CIO OPINION
makes sense to encourage this cross-pollination with the technology sector , particularly from fields with an analytical focus .
Leaders have already been increasing efficiencies with the people and skills available today , and this will continue to create opportunities . By leveraging AI and automation tools , organizations will improve economies of scale , and funnel extra time and resources into the digital upskilling of existing employees . According to a new study by the World Economic Forum , upskilling initiatives have the potential to help create 5.3 million jobs worldwide by 2030 .
When workers can divert repetitive tasks to tools enabled by Machine Learning , they are gifted with time to focus on high-level and meaningful work . This enables them to unlock what psychologist Csikszentmihalyi termed the ‘ flow state ’, meaning they can focus on tasks without interruption and perform at an optimal level . During this time , digital experts can brainstorm and develop creative offerings , improving products and services to attract the attention of prospective employees .
It is also important for us to drive enthusiasm by planting the seed at an early stage . My path to the diverse , creative and fulfillling world of cybersecurity would have been a lot more direct had I heard about these possibilities at a university open day . Apprenticeships , college and on-the-job training are some other areas where we can attract and develop digital talent at an early stage .
Once we have engaged a range of minds to the IT field ( without treading on the toes of other industries ), we need to create an inclusive work environment that builds their skills from the ground up . This involves regularly connecting the employees with technology leaders within the organization , so they can glean inspiration , and encouraging graduates to voice new ideas for products and services , including equipping them with the latest technologies and systems to turn ideas into action .
I have personally witnessed how a strong graduate program can bear fruitful results for an industry . Our Cloud Architect , Stephen Roznac , joined our organization with a Bachelor in Classical Music ( Composition ) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and no formal technical training . Through a combination of support and personal motivation , Stephen rose through the ranks and is now one of the most technical people within our company .
More recently , our teammate Kayal Manamohan joined the organization with a theoretical understanding about the foundations of networking and computer science , and in just three months converted this into meaningful , practical action . Kayal now troubleshoots Cisco routers , adds policies on Fortinet and completes successful backups on Dell EMC ’ s Avamar technology on a daily basis , and is learning and progressing at a rapid rate .
The meaningful development of a skilled digital workforce is important for businesses to unlock their transformative potential and for Australia to remain competitive in the burgeoning technology sector . There is no simple solution , but if we increase avenues into these industries , provide a supportive environment for budding professionals and increase operational efficiencies , we can start creating meaningful talent now instead of waiting for borders to re-open . p
46 INTELLIGENTCIO APAC www . intelligentcio . com