Describe a typical day
I conduct lectures and deal with student related activities. As programme co-ordinator of an online programme in Cloud Computing, I also spend some time dealing with programme related queries. I contribute to research projects and supervise PhD students who work in these projects. A typical day involves balancing all these tasks!
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
Much of the research that I do is in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) which is a really exciting area to be involved in. IoT involves the connection of everyday objects to the Internet, with the aim of creating novel applications.
What’s cool? My work is very varied, no two days are the same. I really enjoy interacting with students and listening to their perspective on various topics.
What’s not so cool? I find it challenging to balance my workload between lecturing and research.
Career Development
What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far? Choosing to do a Bachelor of Science in Software Development and Computer Networking helped with critical thinking and academic writing skills were further developed in my postgraduate education which are essential to my current role as lecturer and researcher.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction? My parents had a big impact on developing my professional work ethic. The programme co-ordinator of my undergraduate degree Mr Aidan McDonald ignited my interest in computing and networking.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with? I find working full time difficult to balance with being a full time mother of three small children. It has taken me some time to figure out a balance that works. Prior to having children, I used to be less disciplined with regard to my time off over the weekend and would frequently do some work on my laptop. Nowadays, I always make sure that work is just done at work and if a task is not done by 6pm Friday it can wait until Monday.
Education and Training
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
My favourite subjects in school were Biology and Economics.
What is your education to date? I have aBachelor of Science in Software Development and Computer Networking, a Masters in Engineering and I am a Doctor of Philosophy.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job? Critical thinking and academic writing skills were further developed in my postgraduate education which are essential to my current role as lecturer and researcher. Much of the research I do is in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) which is a really exciting area to be involved in.
Personal qualities
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
I really enjoy interacting with students and listening to perspective on various topics.
Advice for others
What are the three most important characteristics required for the job? Time management, the ability to decompose a high level problem into manageable tasks and the love of a challenge.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
The exposure to industry and participation in team based projects has proved invaluable to me in my current role. I would strongly recommend for others to go out and get as much experience as possible!
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position? Before joining CIT as a member of academic staff, I worked as a software developer in IBM for 5 years. In this position, I worked as part of team and developed a rigorous design discipline in developing software.
Smart Futures
