5 minute read
Remote Learning & Teaching
Alumni Profile
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JULIE HINTON
What Year did you graduate?
1976
What study did you undertake after Year 12?
In 1977 I studied Applied Science – Computing for a year at Caulfield Institute of Technology (now Monash University Caulfield campus). Then, when I was 36, after the birth of my third child, I studied Information Management at Monash University to better understand internet technologies and data management.
What advice would you give to someone considering undertaking this study path?
There are thousands of different aspects of IT as an industry and it needs all kinds of people. If you enjoy the idea of ‘how things work’ then there is no limit to the interesting ideas and concepts you will get to discover. Then you can specialise but it’s ok to change your mind when something else comes along!
What influenced your choice of career? When I was sixteen years old I had a holiday job at a computer processing bureau in Port Melbourne. I was supposed to do filing and data entry. Even though I did typing as a subject at school I was not very fast so I asked a lot of questions of the programmers and was fascinated by their answers. I got to find out about all the different types of computing jobs not just programming. From time to time I would have to go into the main IBM computer room and when I saw those massive 370 series boxes I was hooked! I suppose you could call it work experience but I got paid which was also important.
Study/career/travel highlights
Following my first computer course I embarked on a 40 year career in IT. I have worked in industries such as, banking, telecommunications, finance and tertiary education. When I was 23 I was promoted to a big bank’s Technical Training and Development team, I was the youngest and the first female. A few years later I became the manager of that team. Throughout my 20’s I travelled Europe and many Asian countries but I really enjoy South Korea and Japan and went again last year in winter to ski Furano in Japan for my 60th birthday! I would love to live anywhere is Japan for a while or Busan in South Korea.
What skills have you learnt?
Leadership, Leadership, Leadership! I made the mistake early in my career to believe the narrative that you have to be aggressive to lead. I have been on so many expensive management/leadership courses (paid for by my employers), however to be a strong leader, you will need to be kind and compassionate and put people before things. These characteristics are not weaknesses. You will find that it is the people issues that will take the most time not the projects or tasks. For example, if a team member comes to discuss a problem personal or otherwise, they are the most important person in the room. Listen to them and work through problems together allowing them to make their own decisions whilst facilitating what they may need to assist them.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
When I started working full-time, I lived my life to excess for years before I understood that it does not bring happiness or contentment or contribute positively to those around you. In other words, do what is the next right thing and be true to yourself even if it means leaving others behind. Only good will come of this and you may influence others through leading by example.
What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius? What is your fondest memory? I remember my first day in Year 7 and my teacher Mrs Abraham. I was scared of the nuns because of my primary school experiences. How wrong I was! The sisters and teachers were kind and loving to me. I felt a huge relief. St Aloysius became my sanctuary, a place where I could be myself whilst being encouraged to do the best I can.
There are so many fond memories including the excellent leadership but I remember Mr Brick taking sessions with us in Year 12 about how to live our lives when we leave school. We could openly discuss any fears or concerns or just questions about employment or what it is like at University. I really appreciated those sessions. How forward thinking back then!
If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would it be?
I would say this ‘You know what Julie? You are the youngest in a family of 7 and you don’t have much but ….so what? You deserve the best and don’t underestimate the value of this school and your education, these years will be with you for a lifetime.
Learn as much as you can about mental health and your own mental health. Reach out to those you trust and ask for help. It’s ok. Remember it’s easier when there are others who are willing and sometimes paid to support you. You are never alone.
Who or what has inspired you?
Over the many decades I have always returned to Our Lady, Mary and she is always there waiting for me. I now pray to her for her wisdom, kindness and how I can be of service to others. These prayers and meditations give me a sense of peace and serenity that helps me make good decisions.
What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years?
At the end of 2018 I left my employer intending to take a year off in 2019 to spend time with family and travel, as in February I turned 60 years old. In 2020, I had planned to do some consulting work in a non profit organisation. I also intended to live or work overseas, for a period of time. As I write this I am in self isolation at home in Melbourne. My experience tells me that everything happens for a reason and this too will pass. I feel happy, content and blessed waiting for the next chapter and what that may bring for all of us.
