Career Toolkit Series - What I Wish I Knew Before Graduating
Hear honest advice from graduates and industry professionals on navigating the move from university to career. Learn how to make the most of your summer break and take confident steps towards your professional future.
Link will be posted 2 hours before the event commences
Tue 24 Nov 07:30 AM
Duration: 1.5 hours
Member $0.00
Member-Concessional $0.00
Non-Member $15.00
Register by Tue 24 Nov 04:00 AM
Contact Event Organiser
Webinar
CPD Hours: 2
Skills Level: Influence -> Level 2
About this event
Graduation is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring uncertainty about what comes next. Join us for an honest and engaging conversation with recent graduates and industry professionals as they share the advice, lessons, and insights they wish they had before entering the workforce.
From finding opportunities beyond job boards and building meaningful professional connections to navigating setbacks and making the most of the summer break, this session will provide practical guidance to help you prepare for life after university. Whether you already have a career plan or are still exploring your options, you'll gain valuable perspectives, actionable tips, and the confidence to take your next step.
Key takeaways:
From finding opportunities beyond job boards and building meaningful professional connections to navigating setbacks and making the most of the summer break, this session will provide practical guidance to help you prepare for life after university. Whether you already have a career plan or are still exploring your options, you'll gain valuable perspectives, actionable tips, and the confidence to take your next step.
Key takeaways:
- Learn what recent graduates wish they had known before finishing university.
- Discover strategies for finding career opportunities and building your professional network.
- Explore ways to use the summer break to strengthen your skills and employability.
- Leave with clear actions to help you transition confidently from student to professional.
Speakers
MC
Alannah Grech AACS
Student and Graduate Success Manager, ACS
Alannah's career encompasses a diverse background in marketing, stakeholder management, and event management, spanning over a decade of experience across the technology, music entertainment, and law industries. As the Student and Graduate Success Manager for the ACS, she demonstrates a passion for supporting the future of tech and facilitating opportunities for students and graduates to connect with industry contacts and resources to advance their careers. Alannah created the first ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee which has created a voice for the emerging professional’s cohort, and has been replicated around the country. Alannah's efforts in creating a safe space for emerging professionals around Australia to connect and collaborate can help to nurture a new generation of industry leaders and contribute to the growth and development of the technology sector in Australia.
Speaker
Tohfa Siddika Barbhuiya
Engineer, Westpac Group
Tohfa Siddika Barbhuiya is an Engineer at Westpac Group, with experience across
software engineering, artificial intelligence and data. She completed her Master of
Computing at the Australian National University.
Having navigated the Australian job market as an international student, Tohfa
brings a practical perspective on building a career in industry. She is passionate about
continuous learning, innovation and curiosity. She meets every new challenge with
resilience and a go-getter mindset.
software engineering, artificial intelligence and data. She completed her Master of
Computing at the Australian National University.
Having navigated the Australian job market as an international student, Tohfa
brings a practical perspective on building a career in industry. She is passionate about
continuous learning, innovation and curiosity. She meets every new challenge with
resilience and a go-getter mindset.
Speaker
Rushi Vyas
Chief Executive Officer & Chief AI Officer, What's On! and Partner, ANZ Network | AI Ecosystems & ChatGPT for Startups, OpenAI
Rushi Vyas is an award-winning founder, AI practitioner and educator turning technology into practical opportunities for people and communities. A 2024 UNSW Master of Commerce graduate with Excellence, he founded What’s On! Campus while studying to help international students find trusted services, support and a sense of belonging. He received the 2026 IABCA Emerging Leader of the Year Award. His venture’s awards and recognition include the 2025 National iAwards for Government & Public Sector, NSW iAwards for Not-for-Profit & Community, and the Joint APICTA/IEEE AI Startup Award. His career spans university teaching, digital product development and AI enablement across UNSW, ACU, UTS and the University of Sydney. Bringing together entrepreneurship, education and community impact, Rushi shares a grounded perspective on building confidence, creating opportunities and turning university learning into work that makes a difference.
Speaker
Harindu Chandira Weerasinghe
Co-Founder & CEO, Eccium Technologies; Committee Member, ACS VIC Emerging Professionals Committee and Information Technology System Analyst, Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre
Harindu Weerasinghe is an ICT professional with experience in enterprise SaaS, business analytics, and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has led cross-functional and technical teams, partnered with executive stakeholders, and delivered enterprise SaaS solutions and digital transformation initiatives both in Australia and internationally. His experience spans projects involving government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, multinational corporations, and globally recognised brands. Alongside his corporate career, Harindu co-founded Eccium Technologies, where he leads the development of contextual AI that empowers people who are blind or have low vision to navigate the physical world with greater independence and confidence. Beyond his professional work, he contributes to Australia's ICT ecosystem through the Australian Computer Society's Emerging Professionals Committee, Victoria, and enjoys sharing his experiences with students and emerging professionals. Harindu's work has been recognised at the Top 50 Elite NextGen awards, and he was recently nominated as a finalist at the Australia Digis awards happening on 27th Nov. His professional interests include human-centred AI, technology for good, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
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Event Terms & Conditions
Registration
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- To avoid disappointment, ensure you pay for your booking(s) before the registration closing date. Anyone that has not received a confirmation email will not be on the event attendance list and therefore will not be admitted to the event.
- Online registration ends at the time stated on the event details page.
Cancellation and Refund
All cancellations must be processed through the website, a refund will only be considered if it is at least 3 working days prior to the event.
Disclaimer
- ACS reserves the right to change the program at any time. Every effort will be made to ensure a program of equivalent standard and members are updated with changes.
- All dietary requirements are considered, however we cannot guarantee a 100% allergen free environment.
- ACS reserves the right to prohibit entry or eject any person from an ACS event based on behaviour deemed inappropriate by ACS staff, its agents and/or others working under its authority.
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- Photography and/or filming may take place during this event, by accepting these terms you consent to this. Please let a member of ACS know if you do not want your picture taken.
COVID-19 Event Attendance Compliance
By registering to attend an ACS in person event you are agreeing to the below terms and conditions
- If an attendee is displaying flu or cold like symptoms in the days leading up to the event and therefore is not able to attend, ACS will refund the registration fee.
- If an attendee comes to an event and is displaying flu or cold like symptoms they will be asked to leave
- We ask all ACS members to respect the social distancing guidelines, if an attendee repeatedly disregards these guidelines, they may be asked to leave
- ACS reserves the right to cancel the event within 24 hours' notice if either the speaker or the event host has advised us that they are exhibiting flu or cold like symptoms
- All attendees must provide a valid phone number and email address to be contacted on if there is reason to notify about a possible COVID-19 exposure
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