Today I would like to bring to you the first in a series of ‘Interviews with an IT Professional’. The following interview is with Abeer Sandher who is the Conference Chair of the upcoming ACS National Young IT Conference.

What can people attending the ACS National Young IT Conference expect?

Great range of topics to cater for everyone’s needs.

Provides a great opportunity for both demographics i.e. students looking for a job and graduates who are already working in the industry to learn from the experience of speakers, to see what’s out there in the marketplace and most importantly how the knowledge gained from this conference can be used by them to enhance their careers

I have a special note for graduates/interns looking for jobs as I was in your shoes two years back. I had the opportunity to become a member of the ACS and attend a conference; which I did. From there I haven’t looked back. I was awarded a National Scholarship from the ACS to go and work for IBM and also received an award from Pearcey Foundation for my work in the IT community of Victoria. This illustrates what a great chance it is for you all to become members of the ACS if you are not already

I would urge everyone to come, learn or even possibly get an interview with an employer (I have done that and it’s not hard), mingle and have a great time in Melbourne- This is an opportunity not to be missed and I look forward to seeing you all on 18th April at the pre-conference drinks.

Where is the Conference located?

Novotel Hotel on Collins St, Melbourne Victoria

When is the Conference?

19-20 April

Are there any social activities planned?

Yes there is a big Cocktail party planned at the end of the first day of the conference, to be held at the Melbourne Aquarium. This will give delegates coming to the conference the opportunity to see some of Melbourne at night and give them a relaxed atmosphere to network with other delegates, SME’s from various companies like IBM, PWC, etc and speakers from first/second day who all will be presenting during this event.

How can people make a booking?

People can go on-line to make a booking or call their Local ACS branch or the Victorian Branch on (03) 9690 8000

As the Conference Chair, what have you found to be the most challenging part of organising the Conference?

The most challenging part of the conference has been getting the topics right to make sure it creates interest among people and getting the speakers who can fill the expectations of delegates coming to this conference

Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat

What are your plans once the Conference is over?

Have a good long break….just kidding! We have events planned for the rest of the year for our Victorian members to come and attend. They will be advertised in the coming weeks.