Information Technology

So, the work that I do is particularly challenging not only because in IT security the landscape is always changing so fast, and there's always something new coming up: it's also challenging because the RBA having essentially having multiple organisations within itself, and different roles and responsibilities, means that there's a much broader area to work across and understand.

You've got a whole breadth of business areas to work with and each of them have their own unique opportunities and challenges: from dealing with people who are mainly setting policy, to people that are on the stock market, to dealing with robots in facilities that are moving large sums of cash around. There's always something new and interesting to be looking into.

It means that your skillsets again aren't narrowed down to one specific area. You're going to be challenged in multiple different technological areas, and that leads to you gaining a greater understanding across a broader range of IT systems.

I have definitely been encouraged to go out of my comfort zone at RBA.

Working on our interbank payments systems has been particularly challenging to me: the RBA keeps its network services in-house, so when it comes to projects, we actually often do the design and implementation in-house. We even have our own data centre in this building.

Being able to stay hands-on is quite rewarding, from the perspective that you can see the end-to-end project happen, so you can actually input into every single stage.

In the support area we've recently absorbed technologies such as ACI and SDA, with SDWAN being worked on as a project as well.

Working on new projects, especially newer technologies: that definitely keeps you up with where the market is going. So, it keeps you employable and keeps your skills refreshed and up to date.

I think individual team members can have quite an impact. I find in IT Security for instance, that it's very collaborative, and we all understand that everybody has their specific skill sets that contribute to the whole, and so, you know, everyone's voice counts.

I find IT leadership are very approachable at the RBA. I'm able to go and easily talk to our CIO, for instance. They're all very approachable, in being able to have a conversation with them, whether it's work related or not.

I really like the people I work with. I like what I'm working with. I think that if you've got those two things, then why would you want to work anywhere else.

Whenever I start a new job, I always worry that I don't have enough technical skills, to get started. But as I find working at the RBA, I had really good managers and co-workers who were willing to sit down with me and coach me and teach me how to do things.

My manager has been very supportive, to ensure that I get the right amount of attention and guidance in doing my work. She's also very approachable and she's always available for any kinds of queries that I may want to discuss with her. She takes into account, also, my interests and my passions and my existing skills and experiences, and what I aspire to learn on the job.

It makes me feel valued as a person. My views and thoughts are considered and respected. She's always there to back us up whenever we need her to. All we need to do is ask. It really motivates me to do my best at work and just be a good friend and co-worker to everyone around me.

So, at the RBA, when IT leaders spot potential, I think they recognise that and they make sure that the person knows that that potential is being recognised. And then they look for opportunities to give that person, to ensure that they are using that potential, and growing it as well.

In my very first graduate rotation, I was actually given the opportunity to lead a telco migration. Being pushed out of your comfort zone is definitely useful because it helps with your career growth.

In IT, we do have a development program for each staff member. Often people are encouraged to complete training. So, either they would be sent on technical training, or when it comes to myself, I'm interested in the leadership area at the moment: there's opportunities for training like how to build trust; how to build good communication skills; how to empower your staff. So, I've found those quite useful.

I think that representation matters. Being able to go to work and see people like you but also people who are different from you, and just being able to exchange ideas and knowledge with each other. I thrive in that sort of environment. I've been really pleased to see that is a very prominent thing here at the RBA.

For me personally, as a woman, I feel safe working with people who are of that character, where you're approachable, friendly, and trusting. So, for me it's about feeling safe, feeling valued in the workplace and knowing you can bring your whole self to work.