Thu 9 Jul 2009
Posted by onlytapan under ACS, Author, IT&T
[13] Comments
Australia is a famous and preferred destination for students. Students from all over the world come down under to get the taste of “practical” learning and I was one of them as well. Australia also provides pathways for permanent residency to the students who successfully completes the requirements as outlined by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
I am not writing this to give any advise on immigration and I must say I am not an expert in that area. I am just trying to shed some light on the ground reality.
This policy of DIAC attracts more and more number of students every year to Australia. There was a huge influx of students and more numbers of students started graduating from the Australian Universities. These students applied for their permanent residency (PR) and then started looking for jobs. Now eventually over a period of time, there were still some graduates who were unable to find the job in their field and were in the jobs which was no where related to their field of study. The basic issue was many students lacked the most critical skill – communication. They were no doubt fit to work in the industry in terms of their knowledge but the sheer lack of communication skills deprieved them of any job. In short, they were not Job Ready.
DIAC has approved various job-readiness programs called professional year program which also gives them additional points towards meeting the criteria PR. One of such program is the Professional Year (PY) Program that the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is authorised to run. ACS has several delivery partners for the program who delivers it to the students. It is one of the most effective program and covers some of the very interesting topics.
I always make sure I address the student of the PY Program at the opening bootcamp. My message is straight and simple. Communications skills are the first and foremost requirement and even important than the technical skills.
I think in my next post, I will cover the message that I pass on during the bootcamp.
Tags: ACS, Australia, communication, importance of soft skills, IT job market, job readiness, professional year, program, pyp, skills, soft
Thu 9 Jul 2009
Posted by onlytapan under ACS
No Comments
As most of you are aware that the South Australian branch of the Australian Computer Society is hosting a branch conference this year and the theme is Survive and Thrive Through the Recession. The conference will run three stream: Professional Stream, Technical Stream and School Stream.
The professional stream will focus on career pathways where as technical stream will have more of case studies on surviving and thriving through the recession. The school stream is focused on school students and will promote ICT as a career option.
The conference has excellent line of speakers including Marcus Barber – Futurist (Keynote speaker), Andrew Mills – CIO of South Australian State Government, Simon Hackett – Managing Director of Internode, Philip Argy – 2009 Professional of the Year award winner and also immediate past president of the ACS, Steve Adcock – CEO of EICTA, Andy Koronios – Head of CIS School UniSA and many more. The conference will be opened by our vey own Prof Reg Coutts.
This is a very interesting opportunity for professional development and I am absolutely thrilled with the kind of response we have been receiving. Its been a long time since we have organised such a huge event for our members and I am extremely pleased with the development.
The conference committee consisting of Brenda Aynsley, Jack Burton, David Lindley, Grant Wigley, Joanna Zhai and myself (Chair) has put in tremendous effort to make this event of an international standard. I am extremely grateful to have them in this committee and am obliged with the support extended to this conference.
The conference is scheduled on 30th July 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
www.acs.org.au/sa/2009conference
Mon 22 Jun 2009
Posted by onlytapan under ACS
[3] Comments
The 6th annual International Young ICT Professionals Conference will be held on the 3rd and 4th of September, 2009 at the Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour in Sydney Australia. This year’s theme is “Future of ICT – Lead, Transform, and Succeed“. The conference will combine a trade show and draw top ICT Professionals and Graduates in addition to international guests.
The program will provide young professionals, recent graduates and university students around the world with the techniques, skills and confidence to advance their career in Information Communications Technology (ICT). A Panel Discussion is included as part of the 2 day program.
Other speakers include:
- Dr Paul Scully-Power (Australia’s first astronaut)
- Fiona Balfour (former CIO of Qantas and Telstra)
- Graeme Wood (Founder Wotif)
- Glenn Wightwick (Director, IBM Australian Development Lab)
- Richard White (CEO and founder of CargoWise edi Pty Ltd)
- Neville Roach (Former Chairman Fujitsu Australia)
- Varun Kapur (General Manager (ANZ) – Tata Consultancy Service)
- Bianca Wirth (Green IT advocate)
- Chris Johnson (Australian National University)
- Sarma Rajaraman (CIO, Genworth Financial)
- Debbie Timmins (Australian Young Professional of the Year 2005)
- Yohan Ramasundara (Immediate Past Director, Young IT Board)
- Jill Noble (Principal, Pivotal HR)
- Mark Lloyd (A National ICT Identity and Thought Leader)
- Tom Worthington (Author of the book ‘Net Traveller’)
- Julie Irwin (A Winner of IT’s Million $ Babes Award).
- Stephen Kowal (CIO, CSC Australia)
Inspirational presentations from a world-class selection of speakers provide an invaluable opportunity that should not be missed by young professionals all around the world!
To register, please go to the Conference website at: http://www.acs.org.au/youngit/2009conference/
The Conference is supported by:
Platinum Sponsor – IBM, Gold Sponsors – Tata Consultancy Services and UTS, Silver Sponsors – Data Agility, Express IT and ACS Foundation, Bronze Sponsors – Microsoft, CSIRO and NICTA and Corporate Sponsor – McGrath Nicol
Mon 1 Jun 2009
Posted by onlytapan under Author
1 Comment
I have been following both sides of the story in media regarding the so called “racist attacks” on Indian students in Australia and the stories have left many parents worrying. I condemn the attacks but would like to throw light on a different aspect as well.
The future is surely in our hands. If we look at the history of India, it was invaded by many kings and countries in the past which brought people from different countries, religion and culture in India. The excellent story that pops up in my mind is of Parsis who came and settled in India and when summoned by the King, came with a full glass of milk, added some sugar to it and said we will dissolve (mix) in your community like sugar. They respected our culture and community and hence we respect them back. Same applies to most of other communities. If you respect them, they will respect you.
Lot of my friends have very good relationship with local people and community. They all practice a saying “you will reap what you sow”. We need to LEARN to RESPECT other culture. If something is wrong according to our culture you don’t practice it but don’t make comments about that if that is right in their culture. Respect their feelings as well. Don’t forget, we are in THEIR country.
Although this all applies, I think it is also a responsibility of the local government to provide protection to the visitors. I am sure Government will take enough steps to ensure the same as the contribution of education industry in Australia is enormous and most of the revenue comes from International students.
Fri 6 Feb 2009
Posted by onlytapan under Author
[2] Comments
It is really sad to write on this topic but with my experience as a consultant and having seen in and out of various companies I am forced to write on this.
Some of the ten biggest mistakes that an investor or a promoter make in their business are:
1) Invest without understanding business
2) Pretend that they know everything
7) Put their recently graduated child in command
4) Listen and entertain all the rumours
5) Don’t pay the salary in time
6) Under estimate the competition
7) Mistrust their top executives 
Doubt decisions taken by the Sales & Marketing Heads
9) Think they can handle situation better than their executives
10) Fire the main staff and people involved with the project since the inception of the idea
I am going to write all the point in detail but it just takes a lot of time and concentration. I will elaborate on each point really soon.
Mon 1 Dec 2008
Posted by onlytapan under Politics
1 Comment
I felt really sad for the “real heroes” after following the Mumbai Rampage for about 60 hours. NSG Commandos, MARCOS, Police, ATS and Fire Brigade were the real heroes who took on the responsibility of saving the nation and lives of countrymen from this devastating attack. Politicians and bureaucrat are only for the purpose of sepnding our tax money for their luxuries.
Often many Governments invite various superstars to their State. For them, they will arrange best car for transport, they will sponsor them a business class seat on airlines but our NSG commandos have to wait and travel in BEST buses – even after their outstanding performance. They saved us. Shouldn’t they be given special treatment as a way of saying “thank you”? Shouldn’t there be a better mode of transport. They were on the grounds for 60 hours – fighting with terrorists in all odds, in middle of fire, bullets flying everywhere, grenades being launched but without even thinking of their own life they were there trying to save us and what have we given back to them?
It took them 9 and half hour from the first fire to start their operation. The reason – bad planning of the Government. NSG Commandos are based at Delhi, they were woken up from their sleep and got ready as soon as they can with all their arms and ammunations. It was then that the officials realised that an aircraft that is capable of flying 200 commandos was not in Delhi but was at Chandigarh. The pilot was woken up and then commandos were waiting for the aircraft in Delhi. Now the flying speed of this aircraft is not great. It took nearly 3 hours to reach them to Mumbai and then they boarded on BEST buses and it took them 40 minutes to reach to the site from the Airport.
The other argument could be, if you expect our NSG commandos to travel in BEST buses, why not our politicians? They are also suppose to “serve” the nation. What is so great about them? Why do they have to travel with all comforts?
Sat 29 Nov 2008
Posted by onlytapan under Author, Politics
1 Comment
There is only one debate going around the world at this moment and it is the Mumbai Rampage. The incident is really distressing and in a way it is a challenge to democracy. I have been following up the incident since the time it started. I was astonished to see how much prepared were the terrorists.
The plans and actions of terrorists clearly indicates that they have done their homework properly. They have studied the areas and the properties which are under attack and surely for this purpose, they would have visited India for 3-4 times before the attack. The question is how come Intelligence don’t have any clue about them? The Central and the State Government had no idea as well. Initially they didn’t take the attack seriously until they lost precious lives of few important top police personnel. What were the State Intelligience doing while this attack was being planned? Should we take this incidence as a failure of Government and lack of competence in combating terror? What lessons have India learnt from this? Why is the present Indian Government still soft on terror? What is the reason? Is it still because of votes that come from specific community?
It would also be interesting to see what steps are being planned. Globally this attack has been termed as “9/11 of India”. What happened after 9/11? Americans attacked the countries who were supporting the militants. Is India going to attack any country? I am sure India should as the country is witnessing such acts on a very regular basis. Since 50 years India is under constant attack. What is the reason for our silence? Shouldn’t we as a citizen ensure that we elect Government that is actually interested in well-being of country and not just their vote-bank?
I am sure if there would have had been enough voting for the LS election, we would not have elected this Government. The Government does not reflect sentiments of the nation except few minorities who has elected these people. One lesson that we have to learn, as a responsible citizen, is to go out and VOTE. It is equally important to speak out and raise our concerns. Let the authorities at least hear them and then leave it up to them to take the decision but at least we should exercise our rights.
Before the attack, there was another issue going around in Mumbai - The migration of North Indians in Mumbai. Most of the political parties came forward and said we are with mumbaikars. Some of the parties supported the migration. But where are all these people now? Why are they not there to help the citizens? I am not saying that they should go out and fight with the terrorists. No this is not their job. But they have to come forward and assure people of their safety. They have to come forward and establish a dialogue with the locals out there.
I saw Narendra Modi, Gopinath Munde and other leaders at the site, expressing their concerns. Where are others? This morning I received an SMS on my phone – “It is time we stand up for our country. No point sitting and talking we need to stand up for each other. It hurts to see my country bleed and hurts to see my fellow men die. We need to be counted and make a change. I need to make change, you need to make a change, we need to make a change…” This was the SMS that was sent by the National President of BJP (Yuva Morcha), Amit Thaker. I would like to post my comment through this Blog. Amitji we are ready for change. Let the opportunity come and we shall make a change. We stand with you and appreciate your effort for getting in touch with the citizens ACROSS THE WORLD who have been shattered.
At this stage, I, as an individual, also stand with the people of India and would like to express grief and sorrow over this tragic incident. I would also like to Salute the NSG Commandos, MARCOS, Army, Policemen and all others for their extraordinary efforts.
Fri 10 Oct 2008
Posted by onlytapan under Author
No Comments
You often hear of certain projects that achieved great success and some of the other projects with similar products, similar strategies, similar target audience fell on their nose and when you hear that you often start thinking that what could have gone wrong for other company? I would say that projects without heart is bound to fail. Any amount of money you spend will not bring any success. It is the emotion that binds success with the project. After all success is largely depending on the people you are working with and people who are working for you. Their thinking about company and its product matters the most.
If you treat your people nicely, share your thoughts and plans with them, take their suggestions and involve them – it will give a sense of belongingness to them and it is this emotion – the company is mine and they care about me – that will do the trick for your business. They will work with all the enthusiasm and most of the time will go out of the way to help your business. If anytime you stop involving them and start treating them badly, your business will fall no matter how much successful you would be.
Always make sure you are doing the right things and also delivering what you are promosing. It is after all a mind game. Success of your business depends on this. This is true for everything that you would do in your life. Be it politics or business, emotions play a very important role.
Tue 16 Sep 2008
Posted by onlytapan under IT&T
No Comments
Presenting the launch of University of South Australia Sun Open Source University Meetup (UniSA Sun OSUM), an initiative of Sun Microsystems.
The OSUM will be launched with celebration of Software Freedom Day. SFD is on September 20, however UniSA Sun OSUM will celebrate the SFD on September 19.
For most of us, technology is a big part of our lives. We rely on our computers, PDAs, and cell phones to help us with almost everything. It’s amazing when you think about the everyday impact technology has on our world. And as a community, we have the power to make sure that technology continues to take us on a path of opportunity, innovation and freedom.
Software Freedom Day celebrates transparent and open technology, and Sun sees the promise of open source software as the perfect way for students to create a world of expanded opportunity, increased flexibility, and continual innovation. If you share our perspective, we invite you to support open source software by celebrating Software Freedom Day.
So join in, release your ideas, explore new code…have fun!
Become a part of the UniSA Sun Open Source University Meetup at http://studentdevelopers.ning.com/group/unisa and celebrate on Friday, September 19, 2008.
The event will be held at UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus GP1-08 on Friday Sepember 19 2008 @ 12:30 PM
Software Freedom Day (SFD) will be celebrated with free softwares, starter kits, pizza, drinks and lots of other freebies.
Change (y)our world. Support Software Freedom Day.
Fri 4 Jul 2008
Posted by onlytapan under IT&T
1 Comment
YoungIT in the Pub organised by Australian Computer Society, SA is scheduled on July 17 2008 at Queens Arms Hotel at the Wright Street, Adelaide. The topic for this month’s session is “Importance of Networking for Getting the Right Job” and would be presented by Richard Levy.
Richard is one of Australia’s leading Behavioural Consultants specialising in assisting companies develop staff to improve their planning, performance, achieve increased profits and reduce stress levels. One area of expertise is delivering his proven techniques in networking, in a fun, informative and highly beneficial method. Exploring the most effective ways to make successful connection with new people.
This session would be very useful for students and young ICT professionals who are looking at shaping their careers. It is known that more than 75% of the Jobs in IT are not advertised. Most of the candidates are appointed through reference which are normally developed over various networking events.
YoungIT in the pub offers excellent networking opportunities alongwith free drinks, food and give-aways. The event is free to attend and requires registration.
Note: We support responsible drinking
