Max Boylen

Enterprise Services and IT Foundations Project Delivery (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Bachelor of Information Technology (Games and Entertainment)

"There is a lot of flexibility in the program, so don't feel as though you need to have a specific role/career path in mind when you apply. Focus on your strengths and areas you'd like to gain more experience in."

What drew you to the UoM Emerging Talent Program and applying for the Projects stream?

I was impressed by the malleability of the program. I wanted to work across a large number of roles, develop skills in a wide range of areas, and potentially find a niche which I could specialise further in.

What exciting projects/technologies have you worked on since starting the program?

A recent project I’ve been working on involves developing a new wayfinding app for the uni campus, with a particular focus on accessible wayfinding features. Some of the options that we’ve been testing involve cutting-edge tech, and it’s been really cool to work on an exciting project with interesting technology that will have a tangible positive impact on students at the uni.

What has it been like connecting with the other graduates?

Having other graduates starting at the same time as you adds a lot of value to the role, as you're immediately paired up with other people in the same situation as you. You'll most likely be working with people who are a lot more experienced than you are on a day-to-day basis, so it's good to have the other members of your grad cohort to bounce ideas off, share experiences with, or just hang out with.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying for the Emerging Talent Graduate Program?

There is a lot of flexibility in the program, so don't feel as though you need to have a specific role/career path in mind when you apply. Focus on your strengths and areas you'd like to gain more experience in.

What have you enjoyed most about being part of the Enterprise Technology team?

I've enjoyed getting a first-hand understanding of the different roles and responsibilities within the IT department of a large organisation, and seeing how projects involving a wide range of stakeholders come together.

Yuanbo (Chris) Xu

Research Computing Services Graduate Consultant (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Master of Information Technology, University of Melbourne

"I love the idea that behind every smooth user experience, there's a network of machines working together seamlessly."

Why did you choose to study IT?

I was drawn to distributed computing because it's all about building systems that can handle big challenges—fast, reliable, and at scale. I love the idea that behind every smooth user experience, there's a network of machines working together seamlessly.

What have you loved most about your role and time so far as an Emerging Talent Graduate?

What I’ve loved most is getting to work on something that has real impact. Being part of a project that helps researchers use computing resources more efficiently feels meaningful—and I’ve learned a lot by working across teams.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying for the Emerging Talent Graduate Program?

Go for it! The program is an amazing way to explore different areas, build real-world skills, and work on projects that actually make a difference. Don’t worry about knowing everything upfront—curiosity, a willingness to learn, and being open to new experiences will take you far.

What's a hobby or passion you have outside of work, and how does it influence your professional life?

One of my passions outside of work is bouldering. When I’m climbing, I can completely focus on the problem in front of me—nothing else matters, and I just go for it. It’s a great way to clear my mind, and it helps me recharge. That mindset of focusing fully on the task at hand and pushing through challenges definitely translates into my work, especially when tackling complex problems.

Kwan Yung Lee

Cyber Operations (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Master of Cybersecurity, Monash University

"What I enjoy most is the sense of achievement I get from contributing to my team to stay ahead and solve cybersecurity challenges."

Tell us about your current role, and what you enjoy most about it?

In my current role, I handle log integration by pulling logs from various applications then trimming and tuning them in Cribl for clean ingestion. I also assist with threat detection and analysis. What I enjoy most is the sense of achievement I get from contributing to my team to stay ahead and solve cybersecurity challenges.

How have your skills developed and grown since commencing?

Since starting, I’ve learned a lots about how cybersecurity teams operate in the real world, especially the importance of collaboration and fast response. I’ve gained hands-on experience with tools like CrowdStrike and Cribl for threat detection, data transformation and log management. Also, I’ve received strong support toward earning professional cybersecurity certifications.

Tell us about the networking opportunities you have had.

I’ve had great networking opportunities through regular meetings with internal teams and external partners where I’ve built connections and exchanged insights on industry trends. I also have the opportunity to expand my network even further by attending cybersecurity conferences to connect with industry experts.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying for the Emerging Talent Graduate Program?

Be yourself and show your passion for your field along with curiosity to explore new technologies. And remember, being a great team player goes a long way!

What's a hobby or passion you have outside of work, and how does it influence your professional life?

One of my passions outside of work is gaming design. I enjoy exploring how games can be used to educate and engage people in fun and memorable ways. It really helps me think creatively about how to simplify and communicate cybersecurity concepts. I hope to eventually create a game that helps staff and students learn how to stay safe online in an enjoyable way.

Sok Ear

DevOps Software Engineer (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours), Monash University

"My manager has been an incredible mentor. He’s let me take ownership of my work but is always there to offer guidance when I need it. He’s also made sure my rotation aligns with what I’m passionate about, while encouraging me to step outside my usual interests and comfort zone."

Why did you choose to study Software Engineering?

I chose Software Engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by the tech world and how it blends logic with creativity. Plus, I love that technology is always evolving, keeping me engaged and constantly on my toes.

Tell us about your current role, and what you enjoy most about it?

I currently work as a DevOps engineer but my work extends far beyond the job title, and that’s what I find to be the most rewarding about it. So far, I’ve had the chance to work across various development cycles—from gathering requirements to building, all the way through to go-live and post-release improvements. Along the way, I’ve worn different hats—product owner, developer, tester, and of course, DevOps. I love the variety, and it has really expanded my horizons as a fresh graduate.

Tell us about the networking opportunities you have had.

I’ve had many opportunities to connect with staff members across various settings, from formal environments like work gatherings to more casual moments like team lunches. One of the most memorable experiences was connecting with the Associate Director during morning tea sessions. These informal catchups gave me the chance to gain valuable insights from him about the industry. His advice on navigating the tech world as a young professional has been incredibly helpful and is something I will carry with me.

What has it been like connecting with the other graduates?

Connecting with the other graduates has been one of the highlights of the program. It’s great to be on this journey with people in a similar stage as me—and at the same time, it’s such a diverse cohort, with everyone bringing their own unique story. We often catch up over drinks, dinner, or quiz nights, which has made the experience even more fun and memorable.

How has your manager supported you on your journey so far?

My manager has been an incredible mentor. He’s let me take ownership of my work but is always there to offer guidance when I need it. He’s also made sure my rotation aligns with what I’m passionate about, while encouraging me to step outside my usual interests and comfort zone. That balance has been invaluable, expanding my understanding of the tech world and opening my eyes to areas I hadn’t considered before.

What's the most 'wow' moment you've had in your role so far?

The biggest 'wow' moment I’ve had was realising just how much goes on behind the scenes to support the university and every student’s journey. There’s an entire organisational ecosystem of diverse teams, all working together to support students from enrolment right through to graduation. It’s a massive, coordinated effort. Seeing how all these moving parts come together has given me a new appreciation for the dedication required to create a seamless student experience.

Anna Guo

User Journey Expert (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Bachelor of IT – Interactive Media, Monash University

"Knowing that my work will contribute to improving the experience for researchers is incredibly motivating."

What drew you to the UoM Emerging Talent Program and applying for the projects and programs stream?

I was drawn to the chance to work in a purpose-driven organisation with great social impact, it aligns with my aspiration of building technical solutions to enhance experience for the wider community. The program also stood out for its rotational structure, giving me the opportunity to explore various fields and roles while building my career pathway gradually. That was very attractive to a confused final-year undergrad like I was.

What has it been like connecting with the other graduates?

It’s like having a natural community and built-in support network from the first day. Everyone is friendly, relatable, and we share tips and laughs along the way. It makes the experience feel a lot less intimidating — and more fun, there's always someone to have lunch and grab coffee with.

What inspires you about your work?

Knowing that my work will contribute to improving the experience for researchers is incredibly motivating. I love creating convenience and helping people - if my input can make complex processes easier to navigate, that would give me a strong sense of achievement. It feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself, especially in a university setting where small improvements can support much greater impact.

How has your manager supported you on your journey so far?

My manager has been incredibly supportive — always open to hearing my ideas and helping me explore different areas I might be interested in. They are constantly encouraging me as well, when I feel lost or 'in this alone' and nervous to reach out for help, they've reminded me of the value of my role and work. They've also considered possible pathways for me as the rotation progresses so that I'm feeling grounded and supported.

What's your favourite spot on the University of Melbourne campus and why?

The Rowden White Library — though I’ve only been once! I love that it's not intended for studying, when you would typically associate a library on campus with nothing but studying. It's nice and packed, full of colours, and I love the space with the big TV screens, can't imagine how nice it would be to curl up in a bean bag and watch a nice film there.

Aayush Gupta

Product Innovation (IT Graduate, 2025 Cohort)
Master of Information Technology, University of New South Wales

"The culture of continuous learning, openness to new technologies, and freedom to make mistakes has made the journey both enriching and empowering."

Tell us about your current role, and what you enjoy most about it?

I'm part of the Product Innovation team, where we build AI-driven applications to enhance efficiency across Business Services. Currently, I'm focused on developing proof-of-concept solutions using GenAI, and a RAG-based LLM chatbot designed for university staff. It's exciting to work in an environment that embraces new technologies and encourages innovation.

Can you describe a typical workday?

A great mix of collaboration, learning, and hands-on development. It often begins with a knowledge-sharing session with my teammates, where we discuss new ideas, challenges, or recent tech updates. A coffee run (or two) to Seven Seeds. The rest of the day involves writing and testing code to develop new applications, solving real-world problems. Along the way, I enjoy meeting new people around the office, which helps build connections and fosters a fun, vibrant, supportive work culture.

What have you loved most about your role and time so far as an Emerging Talent Graduate?

The mentor and buddy system has been incredibly supportive - my mentor's trust and encouragement, combined with my buddy's technical guidance, have boosted my confidence and growth. The culture of continuous learning, openness to new technologies, and freedom to make mistakes has made the journey both enriching and empowering.

How has your manager supported you on your journey so far?

From helping me onboard to a new role to giving the opportunity to develop an application from scratch and present it in front of more than 150 people. My supervisor has created a collaborative environment and shown constant support and trust in me.

What opportunities are there to be involved in social activities and university events?

The university hosts numerous activities that bring like-minded people together - whether it’s sports, social events, or causes you care about. I recently joined a sustainability and waste management workshop and picked up some useful tips on recycling and being more eco-friendly. It was a fun way to learn and connect with others.

Life at Melbourne	The path is yours to create \| The University of Melbourne
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Life at Melbourne

The path is yours to create | The University of Melbourne

Day in the Life – Mandy

Day in the Life – Kimathi