Starting a career with an interest in conservation, Barry completed a Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity and Conservation) but quickly realised education was the starting point for effective change.

“Conservation was a big interest of mine, and I thought something in that space would be a good start,” he said.

“I went on two conservation trips to Indonesia in my last year of the course (working primarily with turtles and sun bears), and realised that as important as active efforts are, the priority really is education.”

Completing a Master of Education (Secondary), Barry hoped to teach future generations about biology, in particular, epidemiology and the collection of data to manage the spread of diseases.

“I completed my postgraduate study in secondary education and have now worked in a range of high schools,” he said.

“One area that I love teaching is epidemiology and how data has been collected and used over hundreds of years to manage the spread of disease.”

Discovering a love for the data side of life, Barry started to focus more on the way data can be implemented to improve teaching practices and processes.

“I was always interested in data (I love a good spreadsheet) and over time my practices have become more and more data driven. I’m now in the position where my peers come to me for advice on how to synthesise and analyse data.

“I’m working to update traditional school process to be entirely digital and take on more IT-based school-wide roles,” he said.

Being a big believer in life-long learning, Barry wanted professional recognition for his data work and the potential of a career change.

“The Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics framed all the applications of the topics in a real-world context. I was familiar with some of the content, but it went into much greater depth. It also delved into data science and statistics, which I was interested in expanding my knowledge in,” he said.

Creating a deeper understanding of the concepts within data analytics, Barry sees the connection between complex concepts and creating an understanding of these issues suitable for diverse audiences.

“The program explores the idea that data analytics is like telling a story. You are presented with a question to answer, you carry out the data practices needed, then give the narrative, insight, and an answer to that question,” he said.

Reflecting on his career and where he wants to end up, Barry’s study has cemented his want for change. Moving towards a more data driven role, he believes it will be his next move.

“I have really enjoyed my time teaching and found it extremely rewarding. However, I don’t see myself in the classroom for much longer. I was thinking of a career pivot, and this course has really cemented what I want my next chapter to be. I want to move to an analytics role and start telling more stories and finding insight in big data,” he said.

Even with his own personal research into the data world, Barry’s study has already created deeper conversations and a greater exposure to concepts within data he would not have found otherwise.

Barry encourages other students wanting to study to invest in themselves and take the chance. The online program created flexibility to study while working, giving him the chance to pursue his interests while still maintaining a workload.

“You literally have experts in the field in a call with you, or able to reply to any queries you have, which isn’t something you just casually have access to.

“Part-time and online was perfect for me and would be for other teachers.

“Studying and education should be a life-long pursuit. At the end of the day, you are investing in yourself,” he said.

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Barry Oxby

A pioneer of life-long learning, Barry started in conservation and moved to education. Developing improved processes for his teaching peers, the world of data became his new goal.

I was thinking of a career pivot, and this course has really cemented what I want my next chapter to be. I want to move to an analytics role and start telling more stories and finding insight in big data

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