Tech Head

You're technical on every level, the one your Aunty comes to when her phone ‘breaks’. If you’re looking for a flexible career in a constantly evolving digital landscape, this is your ticket there. Explore some of the ways to get started, the funding opportunities that are out there, and where to connect with other tech heads, professionals and organisations. 

Pathways

• Pursue an undergraduate degree in a tech-related field like computer science, information technology, software engineering or digital media. Many institutions also offer admission pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check out Course Seeker or Good Universities Guide to find a course that appeals to you.

• Get hands-on skills in areas like coding, web development or cybersecurity at TAFE or a VET provider like General Assembly or Coder Academy. Search for VET courses on Study Australia to get an idea of what’s out there.

• Sign up for a short course in a specific area like coding languages, data analysis, or user experience (UX) design. Open Universities Australia is a great place to start.

• Get a head start while you’re at school by doing a STEM workshop with Deadly Coders.

• Have a look at current job opportunities on boards like SEEK or Ethical Jobs. For roles specific to First Nations job hunters, you can search for “Aboriginal Identified jobs” or filter for Indigenous jobs. Koori Mail, Our Mob and Indigenous Employment Australia are job boards created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are worth a look too.

Funding

There are a range of scholarships available for First Nations young people looking to study tech, like the Stronger Smarter Institute Teachers of STEM Initiative, the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship and the TagEnergy Future Leaders Program. The CSIRO’s Indigenous STEM Education Project has also created scholarships at various universities around Australia to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM students, so it’s worth checking if your university has one in place. 

For more info about financial support, visit institution websites. Many universities and TAFEs offer funding for First Nations students. If you’re considering uni, check out this list of Indigenous Higher Education Units, where you learn more about student support. It’s also worth exploring ABSTUDY, AIEF’s scholarship program and tech-specific scholarships via Aurora Foundation's Indigenous Pathways Portal. 

Networking

• Reach out to tech companies, startups, small businesses and innovative firms directly to see if any internships or vacation work opportunities are available.

• Networks like the Australian Academy of Science  Young Scientists of Australia, Science and Technology Australia (STA) and STEM Sisters connect you to other students and professionals in your area. There are groups just for mob out there too, like NISTEMPN and the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy.

• One fantastic opportunity worth spotlighting is the National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA), which offers a number of First Nations students in STEM the chance to intern at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States. 

• CareerTrackers supports First Nations students from Year 12 and throughout university to connect with employers and participate in paid, multi-year internships.

• Yalari’s Pathways Program helps to prepare students for life after school and to navigate the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.

• AIEF offers career support for First Nations students from Year 11 onwards, assisting with goal setting and applications for higher education, training or employment opportunities.

• Connect with a mentor through AIEF or AIME. If you want advice specific to your field, Indigitek, Ember Connect and the Indigenous Tech Academy are worth a look. It’s also useful to get in touch with Indigenous-led businesses in the space, such as Indigital, to yarn about careers.

• Indigenous student support centres at your education provider (like an Indigenous Higher Education Unit) aren’t just good for finding resources; they’re a great place to find connection and community, too.

What else would you be good at?

Hit up the quiz again to see where else your skills, interests or passions could take you. Or, jump ahead to learn more about the other quiz outcomes and how to get started on those instead.

• More into working with your hands? Build your skills as a Hands-on Trade Master.

• Ready to build and create? Explore how to become an Engineer for the Real World.

• All about helping others and being there for mob? Being a Health Profesh could be just the thing!

• Inspired by the many wonders of the world? Being a So Sciency Scientist could be for you.

• Want to inspire and educate young ones? Get Schooled and make it happen.

• All about expressing yourself? Unlock your Creative Mode, share new ideas and celebrate your culture. 

• Keen to stay close to mob and to uplift your community? Discover how to be Socially Savvy and advocate for others.

• Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.

• Love delivering exceptional service for community? Get thriving as a Main Street Hero.