can make it a two-way conversation. My advice to fellow graduates would be, to not be afraid to ask questions. Organisations want to assess your ability to hold a conversation with a client. You usually have anywhere from 30-50 minutes to do this. Asking questions about the organisation including the technology stack or about the relevant technology domain, the team — it doesn’t all have to be subject matter knowledge, will help you learn while showcasing your passion and understanding of the space.

Remember your interviewing the interviewer just as much as they are interviewing you.

What does your employer do?

Infosys is a global leader in digital services and consulting, with clients and partners in over 45 countries to help organisations navigate their digital transformation journeys.  With over 5,000 employees across Australia, we help organisations across industries deliver a breakout customer experience using technology.

What are your areas of responsibility?

My area of responsibility varies from project to project. On some projects, I leverage my knowledge of the networks, on a different project my knowledge on a given technology stack. Our culture is based on learning, and I’m continuously picking-up new skills through the Infosys mobile learning platform LeX -- that will add value above and beyond the ask of the project.

Can you describe a typical workday? What was the last thing you worked on?

I wouldn’t really be able to describe my typical workday. In the technology sector, every day is different, you are always working on something new and picking up new skills – that is the only commonality. When you’re working in an agile environment, there’s always a new challenge and working together as a team with members from different backgrounds – is the most exciting bit.

What are the career prospects of your job? Where could you or others in your position go from here? 

This is a very difficult question to answer. Technology is ever-changing and it is our responsibility to continue to learn and grow, regardless of whether you have been in the company for 1 year or 20 years. Infosys is perfect for those who have the drive to push and continue to learn, career prospects will come along as opportunities from a combination of hard work both in learning and contributing. There is no fixed path really.

While my degree focused on networking and programming and that is the space and direction I’m looking to grow in for now. However, I could change streams if I find that I have a better understanding or grasp on a different technology.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

As long as you are willing to learn, a good work ethic -- I genuinely believe you can do anything you’re passionate about. My journey is an example of the success of continuous learning.

What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now? 

Hard to say, I applied for a lot of interviews in the various areas of expertise I had gained from my degree. I can honestly say that I would have pursued networking regardless but I suppose where it would be is a mystery even to me.

What do you love the most about your job? Which kind of task do you enjoy the most? 

Over and above the most exciting technology projects, our culture of learning really underpins my journey at Infosys ever since I joined.

Our learning platform – LeX is always updated with compelling content including modular courses from the latest in Networks to courses in human-centred design – it’s the best part of my job.

What’s the biggest limitation of your job? Do you bear a lot of responsibility? Do you have to work on weekends? Are stress levels high?

Responsibility is based on perception and what is expected of you, if you can’t deliver that expectation then you need to put yourself in a position where you can.

Stress can occur in any workplace, it’s up to an individual to try and identify what stresses you out and learn to combat it. The biggest limitations are usually yourself and your attitude.

Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?

Don’t stop learning – building your skills, building yourself, building a better future for yourself.

Keep trying – Don’t give up, sometimes what you’re working on may not work, look for a solution even if it requires change – there’s always an approach which will work

Live life – Careers are important; it gives us professional fulfilment. But so does living, experiencing new adventures -- be brave the technology world is at your fingertips.