GovHack, four questions answered

This weekend, Computer Power Institute are sponsoring the GovHack (Hackathon) events in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland.

What is a Hackathon?
At Hackathons teams comprising of general IT enthusiasts, programmers, designers and project managers come together to solve a problem. Teams develop a viable solution within a set time-frame. Often mentors, materials and prizes are provided.

What is GovHack?
GovHack is an Australian Hackathon. GovHack runs for 48 hours, from Friday July 11 at 7:30pm until Sunday 5:30pm. The event is designed to draw people together from government, industry, academia and the general public. Teams compete for prizes by building computer applications, creating mashups, data visualisations and apps, using data provided by government agencies. Over the weekend the 12,000+ people registered will have the opportunity to interact with peers, be mentored by experts and show off their skills to the community.

GovHack is about finding new ways to do great things and encouraging open government and open data.

GovHack should be an awesome experience for everyone.

Why do people participate in Hackathons?

• Solve real problems
• Meet new people
• Work in team
• Learn
• Enjoy the atmosphere

How can I participate?
Even if you don’t have a team, an idea for an application, or any knowledge of computer programming, it is worth going to a GovHack to watch and perhaps participate.
If you would like to attend this weekend’s event, please let us know and we will help you get involved.

Check out #govhack on Twitter to follow the action!

 

To find out how to start your IT career visit www.computerpower.edu.au

Follow us on Facebook for job tips and IT news, designed to help build your IT career!

Five reasons why you should work in IT

The IT sector in Australia is growing rapidly. A recent IBIS report revealed that ICT as we know it – enhanced with high-speed broadband, will become Australia’s most important utility of this century. By 2050, it is expected to generate over $1 trillion in revenue.

Are you suited to a role in IT? Are you good at:

• Logical thinking
• Communicating
• Showing attention to detail
• Mathematics and
• Data manipulation (for programming)?

1. Good money

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics people working in Information Media and Technologies earn on average per week $1672.

2. Constant change

Information Technology is constantly changing, programs are updated, systems changed and new technologies developed. If you don’t like routine IT is for you. Think about it, right now some of the big things in IT are mobile computing, cloud computing, and social networking, none of these things were major considerations ten years ago.

3. High demand

IT is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. New technology is constantly and rapidly being developed to meet user requirements. This means that IT professionals are in high demand.

4. Valued skills

Having a Degree or Diploma in IT adds value. Performing tasks that others can’t, means you are appreciated by people throughout the business you work for. You assist people with support and help them by building solutions to their problems.

5. Varied roles and situations

Working in IT offers you great flexibility; you can work from varied locations and have flexibility of working hours. IT employees can often start earlier or finish later as the focus is about getting the job done. Problems don’t always occur between nine and five.

IT professionals may work as Systems Administrators, Networking, Website Developers, and Software Developers or in a specialised area.

 

To find out how to start your IT career visit www.computerpower.edu.au

Follow us on Facebook for job tips and IT news, designed to help build your IT career!

Why attend a Careers Expo?

1)     Determine your next move

If you know you need to make a change, but you’re not sure what it is, a Career Expo could be a good start. There are a range of organisations and Career Councillors to talk to who can provide you with information. Share your thoughts and work together to determine what career path suits you. Talk to other attendees for inspiration.

If you know what you want to do, a Careers Expo may enable you to determine how to get there. You can get career advice; learn about employment opportunities, and further education.

2)     Gather information

Many companies are represented at Careers Expo’s. Therefore there are plenty of people to talk to across a range of industries. Find out exactly what you want to know, get knowledge about a company and what they offer beyond what is on their website. Collect brochures to review later.

Perhaps some further study is appropriate. Visit the universities, TAFEs and private education providers present at the Expo. Speak to their representatives; they are there to ensure you are well informed of their programs (both recruitment and/or education) and to help you make the right decision as you pursue your career. Keep in mind that sometimes the process of elimination helps!

Attend the free seminars if they’re available, they may provide career advice, job seeking tips and further background to organisations.

3)     Get a job

There are often large corporate organisations at Career Expos who are looking to recruit new employees. Ensure you have a copy of your resume (and remember that you may be asked to apply online), present yourself well and make professional enquires about what the position is and what the company has to offer you. You can normally view a list of companies in attendance on the Career Expo website before the event, review this list, and research the companies that appeal to you before speaking with them.

4)     Network

There is great value in meeting people who are pursuing the same career as you, and those already entrenched in similar roles. Be ready to provide your contact details to foster a relationship. Use the Expo, and the people you meet, to gather any information that might assist you in achieving your career goals.

Is the music industry the guide post for the future of education?

When did you last buy music on a CD?

It’s quite confronting when you suddenly realise it was ten years ago.

Before the iPod and iTunes revolution, we purchased the latest hits by heading down to our local music store.

To purchase our songs of choice we would often buy 11 other songs we didn’t really care for and too bad if the store was closed or out of stock – we would just have to wait – and we did.

Not anymore. Do you know where your nearest music store is today?

Today we expect music anywhere, anytime and with immediate access.

Record companies said it could never happen.

Today’s music lover is also today’s student and the transformation in the way we access music I believe is a guide post to the way we will also access learning in the future.

Recently, Laureate International Universities, the World’s largest largest Higher Education provider  commissioned Zogby Analytics (see document below) to undertake the University of the Future Survey where more than 20,800 students across 21 countries provided their view.

The conclusion – ‘it will be accessible, flexible, innovative and job-focussed’.

Most educators believe this will never happen.

 

Written by Andrew Horton. Group Managing Director, Didasko Group

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To find out more about Computer Power at www.computerpower.edu.au

It was time to make the change

 

For many years Peter had been working as a Store Manager for a large supermarket chain.

Peter always had a desire to follow his passion for IT and decided it was time to make the change.

There were a number of key factors in Peter’s decision to study at Computer Power Institute: the flexible hours, placement assistance, the curriculum and environment.

Computer Power’s Placement Team worked with Peter on every aspect of his job search.  Peter put in 100% and within seven weeks landed a Technical Support role with a mobile technology company.

 

Find out more about Computer Power at www.computerpower.edu.au

 

Limited work experience didn’t hold Jonathan back

 

Jonathan had completed a Diploma of Business Administration and was volunteering in a Admin/IT role when he made the decision to pursue IT as a career.

 

He chose to study at Computer Power Institute because he wanted to learn in an office environment as opposed to a traditional classroom. The added bonus of the placement advice and support was an attraction.

 

Having limited work experience didn’t hold Jonathan back. He worked closely with the National Placement Consultant to create a winning resume, and learnt how to prepare for an interview – everything from image, to answering behavioural and technical questions.

 

Jonathan landed the first role he applied for! He is now a Client Support Officer at a Software Company, and is excited about his role and the scope for future professional growth.

 

Find out more about Computer Power at www.computerpower.edu.au