Digital Transformation Specialist Job Kit by Refraction Media

with STEM™ CAREERS JOB KIT

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST

Transform the world of business with the latest technologies

Real is entering the industry with confidence.

Solve a real business challenge for a client during your studies and graduate with a competitive edge.

QUT Bachelor of Information Technology

Shaping the future with tech

When I started my career in computer science, I had no idea where it would take me. From researching cyber security in the Netherlands and the US, to working on cutting-edge cryptography at Microsoft, my journey has been shaped by one key truth: technology never stops evolving. And that’s what makes a career in IT so exciting. There’s always something new to learn, new problems to solve and new opportunities to make a difference. Right now, businesses across every industry, from healthcare to finance, retail to construction, are undergoing a digital transformation. They need smart, adaptable people to help them keep up with rapid changes in technology. That’s where digital transformation specialists come in. This career is about more than just tech. It’s about solving problems, improving the way businesses work, as well as shaping the future of industries.

It’s about solving problems and improving the way businesses work”

I’ve spent much of my career working in cryptography and cyber security, helping to build stronger, more secure digital systems. But no matter which area of IT you work in – whether it’s artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, or digital business solutions – the ability to think critically, solve problems and adapt to new technologies, will always be in demand. Digital transformation specialists help businesses navigate these changes, making sure technology works for people, not the other way around. Curious about technology and love solving problems? You could be one of the people shaping the future of work. Learn more in this Job Kit.

Professor Craig Costello

School of Computer Science, QUT

TECH TRANSFORMERS

When old ways of working slow things down, digital transformation specialists step in. They use technology to make businesses faster, smarter and ready for the future

More businesses are going digital every day, which means more demand for digital transformation specialists. These experts help companies keep up with new tech, making work more efficient. They spot outdated systems, find better ways to use tech, and ensure different tools work together seamlessly. As digital technologies keep evolving, businesses will always need specialists to help them adapt – meaning this career isn’t going anywhere. It also offers challenges and exciting projects across industries like finance, healthcare and retail. If you like solving problems and keeping up with new tech, this could be the job for you!

Smooth and streamlined

Digital transformation specialists help businesses run better by improving how they use technology. Here’s what their job involves.

Checking what’s working and what’s not

Looking at how a business currently operates, identifying slow or outdated systems, and spotting areas for improvement.

Planning how to make things better with new technology

Finding the right digital tools to fix problems, improve efficiency, or create better experiences for customers and employees.

Bringing in new tools and making sure they work

Setting up and testing software, apps, or automated systems to ensure they integrate smoothly with existing technology.

Teaching people how to use the new systems

Training staff so they understand and feel confident using new tools, making sure the business gets the most out of its technology.

Day in the life

9am

Start the day with a team meeting to check in on projects. This could take place in person or on Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Slack. You might be discussing how to improve a company’s online customer experience or introducing AI tools to streamline operations.

10am

Analyse current business processes, identify inefficiencies and explore new digital solutions – whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, or integrating new cloud computing software like Amazon Web Services or customer relationship management systems like Salesforce.

12pm

Digital transformation moves fast! You might read up on AI, cyber security, or cloud computing trends to stay ahead of the curve.

1pm

Work with software developers to test and roll out new tools, making sure they integrate smoothly with existing systems.

3pm

Deliver a training session to employees to explain new systems and ensure teams feel confident using them.

4pm

Review progress, update project timelines and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges in shaping the future of business technology.

Big bucks

In Australia, digital transformation specialists earn, on average, $117,198 per year Transformation(au.indeed.com). managers can take home between $185,00 to $205,000 per year (seek.com.au)

High demand

Australia will need 1.3 million tech workers by 2030 (innovationaus.com)

where can you work?

Digital specialiststransformation work in lots of industries, including:

Banks

Making online banking faster and safer.

Hospitals

Using AI to help doctors diagnose patients.

Retail

Creating better online shopping experiences.

Construction

Using digital tools for smart design and building.

Teamwork makes dream work

Successful digital transformation isn’t just about the right technology – it’s about the right people working together. Different perspectives lead to smarter solutions and collaboration is key in this role. As a digital transformation specialist, you could also find yourself working with other IT experts, business leaders, designers and more.

“One of the myths about digital transformation is that it’s all about harnessing technology. It’s not. To succeed, digital transformation inherently requires and relies on diversity.”

– Katia Walsh, AI expert (techcrunch.com)

From curiosity to impact

Taylah McCullough is using business and technology to solve real-world problems – from AI-driven innovation to improving women’s health

For Taylah, curiosity sparked everything.

“Reading and watching documentaries led me to realise the immense influence and impact businesses and technology have on the world,” she says. “It became something I was incredibly eager to be part of.”

That curiosity led her to study a business and IT double degree at QUT in Brisbane. “Given the global importance of technology, I knew that not having a strong technical understanding would put me at a disadvantage,” she says.

Studying both business and IT gave her the best of both worlds, opening doors to different industries and global opportunities, including an exchange program in the UK.

While studying, Taylah co-founded Forage Insights, a digital health startup, through a program run by Innovation Central Brisbane – a collaboration between QUT and global tech company Cisco that supports tech-based innovation. Her team received $20,000 in funding to create HeyCarta, an early prototype aimed at improving health through nutrition. But while working on the nutrition prototype, Taylah noticed a bigger issue: many women with long-term health conditions weren’t getting enough support. Forage Insights now helps these women by giving them clear health data and better ways to

taylah

mccullough co-founder + CEO

communicate with doctors, “helping them advocate for their health and access more effective treatment,” she says. Taylah has worked in both startups and big businesses.

“Startups move incredibly fast, often changing ideas and strategies in days,” she says. “Big companies work on a larger scale but take longer to make changes. “I love the structure and resources in corporate roles, but startups give you more flexibility.”

Her achievements include winning the Copenhagen Business School Global Case Competition, an international student challenge where teams develop solutions for real business problems under time pressure. Taylah’s team created an AI-powered digital strategy for a major media company. She was also named 2024 Women in Digital Rising Star of the Year.

For students thinking about technology careers, Taylah says it’s all about solving problems that help people. “Start by learning how technology is changing the world. Once you understand that, the technical skills will follow.”

learn how technology is changing the world...the technical skills will follow”

A force for change

Michael Clutterbuck started with a passion for tech, discovered the power of business, and now helps companies across Asia streamline systems and embrace new technology

michael clutterbuck Head of Growth - Asia, Skie + Salesforce expert

Michael’s interest in technology started early.

“Having grown up watching my dad work in the IT industry, I always had an interest in technology,” he says. At first, he was drawn to hardware – building computers for gaming – but later shifted his focus to software and business. It wasn’t until the second year of his IT degree at QUT in Brisbane that Michael realised coding wasn’t for him. “I quickly learnt I was never going to be a great coder,” he explains. Instead of limiting his options, however, he expanded them – adding a business degree to his studies. “It allowed me to blend both IT and business skills, which in hindsight was a great decision.”

At QUT, Michael’s studies weren’t just about theory – they included real-world experience. “The opportunity to do industry placement in my final year was invaluable,” he says. “It gave me essential workplace experience and a strong professional network that helped me land my first job.”

Now Michael works for Skie, a company that helps businesses run more smoothly using a customer management tool called Salesforce. He works with companies across Singapore

I thought I had to be a developer...but there’s so much more to IT”

and Southeast Asia, upgrading technology and improving operations. He says many businesses in the region are cautious about new tech, so a big part of his job involves building trust and showing how digital tools can make a real difference.

One of Michael’s most exciting projects has been implementing AI-powered customer service agents. “These autonomous agents can provide customer support without human interference,” he explains. Unlike traditional chatbots, they use natural language processing to create a more human-like experience. “Seeing technology evolve like this was a ‘wow’ moment – it’s exciting to imagine where IT will go next.”

For anyone considering IT or business, Michael says keep an open mind. “I thought I had to be a developer, but I quickly learned there’s so much more to IT. Find an area that interests and challenges you – it’ll be rewarding in the long run.”

Get the job!

Take the next steps into the world of digital transformation

Did you know?

QUT ranks in the top 200 globally for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World RankingsUniversity 2024)

Cool opportunity

The Westpac ScholarshipTechnologistsYoung – valued at up to $20,000 – is offered at only five universities in Australia, including QUT

Plan your pathway

In high school

Choose maths, IT, and business. These subjects will give you a strong foundation in problem-solving, logic and digital skills – all essential for this career.

Go to uni

A Bachelor of Information Technology is a great step. From AI and cyber security to software development and business analysis, IT degrees now offer future-focused majors that match industry demand. You could consider combining degrees in IT with a Bachelor of Business or Master of Data Science for even more career options.

Get hands-on experience

Employers look for real-world skills, so getting internships, work experience, or tech-related part-time jobs is a huge advantage. Universities with industry partnerships can help students gain practical experience before they graduate.

Keep learning

Tech evolves fast! Staying ahead means exploring new trends in AI, cloud computing and automation, whether through online courses, coding projects, or industry events.

Get hands-on

All IT students at QUT take part in learningwork-integrated (WIL), working on real industry projects and presenting at showcase events where employers scout for talent.

Skills to succeed

You’ll need a mix of technical know-how and people skills.

✔ Problem-solving

Spotting issues in existing systems, thinking creatively and coming up with smart solutions.

✔ Communication

Explaining technical ideas in a way that’s clear and easy to understand, whether talking to IT teams, managers, or employees.

✔ Flexibility

The tech world changes fast, so you’ll need to keep learning and adapting to new tools, trends and digital challenges.

✔ Organisation

Managing projects, meeting deadlines and making sure everything runs smoothly when introducing new technology.

Is this job for you?