Amanda Tan - IT Analyst

Bio: Born in Singapore and moved to WA in 1998. Lived in North Dandalup and went to Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Mandurah. Did a six-month international study exchange in Sweden and have worked in Singapore, Sweden and Australia.

What is your role in the ICT industry?
I'm an analyst in the Technology Integration group at Deloitte Consulting. I work with other IT specialists and business professionals to provide strategic advice and project management services.

What do you love about your work?
The opportunity to find solutions that make a real difference to the client. Sharing an office with qualified, capable colleagues and the interaction with client representatives from across the entire organisation. I also love the autonomy I have.

How did you get to where you are today?
Passion about what I do - I make it a point to prioritise my time. While it is tempting to try everything, I believe it is important limit the scope of my activities. Also I have been fortunate to have good mentors, both academic and non-academic.

What made you decide to work in ICT?
I started my degree just after the dot-com bubble burst, but it was clear that technology would continue to shape the competitive business landscape - and I wanted to be part of it. I majored in Business Information Systems as opposed to Information Technology due to my interest in the strategic application of ICT rather than the more "techy" coding and networking aspects.

Is the ICT industry what you expected?
I am still discovering what the industry is all about, and constantly realising how much I don't know. The industry is a growing one that keeps progressing at a rapid pace.

What do you find interesting about working in ICT?
The application of ICT spans all industries. Working in ICT provides the opportunity to gain a holistic view of business objectives and functions. Nothing stays the same for long as technology keeps advancing - I enjoy change and new things and finding applications of new ICT capabilities.

Where do you see your job in ICT taking you?
I see myself working as a team leader where I can ICT advisory and implementation services. I would like to travel with my work and expose myself to the diverse applications of ICT in different cultures and organisations.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in ICT?
Go for it! You don't have to be a "tech geek" to work in ICT - if you are, great! Ultimately, just stay interested in technology developments and remain passionate about what you do. You'll enjoy it if you love challenges and thrive on discovering new ways of doing things.

Why would you encourage others to get into the ICT industry?
The opportunities and possibilities in the ICT industry are infinite, and are increasing as you read this. There is a need for skilled, passionate and creative professionals in the field, so anyone looking for something "specialised, but not rigid" - this is the industry for you.

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