Professional Development with QUT TECH

The Professional Development with QUT TECH series runs over 12 weeks and features two program types: MindCom, led by Timothy Born, focuses on soft skills such as public speaking, confidence, storytelling, and interview preparation; while the ACS Volunteers program centres on technical and career development, covering topics like IT roles, tools and technologies, project management, technical writing, and emerging trends in the tech industry.

Each program runs for 6 weeks, offering students a well-rounded experience in both communication and technical skills.

Please note: Neither MindCom nor ACS are sponsoring or running this program—QUT TECH is solely responsible for organising and delivering the series. All contributors are participating as volunteers.

Format of Every Night for Attendees:

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm:
Check in, Food and Drinks,

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm:
Workshop,

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm:
Chance to network, finish off any leftover food, and/or home time.

The Program:

Session 1: Building the Foundations – Confidence, Self-Image & Goal Setting

• Clarify goals and desired outcomes for each participant

• Explore the concept of professional identity:

  • Who am I to them? Who are they to me? Who am I in the room?

• Introduction to self-image and presence in professional environments

• Address confidence-building strategies and communication barriers

• Begin work on individual confidence maps

Session 2: Introduction to Key IT Roles in Industry

• Overview of the most common IT roles (e.g., Cyber Security, Data Analysis, Content Strategy, Software Development).

• Understanding the skills and qualifications needed for each role.

• Career pathways: From university to professional roles.

• Industry professionals share their journeys from university to their current positions.

Session 3: Mindset, Pressure & Presence

• Managing mindset under deadlines and pressure

• Tools to stay grounded and present when put on the spot

• Overcoming blanking, over-explaining, and rambling

• Practical voice and body presence techniques

• Introduction to ‘thinking on your feet’ scenarios

Session 4: Tools and Technologies in the Tech Industry
Introduction to popular tools, platforms, and programming languages in tech.

• Hands-on demonstrations of basic tools relevant to various IT roles.

• Overview of current trends and technologies shaping the tech industry (e.g., AI, Cloud Computing, Blockchain).

• Interactive activity: Participants try out simple tools relevant to their chosen field.

Session 5: Presentation Skills & Storytelling

• Fundamentals of delivering with impact

• Why storytelling matters in professional and technical spaces

• Creative output: turning experiences and messages into engaging narratives

• Exploring authenticity, vulnerability, and clarity as communication tools

• Capturing and holding audience attention through structure and tone

Session 6: Problem-Solving and Tech Challenges

• Real-world problem-solving tasks based on industry scenarios.

• Participants collaborate in small groups to tackle technical challenges using their knowledge.

• Introduction to troubleshooting and debugging in different tech environments.

• Presentation of group solutions and feedback from industry professionals.

Session 7: Project Management and Collaboration in Tech

• Overview of project management methodologies in tech (e.g., Agile, Scrum).

• Importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in tech environments.

• Introduction to version control tools (e.g., Git) and task management systems (e.g., Jira).

• Practical exercise: Participants work together on a simulated tech project, using collaboration tools to manage tasks.

Session 8: Framing, Focus & Engagement Tools

• Techniques to guide listener focus and create buy-in

• Framing skills for interviews, meetings, and presentations

• Building a persuasive structure:

  • Clarify message 

  • Engage audience 

  • Lead to outcome

• Tailoring delivery to different audiences and settings

• Practical speaking exercises with peer feedback

Session 9: Technical Writing and Documentation
The importance of clear, concise technical documentation in the tech industry.

• How to write effective user manuals, technical reports, and system documentation.

• Hands-on activity: Participants practice writing a brief technical document or guide for a project.

• Peer review session: Group feedback on written work.

Session 10: Interview Readiness – Screen, Phone & Face-to-Face

• Practical interview preparation and mock interview simulations

• Translating technical knowledge into everyday language

• Managing nerves and speaking with confidence in unfamiliar settings

• Cultural and language barriers: addressing and navigating differences

• Feedback loops and reflection for improvement

Session 11: Presenting with Purpose – Bringing It All Together

• How to explain a problem, present a solution, and showcase value

• Presenting with clarity, confidence, and intent

• Showcase session: participants deliver a final short presentation/interview

• Focus on lasting impressions, self-reflection, and next steps

Session 12: Emerging Technologies and Career Growth

• Explore the future of tech: AI, cybersecurity advancements, big data, and more.

• How to stay current with new technologies and skills throughout your career.

• Industry professionals share advice on career progression and ongoing learning in tech.

• Final group discussion: How to navigate your career in the evolving tech landscape.

Key Deliverables and Outcomes from both session types

• Increased confidence and communication capability in professional settings

• Enhanced clarity, structure, and presence in spoken delivery

• Practical tools for interviews (online, phone, and in-person)

• Greater cultural and linguistic awareness in communication

• A clear sense of professional identity and personal value proposition

• A portfolio of practical exercises and presentation frameworks that scale

• A clear understanding of various IT roles and career pathways.

• Hands-on experience with industry tools and technologies.

• Practical problem-solving skills with real-world tech challenges.

• Experience with collaboration tools and project management methodologies.

• Enhanced technical writing and documentation abilities.

• A strong sense of career direction and strategies for continuous growth in the tech industry.