Name: Phil M
Role: Team Leader Information Technology - Institute Services 
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield

ABOUT MY CAREER 

What is Information Technology? 
»The use of technology such as computers, electronics and telecommunications to communicate information

What does a typical day in your job involve? 
»Managing the information technology systems within the Institute. 
»Provide software and helpdesk support to staff at the Institute. This can include training, fixing faults in the system and repairing hardware. 
»Planning new hardware installations, system upgrades and software development. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 
»I enjoy working with hardware and related components, as well as creating web-sites and information resources.

Why did you choose this career?
»I started my career in the area of amenity horticulture and worked for several years as a nurseryman / parks and gardens foreman 
»I was interested in furthering my interest in electronics and technology in the area of control systems and glasshouse automation 
»This led me to work at the institute where I started working as a technical officer 
»I then completed a post-graduate course in computer science and become involved in the delivery of the information technology support to the institute 
»With the rapid growth of information technology services at the institute the opportunity arose for me to work in this position full time 

What would you like to do in the future? 
»I would like to move into project management 

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF 

Where did you grow up? 
»I grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Ashburton 

How did this influence your choice of career?
»I don't think where I grew up had much impact on my chosen career 

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

Were courses in secondary school planned for this sort of work?
»While at school I was interested in biological sciences and chemistry, although at the time I had no particular direction in mind. 

Which University or TAFE course have you completed?
»Diploma of Horticultural Science at VCAH Burnley 
»Graduate Diploma of Computer Science at Swinburne University 

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES 

Do you plan to do further study? 
»Balancing work and parenting roles is a challenge and while opportunities do exist to pursue further studies these are on hold for the moment. 

Is there a lot of learning on the job? 
»As information technology is rapidly changing over time and new technologies are always being developed I am continuously learning on the job. 

Do you travel much in your job?
»Opportunities do exist to travel to conferences as well as attending regional meetings around the state. 

What are graduates from you course doing now?
»Consulting 
»Retail 

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW 

Primary students
»Investigate new technology and search the web 
»Learn to touch type 

Secondary students
»Pursue the use of information technology to meet the needs of your courses whether in the arts or sciences. Help your teachers catch up!