What is your role at WorkCover?

I lead the Digital Services and Delivery group within Solutions & Technology. WorkCover is unique in that we develop and enhance our own core application that enables our people to manage our claims and policies. As a result we are similar to a software developer vendor, and we are responsible for the ongoing development and enhancement of our core application and the suite of digital services that we provide for our customer and stakeholders.

What qualifications do you have?

I completed my Bachelor of Business Computing many years ago at QUT and am currently halfway through my MBA also at QUT. My undergrad was split between business subjects and computer science and always tended to lean more towards the software development side.

What was your first role?

My first role out of uni was as a jnr developer at a small software company called Concept which was based in Toowong. They had just started to develop a HR/Payroll application for universities and large enterprises. I was employee 14 at the time and the company ended up expanding to about 150 employees so was really interesting to come in at the early stages and see how the company grew. Also offered many opportunities as you were thrown into many ‘deep-ends’, but found that was a great way to learn.

What types of opportunities are there for Graduates in your area?

There are many opportunities within the Solutions & Technology group. If software development is of interest, then we have a fairly mature delivery process using human-centred design practices and agile methodology. Roles range from application development where you can development enhancements to our core systems, application tester where you are responsible for the quality our solutions and enhancing our automation testing framework. We also have a UX/UI design team who use design thinking approaches to ensure we are understanding and solving the right problems, and designing experiences for our customer that meet that need. All roles involve good levels of engagement with our customers.

If you are looking to head down a more technical path then there are opportunities in networks, platform and desktop management or applications support.

There really is an opportunity to experience a broad range of roles within technology right from solution development, managing infrastructure to supporting the technology. You will be able to see how technology does enable WCQ to deliver to the needs of its business and customers.

What kind of leader are you?

I think a good leader is able to communicate a vision and direction that inspires its people to deliver, and ultimately make sure they give their teams the autonomy to do that. So as a leader I see my role as to how to help our teams achieve that. I like teams to feel empowered and I make sure they have the space to do that, and at the same time ensuring we continue to move in the right direction.

What advice would you give a new Graduate?

Give yourself the time and take opportunities to experience different roles and use something like a Graduate program to do that. You get a much better understanding of how everything works together and the flow on impacts to other groups. I’ve also been a believer of always saying ‘Yes’ to opportunities when they present themselves as you never know where they lead and the further opportunities that can come from them.