Jessica Fernando - Class of 2008
Jessica Fernando, Class of 2008
Jessica Fernando is an experienced linguistic specialist and manager working in the development of AI solutions. She has worked in a variety of areas including language resource development, localisation, and voice coaching for text-to-speech assistants.
In Jessica’s current role as Solutions Manager at LXT, she works with some of the largest global technology companies to understand their data needs to provide scalable solutions for high-quality AI datasets. This role also allows her to champion personal values such as the importance of diversity and inclusion and making technology accessible for all.
She has recently relocated to Toronto to be closer to opportunities in AI and for personal interest – particularly to be in a more convenient location for travel.
Q: What have you been up to since leaving Kilvington?
A: After Kilvington, I went straight into an Arts/Science double degree at Monash University, followed by Honours in Linguistics (Phonetics) at The University of Melbourne. During that time, I was also working part time as a violin and music theory teacher and volunteering at various local organisations. My first full time job was as a linguist at an AI data service provider in Sydney, which I started in 2015. This role ended up shaping my career – I’m still in the same industry, but I relocated to Toronto in March this year. I’m now enjoying the new experiences that Canada has to offer.
Q: What is your favourite memory of Kilvington?
A: Aside from the times with friends who I’m still close with today, my favourite memories involve music. Any stage musical, annual concert, or even speech night was something that I looked forward to. Standouts were performing in the string quartet, being able to watch musicals from the orchestra pit, and the whole school coming together to sing medleys expertly arranged by Mrs Venn. Music has always been very important to me, so Kilvington’s emphasis on encouraging students towards musical pursuits was very valuable.
Q: Any funny stories?
A: It’s hard to think of one because so many are moments that felt hilarious at the time and are probably either in the “you had to be there” category or are just completely un-funny upon reflection. These small moments with friends at lunchtime, or even in class, are some of my highlights and they still get brought up occasionally when I catch up with my old school friends.
Q: Did you end up where you expected you would when you finished school?
A: Not at all! I had no idea where I would end up when I finished school and really just took things year-by-year. I definitely didn’t know what AI was and didn’t even know about linguistics, so it was a series of happy coincidences that led me to where I am now.
Q: How did your time at Kilvington prepare you for what you are doing now?
A: The thing that always stood out about Kilvington was its tight-knit community feel. I also spent my entire schooling life there – from Prep to Year 12. I’ve since found myself in a very niche industry where everyone knows each other, where forming strong bonds is highly valued. It’s helped me to lean into my ability to form individual connections with people over time, and to understand the importance of that in comparison to larger-scale networking.
Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face to get where you are now?
A: Taking the leap from being a student to accepting my first corporate role was very challenging for me. On top of starting a role that I had no experience in, I had also relocated from Melbourne to Sydney and was getting used to having no family around and making new friends. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me skills that I’m now using to cope better with my more recent relocation and career transition.
Q: What advice would you give to others who might be faced with similar obstacles?
A: It’s so common to feel self-doubt or impostor syndrome when you start something new. I would remind others that it’s normal, it will pass, and that asking for help is never a bad thing!
Q: What has been your biggest highlight so far?
A: My biggest challenge; starting work in Sydney, also became my biggest highlight. I made so many wonderful friends and professional mentors throughout my seven years there. My biggest career highlight during that time was managing a team of linguists from 2020-2022. It allowed me the opportunity to pass on my skills through training and mentoring and see my team develop professionally.
Q: What excites you about the future?
A: While my industry can be unpredictable and even scary to some, I’m excited to see the positive ways in which AI impacts society, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education. Personally, I am excited to witness cutting-edge technology, to experience my time in Canada, and to find out where in the world I’ll end up next.
Q: How did what you learnt at Kilvington help make you the person you are today?
A: It’s not surprising that 13 years at Kilvington had an impact on who I am today. For example, the community at Kilvington created an environment for students to develop compassionate leadership, responsibility, and empathy. These are values that I hold close and try to apply to my everyday work.
Q: Any advice for our current Year 12 students as they embark on the next stage of their journey?
A: Don’t worry too much if you don’t know what you want to do next. Doing what interests you will lead somewhere as long as you have the courage to carve your own path. The important thing is to embrace change and keep your passions and values at the forefront of any direction you head in. And practical advice; learn to code, as long as it interests you!