with STEM™ CAREERS JOB KIT Internet of Things Specialist
Create solutions using an interconnected web of smart devices
Connect your career to the smart future
Transform how we live, work and manage our resources
Smart devices are all around us. Fridges that monitor when milk is running low, soil sensors that let farmers know when to water plants, fitness trackers that synch with phones that talk to medical devices that connect to sleep apps… and all connected intelligently to the internet.
This emerging Internet of Things (IoT) is a field where engineering meets creativity, and its applications are everywhere. Using IoT we have the potential to solve so many real-world problems, from smart farming to better healthcare to resource management.
My background is in cloud computing, Internet of Things and cybersecurity. At Torrens University, I’ve focused my research on making IoT smarter and more secure using AI, machine learning and digital twins. Sounds interesting? You’re exactly the type of person I want to teach.
As a senior lecturer at Torrens University, I’m passionate about preparing students with futureready skills in technology and innovation, and I’m proud to bring this passion into our classrooms.
At Torrens University we have a very hands-on, industry-centric focus, covering emerging tech like cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI and IoT.
Dr. Md Whaiduzzaman senior
lecturer
Torrens University Australia
INternet
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We also offer hands-on learning using global tech tools at our Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Optimisation (AIRO).
If you want to work in IoT, my advice is simple: be curious, stay updated and develop a mindset of solving problems and thinking critically.
IoT and cybersecurity are fast-evolving fields, so it’s important to build a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science and logical thinking - but don’t worry if you aren’t a math genius, we can help with that.
Explore online tutorials and get hands-on with mini projects like building a sensor system or securing your own website.
I love what I do: contributing to knowledge and creating real-world impact.
In this job kit, you’ll find there’s so much potential for meaningful and rewarding careers in IoT. Join me in creating the future.
Dr. Md Whaiduzzaman, Senior
Lecturer
Design and Creative Technology Torrens University Australia
GET CONNECTED
Explore the world of IoT and the career opportunities it brings
study time
Make your mark in IoT by starting with an undergrad qualification from Torrens University Australia. Your options include:
Diploma of Information Technology
Learn everything from computer hardware and software to networking, programming, cloud computing and of course IoT. The diploma not only prepares you for a successful start in IT but also provides you direct pathway entry into the Bachelor level program.
Bachelor of Information Technology
Co-designed with industry experts, your degree will cover programming and software engineering, smart tech, cloud architecture and more. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in solving complex problems and creating innovative IT solutions.
Keen for postgraduate studies?
Choose from:
Graduate Certificate of Information Technology
Graduate Diploma of Information Technology
Master of Information Technology
Master of Information Technology (Advanced)
Find more IoT options at Torrens University: bit.ly/TorrensIT
What is IoT?
IoT (or Internet of Things) refers to the billions of devices around the world that are connected to the internet or other communication networks. These devices are equipped with sensors, software and other tech so they can exchange data with other devices. Anything can become part of the IoT if it has a computer chip and can connect to a wireless network – cars, thermostats, sport watches and even kitchen appliances.
Torrens UNIVERSITY perks
• Students studying IT courses can be student members of the Australian Computer Society – the largest professional association for the tech sector in Australia.
• Torrens University’s tech courses are built in collaboration with industry partners like AWS and IBM.
• You’ll also learn software languages like C++, C#, Python and Java.
5reasons you should choose an IoT career
1You’re always tinkering with tech – whether it’s fixing your phone or upgrading your computer.
2
You love a good challenge and solving problems is your thing.
3
You are super curious: when something doesn’t make sense, you dig deep to figure it out.
4You enjoy keeping up with the latest tech, gadgets and apps.
5You like discovering life hacks, like figuring out how to make your phone battery last longer or shortcuts to make life easier.
Myths busted
#1
“IoT is just about connecting a bunch of devices to wi-fi.”
No! Wi-fi isn’t the only network IoT devices can connect through. They can also communicate with sensors through networks like cellular, bluetooth and LoRaWAN.
“IoT
is only needed by tech companies.” Not at all. IoT can be used in healthcare, transportation, home automation, manufacturing, agriculture, energy management, environmental monitoring and more.
#4 #2 #3
“IoT and AI are basically the same.”
Nope, but they have similarities and can work together. They both deal with data: IoT devices collect data, while AI analyses data. IoT devices need to be told what to do, whereas AI machines can learn from experience.
“IoT setup is a onetime thing, so there aren’t that many job opportunities.”
Nope. IoT requires regular maintenance and security updates to make sure devices and systems aren’t vulnerable to threats and hackers. IoT specialists are always needed to ensure the safety and efficiency of IoT systems.
IoT by the numbers
18.8 billion = the number of connected IoT devices around the world (and counting!)
25.44 billion = the predicted number of IoT devices there will be by 2030.
400+ = how many active IoT platforms exist.
Sources: IoT Analytics, Journal of Cybersecurity Technology, Transforma Insights, Internet of Things, Volume 24
From skies to servers
At first glance, Caleb’s leap into tech might seem out of the blue. For over a decade, he was a flight attendant, and he loved the creative arts and drama long before computers ever caught his eye.
“Honestly, I never imagined myself in a tech career!” he says, remembering how daunting –and exciting – it felt to start again in his 30s.
Determined to upskill, Caleb enrolled at Torrens University in the Bachelor of Information Technology. He picked Torrens University because he’d heard its hands-on courses really helped students to hit the ground running.
Plus the chance to switch between online trimesters and in-person classes meant he could keep working while studying.
Seeing tech in action
One of the best parts of Caleb’s course has been the Smart Industry Applications subject, where students learn to use sensor readings – detecting odd vibrations or rising temperatures – to predict when machines might break, and to plan repairs for the least disruptive times.
“I’ve really enjoyed this subject,” he says.
caleb cougle BACHELOR OF IT STUDENT TORRENS UNIVERSITY
“I got a grasp of how technologies work together in a practical sense to solve real world challenges across industries, which made everything we’d studied feel more connected and relevant.”
In this unit, Caleb also completed a hands-on project forecasting equipment failures, presenting his results in a university showcase.
Caleb is gearing up to jump into roles in cloud computing or artificial intelligence once he graduates. He’s open to all sorts of tech jobs, confident that his practical training has set him up well. His tip for high-school students? “Find your thing and run with it.”
Don’t limit yourself to what you think you can do. TECH IS MASSIVE”
Caleb Cougle flipped his flight crew career into IT, spotting fresh opportunities
BUILDING DREAMS WITH CODE
Lungten Dorji is turning his tech career dreams into real-world solutions
Lungten has always been surrounded by computers. His older brothers both worked in IT, sparking his early fascination with building and tinkering with PCs, and exploring how technology worked. “I realised that IT isn’t just about fixing computers,” says Lungten. “It’s about solving real-world problems creatively.”
When it came time to choose where to study, Lungten picked Torrens University for its flexibility and practical approach to learning. Studying for a Bachelor of Information Technology, he appreciated that assessments are based on delivering real projects rather than sitting exams. “It feels much closer to how things work in the real world,” he says.
“Seeing that design come to life through coding, something I had no experience with before, was incredibly fun and rewarding,” he says.
Another highlight has been the Smart Industry Applications project, where Lungten researched how a vegetable farming company, Schreurs and Sons, used smart technology to boost crop yields and conserve water. It showed him how IT skills can transform industries far beyond traditional tech roles.
Bringing designs to life
One of the highlights of his studies so far has been the web design subject, which introduced Lungten to coding from scratch. By Week 6 of the course, he had built a fully functioning webpage based on a design he had mapped out in an online tool called Figma.
lungten dorji freelance user interface designer IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT fixing computers. It’s about solving REAL-WORLD problems creatively”
Today, Lungten is focused on building a career in programming, data analysis or UI/UX design. “Ultimately, I want to secure a position where I can keep growing, develop my expertise, and eventually become the best in that field.
Long-term, I’d love to work either as a Solutions Architect or start my own tech company.”
Bachelor of Information Technology, Torrens University
UI/UX Designer, Freelance
Get the job!
Technology
Bachelor of Information Technology
Master of Information Technology
LAUNCH YOURSELF IN AN IN-DEMAND FIELD
Australia needs 400,000 additional technology workers by 2027. Source: ACS
96%
Did you know that 96% of Torrens University Australia graduates are employed within 12 months of completing their course?
Source: Kantar 2024
Build your skills
Start working on these now…
COMMUNICATION: As an IoT Specialist, you’ll be working (and talking!) with others, collaborating on projects and setting goals together. You’ll need to be able to express yourself effectively, be an active listener, use positive body language and show empathy.
TEAMWORK: Work tasks and projects are a team effort. On the job, you’ll need to think about how you can cross the finish line together while producing solid results.
TIME MANAGEMENT: The workplace is filled with deadlines you’ll need to meet. Using digital calendars, time management software and apps can help. You’ll also need to know how to break a project into smaller, achievable goals.
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Tech and problem-solving always go together. In your IoT career, you’ll be mixing problem-solving with the other skills listed above, so keep an open mind and let others help you come up with the best solutions.