Today’s interview is with Yohan Ramasundara. Yohan is the ACS National Young IT Board Director. Yohan has been very active in the Young IT community for several years now. In 2005, Yohan was the Conference Chair of the ACS National Young IT Conference, which was held in his home town in the ACT.

What would you like to achieve over the next two years as the ACS National Young IT Board Director?

Well where would you like me to start! I have a long list, most importantly it’s not “MY” list it’s “OUR” list of things to achieve. Young IT Board has great initiatives such as the Ambassador program, the annual national conference etc so I like to take them to the next level. I want to make next years conference an International Conference and it might be in your home town, Debbie! We are also working closely with the Federal & local governments to come up with solutions to the current shortage of ICT professionals.

What made you want a career in IT?

There were many reasons, but mainly due to the broad prospects in the IT industry. A career in IT overlaps with most of (if not all) other industries in the world today so you have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a variety of industries. Also unlike many other professions (e.g. accounting, etc) IT skills are compatible in most countries therefore speak many languages. An IT skill one requires to work in Australia is not much different to what’s required in US, Europe, China or Africa except for the technology used.

What do you like about working in IT?

Mainly the people I work with but I love the opportunities it presents as well. All my friends and colleagues in IT are very nice. My current role is in management systems so I don’t have much contact with IT staff on the floor (

Where are you working now?

IP Australia, the Australian Government agency responsible for administering patents, trade marks, designs and Plant Breeder’s Rights.

What motivates you to give so much of your free time to working with students and young IT professionals?

I believe that I have to give something back to the society, industry and people. As I mentioned earlier all my friends and colleagues are very nice individuals and I enjoy spending time with them. I learn a lot from others as every individual is different. I make a lot of friends and as they progress through their careers and become successful I feel proud and very happy for them.

What advice would you give to students and young IT professionals?

Get involved with your local Young IT groups to share information, experience and learn anything and everything you can because you’ll find a use for it someday. It’s not what you know that matters in the end it’s what you do with what you know and who you know! Also I can’t stop emphasising the importance of continual learning to keep up to date especially since we are in an industry that keeps changing/advancing all the time.

How can someone contact you?

I’m happy for people to contact me via e-mail yohan@acslink.net.au also if you’re attending the National Young IT Conference in Melbourne on the 19th & 20th April, you’ll see me there.