CAREERS

Building the Future: Insights from the Tech Futures Event

Last Thursday, March 26th, I had the pleasure of visiting the sleek SEEK Head Office in Cremorne for the Tech Futures Event. It was a day dedicated to a single, provocative question: Who exactly is building the future?

Surrounded by industry leaders like Megan Woff (CEO of Tech Futures), Sebastian Brash (Tech Council of Australia), and Professor Karin Verspoor from RMIT, as well as various executives from SEEK, the conversation quickly moved beyond just "coding" and "computers." The most striking takeaway from the day was that while technology sits at the very centre of the modern workplace, it isn't a replacement for the human touch. We often hear that the future belongs to the "tech-literate," but the experts were clear: every student has a part to play.

While practically every career now requires digital fluency, employers are increasingly hunting for the "human" half of the equation. Companies can teach you how to use their software, but they can’t easily teach:

• Communication & storytelling

• Self-motivation & initiative

• Adaptability in the face of change

• Collaborative teamwork

   

At a company like SEEK, tech isn't just about lines of code; it’s about solving puzzles, identifying patterns, and leading with creativity.

The "Device" Delusion

One point that really resonated was the distinction between consumption and productivity. Just because a student uses a device every day for school doesn't mean they are automatically equipped for the professional digital world. Using tech as a tool to produce, organise, and lead is a specific skill set—one that we must intentionally cultivate.

The Elephant in the Room: AI

Naturally, Artificial Intelligence was a hot topic. However, the message wasn't one of fear, but of strategy. As the saying goes:

"AI won’t take your job. It’s someone using AI who will take your job!"

AI is a tool for efficiency and it still requires human judgement, ethics, and skill to apply correctly. It’s here to help us work faster, but it still needs us to steer the ship. 

The Bottom Line? Tech skills are no longer "niche"—they are the foundation of almost every occupation. But as we prepare our students for this landscape, we must remember that being tech-savvy is only half the story. The future belongs to those who can bridge the gap between digital tools and human solutions.

BUT... Don't Miss Out! While we are looking toward the future of tech, there are plenty of other pathways to explore this holidays. Be sure to check out this week’s ENVISION for deep dives into:

• Law at Swinburne

• Forensics at Deakin

• Science at Federation Uni