Inspiring the next generation of tech talent

It's the quintessential Australian holiday. A roadtrip around Australia in a campervan. 

While some are galvanized by stunning coastline views and iconic tourist attractions, the Atlassian team are on a different quest. 

Transported by their 'AtlassiVan', they are on a mission to recruit the newest talent in the technology industry. It therefore makes sense that they chose to stop on the ANU campus to talk to our students. 

As the sun shone on Monday 10 October, the AtlassiVan drew an engaged crowd in Kambri. Many were interested to find out why there was a campervan parked in the middle of the campus. 

Led by joint CEO Scott Farquhar, the Atlassian team spent the morning talking to students and spreading the word about Atlassian, the tech industry and Atlassian's work from anywhere policy - Team Anywhere. 

"It doesn't matter if you are living in Mount Gambier or Macarthur, you can work for Atlassian and live where you are," Scott said. 

The event gave students an opportunity to connect directly with Atlassian as a future employer.  

"If you are thinking about a career leap, consider this your invitation. Atlassian is open for business in Canberra."

Speaking at the event, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Digital) Maryanne Dever acknowledged the importance of recruitment events like Atlassian's for ANU. 

"ANU welcomes the opportunity to partner and work with our industry business colleagues to address the future tech needs of Australia," Maryanne said. 

"That's why we've made major investments in reimaging our computer science and engineering programs, our 3A Institute in the School of Cybernetics and our flagship Master of Applied Cybernetics."

Providing software for over 240,000 companies around the world, from NASA to the Reserve Bank of Australia, Atlassian is in the process of hiring 1,000 new employees over the next 12 months in Australia. 

"To find the next 1,000 Atlassians, we must think big, in fact we must think 7 million square kilometres big, the size of Australia," Scott told an engaged crowd.  

"That's why I'm the man with the van today."

With his graduation approaching, Samrudh Anavatti, a fourth year Engineering student, was excited to meet the Atlassian team to discuss a career in the tech industry.

"I knew about Atlassian before coming along today. They are one of the up-and-coming companies for software development. It's very exciting we can have a chat with one of the founders, it's a super cool thing," Samrudh said.   

"There are so many tech companies out there but the fact that Atlassian is willing to come to universities and inspire students is a really great initiative."

If you are interested in learning more about a career with Atlassian, please visit https://www.atlassian.com.

ANU Careers is also here to help you maximise your potential and make a successful transition from education to work. Book an appointment or visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/careers-opportunities/careers.

Story by Pamela Hutchinson