Dr Dharmendra Sharma AM is currently a Professor in Information Technology & Systems (ITS) at the University of Canberra (UC). He has assumed various senior leadership roles in universities for over twenty years and was made a University Distinguished Professor by UC in 2012. Prof Sharma was bestowed Order of Australia (in AM division) in 2019 in recognition of his contribution to Higher Education and Computer Science. Dr Sharma’s research background is in the Artificial Intelligence areas of Planning, Data Analytics and Knowledge Discovery, Predictive Modeling, Constraint Processing, Fuzzy Reasoning, Brain-Computer Interaction, Hybrid Systems and their applications to health, education, security, digital forensics and sports.
The Australian Government is making robust investments in digital transformation to support a strong economic future. Australia’s capital city of Canberra is at the epicentre and is leading the country’s digital transformation efforts, with large investments that will underpin productivity and job growth. For students studying technology, Canberra is a great place to begin a rewarding career in the IT sector.
It’s little wonder why Canberra is in such an envious position to spearhead the technology revolution. With a fast-growing population, it’s an energised, well-connected city with a reputation for excellence in education. The local government is positioning technology as a catalyst to drive better outcomes for local residents, ultimately using technology to improve their quality of life.
As per the 2022 ACS Digital Pulse report, Canberra has the highest proportion of tech workers in Australia at 14.5% – compared to a national figure of just 6.7%. Over 35,000 people in Canberra are actively working in the IT sector, with an estimated annual growth of 5.5% in Canberra’s tech workforce. According to industry experts, individuals can earn, on average, an additional AUD$11,000 every year in salary in tech occupations compared with other professional occupations.
Technological innovation has always played a key role in Canberra’s development. It is the first mainland capital city in Australia to achieve 100% renewable energy electricity supply. It is the first city in the world to allow trials of drone home delivery and is home to the world’s largest domestic virtual power plants. Such advanced, forward-thinking progress is why global companies are choosing Canberra as the place to incubate and bring to life new ideas.
How studying in Canberra can benefit tech students
Canberra’s digital transformation efforts have opened more doors for students looking to study and work in Australia’s capital city. The city is home to world-class educational institutions and research centres and is consistently named as one of the world’s best student cities based on safety, cleanliness and quality of education. Canberra typically welcomes over 15,000 students from across the world each year, and with over 25% of Canberran’s being born overseas, the city offers an exciting multicultural ambiance.
Canberra’s institutions rank in the world’s top 100, with several in Australia’s top 10. These institutions offer world-class facilities, practical hands-on experience, and industry placement opportunities. Canberra’s universities provide a conducive environment for living and to support studies for students to realise their potential. The universities offer education and research opportunities of high quality and to address the current and emerging skills needs of the 21st century.
A technology degree in one of Canberra’s illustrious institutions prepares students for a wide variety of careers.
The technology courses offered in Canberra provide students the chance to specialise in varied fields including Cloud Computing and Internet of Things, Cybersecurity and System Administration, Data Science or Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and much more.
Students gain an advanced understanding of information systems, digital security, and software development. They can develop an understanding of how to harness current technologies as well as approach emerging technologies.
A degree in technology will ensure students’ skills will be in high demand now and in the future. There are also opportunities to turn this knowledge into business opportunities, with local support available to foster entrepreneurs and start-ups.
In the post-pandemic environment, the world is fostering a digital mindset. Companies and governments are looking to build smart experiences for their customers and demanding skilled graduates in emerging fields such as cyber security and AI technologies. Adding to this, it is estimated that 90% of businesses globally are operating in the cloud thanks to the shift from outdated services into digital versions.
For students exploring opportunities to study and work in technology, now is the time to consider Canberra.