Misconceptions about careers in Information & Communications Technology (ICT) will be addressed in workshops at Central Queensland University this month. A practical guided tour of what is required of ICT graduates will be offered to maximise their success in the current market.

"Information [like this] is not easily accessible in regional areas, so it's a must for anyone looking for work in IT," said CQU Careers adviser Katrina Schipper.

The difficult and often under resourced transition from education to employment is amongst one of the most competitive recruitment markets nationally according to Graduate Programs Australia, a Queensland based graduate consulting firm. "The slashing of [budgets], the downturn in employment prospects and a decline in ICT enrolments of 25% - 30% have all contributed to the difficult environment that ICT graduates find themselves in today," explained Graduate Programs Australia Managing Director, Brandon Thompson. Responding to the needs of students and of the industry, Graduate Programs Australia has developed an e2e program that is specific to ICT graduates. In partnership with the Australian Computer Society (Qld branch) the e2e workshops will be delivered at all CQU campuses to advise students on what employers want and how to ‘Get Noticed’ in the technology crowd.

Education to Employment, or e2e, is a two-hour workshop aimed at giving participants a competitive edge in finding employment in IT. It targets students and graduates from university, TAFE and private training providers. The 2003 e2e project is made possible by Round 3 i-STAR funding through the Information Industries Bureau on behalf of the Department of Innovation and Information Economy. The 2003 e2e project will be delivered across Queensland covering 12 locations from Cairns to Toowoomba and west to Mt Isa. The project concludes in Brisbane on 16th April 2003. The e2e workshop will be delivered at CQU Rockhampton on Monday 24 March 2003, from 3pm in Building 33/2.11, with a networking function from 5.30 to 7pm. The workshops will also be available at CQU Gladstone on Tuesday 25 March, 2003, from 6 to 8pm in the Rex Metcalfe lecture theatre and at CQU Bundaberg on the 26 March, 2003, from 4 to 6pm in Building 1/ G.04.

"The program offers up-to-date information about employment processes, information on gaining contacts with employers and cold calling," explained CQU's Katrina Schipper The program will disclose who is recruiting; give up-to-date advice on how to apply; and tips on how to improve applications. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and give views and feedback on their personal experiences.

A representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade will be available across CQU campuses this Wednesday 19 March from 1 to 2pm to provide information about current graduate recruitment programs. The graduate program is available in a variety of disciplines.

The Commonwealth Bank will make a graduate program presentation on Wednesday 26 March from 1 to 2pm across all campuses. Graduate opportunities exist in retail banking services, investment and insurance services, institutional and business services, financial and risk management, and group human resources.

For further information about any of these workshops or to register phone Careers Adviser Katrina Schipper on (07) 4930 9459 or email k.schipper@cqu.edu.au.