Min Han Tun - Software Engineer

Bio: I arrived in Australia about three years ago after a Bachelor's degree in Burma. I started off at Curtin as a tutor then worked as a research assistant. After handing in my thesis last October I joined DTI full time.

What do you do?
I work as a software engineer for a Perth based company that provides advanced surveillance systems, solutions, and services to the global mass transit industry. At the moment we're working on a way to detect graffiti on buses as soon as someone starts spraying.

What do you love about your work?
I like the variety. I get to work on systems ranging from embedded platforms to web services. I like that each day requires me to learn new things to solve problems or develop new features.

What is the money like?
Quite good. The average salary is around $50,000 - $55,000 for new graduates.

How did you get to where you are today?
I started out developing small programs for friends and local businesses near where I lived. When I started my degree, I worked part-time as a research assistant for my supervisor developing machine learning applications. This opened my eyes to the world of Artificial Intelligence and sparked an interest in Computer Vision.

What made you decide to work in ICT?
I have been passionate about technology from a young age. From the first time I touched a computer, I knew this would be my profession. I could not imagine doing anything else. I love being in this industry mainly because I get to push the boundaries of technology everyday and create new things.

Is the ICT industry what you expected?
Yes, and much more. I used to think being a programmer is all about technology, but in reality you need people skills as much as you need technical skills to function effectively in a team environment.

What do you find interesting about working in the ICT?
Everyday is a new challenge. Everyday comes with a different problem to solve. This keeps me stimulated and interested. The best part is that I get to play with cutting edge technologies and equipment everyday!

Where do you see your job in ICT taking you?
Who knows what the future holds. The sky is the limit really. I would like to move into a more senior management role sometime in the future.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in ICT?
The single most important thing is to be passionate about what you do. The ICT industry can be demanding at times and only your passion will get you through it. Learn math, science and statistics. These subjects will be useful in your future in ICT.

Why would you encourage others to get into the ICT industry?
Everything from microwaves to space shuttles are controlled by computers. The things you can do are only limited by your imagination. This is the only industry where you will get to learn new things about different industries with each new project.