Hundreds of Perth high school students will be introduced to a career in information technology, science, technology, engineering and mathematics as part of a careers event hosted by Curtin University this week.
The BiG Day In is a student careers event presented by the ACS Foundation and hosted by Curtin University’s School of Management and School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Business Information Systems Discipline Lead Associate Professor John Venable, from Curtin’s School of Management, said the event aimed to give high school students a greater understanding of a potential career in information technology.
“In the digital age, the jobs of tomorrow are ever-changing, which means a career in information technology can present an exciting prospect for high school students,” Associate Professor Venable said.
“By bringing the BiG Day In to Perth high school students, we hope to be able to give them a glimpse into a potential career in information technology and ignite a passion within them to consider a STEM pathway once they have finished school.
“This is particularly important because WA organisations, whether they be businesses, government, or not-for-profits, desperately need capable information systems graduates to innovate, sustain, and build the WA economy and to benefit the people of WA. The ability to start your own business and build it based on your own ideas is also an exciting possibility.”
ACS Foundation Executive Director John Ridge AM said Perth’s BiG Day In event formed part of a national series of events that reach between 6500 and 8000 students each year.
“Since we started running the BiG Day In six years ago, more than 30,000 students across Australia have gained a vital industry perspective to a career in STEM,” Mr Ridge said.
“For Perth’s event, the students will hear first-hand experiences from a range of speakers from organisations including Bankwest, Wisetech Global, Palo Alto, Westpac, Avanade, the Ministry of Data, the Department of Human Services, and Microsoft.”
WA Government Minister for Innovation and ICT, the Hon Dave Kelly, will deliver the opening address at the event.
The schools expected to take part in Perth’s BiG Day In include Aquinas College, Balcatta Senior High School, Ballajura Community College, Cecil Andrews College, Ellenbrook Secondary College, Frederick Irwin Anglican School, Governor Stirling Senior High School, Helena College, John XXIII College, Lumen Christi College, Mercedes College, Mindarie Senior College, Perth Modern School, Thornlie Senior High School, and Wesley College.
The BiG Day In will be held at Curtin Stadium, located at Curtin University’s Bentley campus, on Tuesday, May 8, from 9am.
