ACS QLD EPC and QUT BANDS Presents - Digital Dreamers: Discovering Career Pathways
Discover career opportunities, learn to leverage transferable skills, and grow your network in a welcoming, engaging environment, with a short talk, fun challenge, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
OJW Room, S1215, Level 12, S Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Wed 14 May 2025 05:30 PM AEST
Duration: 2.5 hours
Register by Wed 14 May 2025 10:00 AM AEST
Contact Event Organiser
In Person
CPD Hours: 2
Skills Level: Knowledge -> Level 3
About this event
Are you wondering where your studies can take you? Whether you’re a final-year student exploring job opportunities, an early tertiary student considering career pathways, or an emerging professional looking to pivot within the industry, this event is designed to help you navigate your future. Industry professionals will share insights on how IT integrates into multitudes of fields, how skills transfer between careers, and expand on the many, common and some not so common career pathways available in tech.
The event will start with short presentations from industry representatives, followed by a dynamic networking session where you can connect with professionals from different industries. To make networking easier, we’ll provide speaker bios and suggested questions to help spark conversations. Plus, a fun challenge on the night will encourage engagement and connections.
This is your chance to discover career opportunities, learn how to leverage transferable skills, and expand your network in a welcoming environment.
Thank you to venue sponsor:
Speakers
Speaker
Jiya Thakran
President, QUT BANDS
Jiya Thakran is a final year Data Science student at QUT and an Undergraduate Data Scientist in the insurance industry. She is passionate about using machine learning to solve real-world problems and enjoys working at the intersection of data, people, and strategy to drive meaningful outcomes. Jiya is also actively involved in student leadership, serving as President of QUT BANDS and Events Coordinator for Women in Technology, where she helps connect students with industry through events and mentoring. As a Faculty of Science Dean's Scholar, she is further committed to leadership development and creating inclusive, impactful opportunities for student engagement.
Speaker
Mikhail Eremeev
Co-Founder and CEO, Qreative AI
Mikhail is a passionate innovator with a deep love for sports, AI, startups, and groundbreaking technology. As the co-founder of Qreative AI, he’s on a mission to transform everyday QR codes into stunning, interactive works of art that empower brands and engage audiences. With a unique blend of marketing savvy, engineering expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, Mikhail is dedicated to creating solutions that not only push the boundaries of digital creativity but also improve the world around us.
Speaker
Khilitchandra Prajapati
Senior Technology Architect, Cognizant
With over 20 years in IT, Khilitchandra excels in architecting end-to-end business solutions using Microsoft BI, Azure and AWS tech stacks. He has led & implemented numerous end-to-end BI projects including handling requirement analysis, solution design, team management, and client engagements. His expertise spans finance, banking, casino gaming, hospitality, IT, telecom insurance, oil & gas, and the Australian government sectors. Skilled in enterprise data architecture, data integration, analytics, cloud strategy, security, and governance, he delivers innovative solutions that enhances effective and timely decision-making. His proficiency in modern cloud platforms and analytics tools makes him a thought leader in the industry. He is dynamic, proactive and committed to excellence. He also runs Microsoft SQL Server User Group in Singapore as well as Brisbane Data Platform User Group to share his knowledge with community.
Speaker
Kseniia Rydannykh
Data Analytics Consultant, Motta Consulting
Ksenia Rydannykh is a Data Analytics Consultant at Motta Consulting, specialising in Python, SQL, and Tableau to transform raw data into actionable insights through analytics, visualisation, and automation. She has over eight years of experience in IT, focusing on data-driven product development in the E-Government and FinTech sectors. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Data Analytics at QUT, specialising in Computational Data Science to deepen her expertise in statistics, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions.
Speaker
Leo Kozhushnik
Senior Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
Leo Kozhushnik is a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, bringing over 25 years of experience in cloud architecture, strategic advisory, and people management. With a Master’s degree from Deakin University, Leo has excelled in roles focused on Technical Sales, Data Strategy, and Modern Data Platforms. He has a notable history of working with leading Australian firms including Velrada, Oakton, KPMG, and Empired. His current focus is on helping FSI (Financial Services and Insurance) customers achieve success on Azure Cloud. Outside of work, Leo teaches at Kaplan Business School and mentors at the University of Queensland.
Speaker
Navjot Singh
IT Field Support Engineer – Amadeus, Brisbane Airport
Navjot Singh is an experienced IT Field Support Engineer at Brisbane Airport and a Master of Information Systems graduate. With a strong background in managing mission-critical airport IT operations, he specialises in troubleshooting complex technical issues, coordinating field support teams, and ensuring seamless service delivery in fast-paced environments. Navjot has worked extensively with systems such as Self-service kiosks, Auto baggage drops, ACUS cloud-based workstations, and enterprise monitoring tools like Amadeus- Agent Portal, Cisco Thousand Eyes and Endpoint Manager (EM) – Comodo.
Previously a Service Delivery Graduate at Myriad Services, he supported clients across Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and IT security. His academic credentials span institutions like the University of Southern Queensland, with a focus on cybersecurity, digital forensics, and IT project management. Navjot is passionate about delivering reliable IT support services, implementing robust security measures, and contributing to continuous service improvement in airport environments.
Previously a Service Delivery Graduate at Myriad Services, he supported clients across Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and IT security. His academic credentials span institutions like the University of Southern Queensland, with a focus on cybersecurity, digital forensics, and IT project management. Navjot is passionate about delivering reliable IT support services, implementing robust security measures, and contributing to continuous service improvement in airport environments.
Speaker
Jemma Lang
Product Manager, Swyftx
Jemma Lang is a Product Manager at Swyftx, where she utilises data analytics, customer research, and human-centric design to build engaging, safe, and educational experiences that improve accessibility to financial products. With seven years of experience spanning software engineering and product management, she has led high-impact initiatives across the education, HR tech, and fintech sectors. At CommBank, she spearheaded the digital development team to launch CommBank Yello, Australia’s largest customer recognition program. Jemma’s current work blends a passion for engagement features with a deep understanding of regulatory compliance to create financial tools that empower users.
Speaker
Sai Praneeth Jasti
Software Engineer, Compare the market
I’m currently working as a Software Engineer at Compare the Market, my first role in the Australian IT sector, where I've been for the past three years. I collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to provide technical expertise, shape software design strategies, and contribute to project planning. My work includes building scalable APIs, integration systems, CI/CD pipelines, and incorporating AI into everyday tasks—all in support of helping Australians make smarter choices and save more. 😊
Speaker
Shailly Shailly
B2B Global Delivery, Flight Centre
I currently lead B2B Global Delivery in Flight Centre and have worked my way from Java developer to BA to Agile Delivery Lead to Global B2B Delivery Lead .
One thing that kept me going was the interest in learning emerging technology and I have curated my profile close to technology.
One thing that kept me going was the interest in learning emerging technology and I have curated my profile close to technology.
Speaker
Devender Kumar
Data Scientist, Resources Safety and Health Queensland
I’m Devender Kumar, a Data Scientist at Resources Safety and Health Queensland, where I apply AI, machine learning, and deep learning to help make Queensland’s mining industry safer and smarter. With over two years of experience across mining, mining health and safety, and geospatial industries, I thrive on using data to solve real-world problems that matter.
I hold a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence from RMIT University Melbourne, and I am passionate about the power of technology to create meaningful change. Just as passionate is my commitment to helping early-career professionals break into the tech space—because I know how tough that first step can be. I’m excited to share my journey, insights, and lessons learned, and I look forward to connecting with future data scientists at the event.
I hold a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence from RMIT University Melbourne, and I am passionate about the power of technology to create meaningful change. Just as passionate is my commitment to helping early-career professionals break into the tech space—because I know how tough that first step can be. I’m excited to share my journey, insights, and lessons learned, and I look forward to connecting with future data scientists at the event.
Speaker
Zolzaya Bayarsaikhan
Business Analysis Consultant, BAPL; Immediate Past Chair, ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee and Committee Member, ACS QLD Branch Executive Committee
A skilled Business Analysis Consultant at Business Analysis (BAPL), Zaya excels in fostering collaboration within cross-functional teams. Her expertise lies in conducting thorough business process analyses to pinpoint and effectively address potential areas for process improvement. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology from Griffith University, Zaya is specialised in Information Systems. Her professional journey spans various sectors, including a notable stint in supply chain management within the mining and metals industry, where she earned recognition as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
Speaker
Craig Hurst
Software Development Manager, Amazon
A passionate technologist and engineering leader, Craig Hurst has spent over two decades building software and leading technical teams. From enterprise systems to retail platforms, and now at Amazon working on worldwide grocery technology, he's focused on creating environments where engineers can do their best work while solving complex problems at scale.
Speaker
Abhaya Shrestha
Software Development Intern, Monkey Code
I’m Abhaya Shrestha, a Master of Information Technology student and Software Development Intern at MonkeyCode, where I’m currently contributing to the development of a custom CRM platform. Prior to this, I spent over three years working as a QA Engineer, ensuring software quality through structured testing practices and performance testing across web applications.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with cross-functional teams, integrating quality assurance early in the development cycle and supporting continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) processes, including multiple production releases. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of quality and collaboration, and helping teams build reliable, user-focused products.
I’m excited to share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned in navigating QA and software development, and to connect with others exploring their own tech pathways.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with cross-functional teams, integrating quality assurance early in the development cycle and supporting continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) processes, including multiple production releases. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of quality and collaboration, and helping teams build reliable, user-focused products.
I’m excited to share my journey, the lessons I’ve learned in navigating QA and software development, and to connect with others exploring their own tech pathways.
Speaker
Trent Gossner
Account Manager - Software Solutions, Data#3
Trent Gossner is currently a Software Solutions Account Manager at Data#3 who is committed to helping clients harness the power of people and technology to create a brighter future. Trent currently partners with clients across a variety of industry verticals in digital transformation and solving business challenges by leveraging leading software solutions. Specialising primarily in Microsoft product and services across cloud, modernwork, data & analytics and cybersecurity.
As a previous business owner in the hospitality industry to now sales professional, Trent is passionate about customer success and dedicated to solving challenges by harnessing technology.
As a previous business owner in the hospitality industry to now sales professional, Trent is passionate about customer success and dedicated to solving challenges by harnessing technology.
Speaker
Rachael Jones
Operations Lead, AUDD – Australian Digital Dollar; Committee Member, ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee; Chair, DECA Young Professionals and Committee Member, ACS Blockchain Committee
With a strong foundation in blockchain, financial analysis, and strategic planning, Rachael thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and innovative thinking. At AUDD, she leverages digital assets and public blockchains to deliver transformative solutions in payments and commerce, focusing on accessibility and trust in the evolving digital economy.
An active advocate for inclusion and innovation, Rachael empowers businesses and individuals through thought leadership, mentoring, and community engagement. She serves as a representative member on the Blockchain Committee of the Australian Computer Society, Chair of DECA Young Professionals, Secretary for WODECA, and contributor to the DECA Digital Assets Working Group, All Things Blockchain, and ACS QLD Emerging Professionals.
An active advocate for inclusion and innovation, Rachael empowers businesses and individuals through thought leadership, mentoring, and community engagement. She serves as a representative member on the Blockchain Committee of the Australian Computer Society, Chair of DECA Young Professionals, Secretary for WODECA, and contributor to the DECA Digital Assets Working Group, All Things Blockchain, and ACS QLD Emerging Professionals.
MC
Pavel Zemnukhov
Senior Data Engineer, Queensland Government; Vice Chair, ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee
With a background in international logistics, Pavel transitioned into the tech industry to follow his passion, earning a Master of IT from Monash University in Melbourne. After relocating to Brisbane in December 2022, he joined the Department of Resources and became an active member of the ACS QLD Community.
He is currently leading data initiatives within his team using the Azure technology stack.
He is currently leading data initiatives within his team using the Azure technology stack.
Event Location
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