Tom's story

I finished up study in 2020 and then, since then… [whispers] What have I been doing? Um… [Laughter]  

[Uplifting music plays]  

Hi, my name's Tom. I studied data science and I came into the program through the data analytics stream and the disability pathway.  

I moved to Melbourne in 2016 to study data science. I've always loved mathematics and modelling at high school and so that was something I really wanted to study more at university.  

One of my first subjects I did at university was a subject to do with coding and computing, and that was something I was really excited about. I discovered it was like a LEGO set, a new way to arrange things together and create these new tools and products.  

Once I'd finished up my studies in 2020 I was looking for a meaningful career with some impact and that led me to apply for the Victorian Government graduate program because I felt like I could use these skills I'd learnt at university while still being able to deliver some of that public value and do some good in my communities.  

I'm a person who's very motivated by challenge and curiosity so the three rotations really kept me engaged and has been a very rewarding aspect of the program.  

I'm with the Department of Education and Training for this rotation and we're working with school provision and establishment. I was looking at the amount of students they were receiving as well as any issues they had with meeting their local demand. Being able to see how what I was doing related to the Victorian community really gave me this holistic sense that what I was doing was contributing. That I was working with purpose throughout the year. 

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