Ronan Walker is making the most of his time at the University of Newcastle by combining his studies with practical, hands-on experience. As a student of the combined Bachelor of Data Science and Bachelor of Mathematics programs, Ronan is already diving deep into the world of data. What sets Ronan’s experience apart is his participation in the APS Academy Campus program as a Data Cadet.  The Academy Campus program is an initiative which provides students with real world experience in the workforce while they study. This program allows Ronan to work as an Australian Public Service (APS) employee, putting academic learning into practice and positioning himself for a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of data science.

“Studying Data Science makes me feel like I’m at the cutting edge, and I’m excited by it,” says Ronan. He was drawn to data science because of its unique overlap between statistics and computer science. “I was very interested in how I could learn programming, machine learning, and statistical modelling,” he explains. Ronan highlights the versatility he’s gained through his coursework. “You get exposed to a wide variety of programming languages, like Python and Java. It makes me feel quite versatile and capable of tackling any problem in any language.”

One of the most significant aspects of Ronan’s journey has been his participation in the APS Academy Campus program as a Data Cadet. “I’ve been very fortunate to join the APS Academy Campus program, where I’m able to get entry-level, part-time employment alongside my degree,” he says. This opportunity allows him to work from the Callaghan campus, making it super convenient to balance work and study. “I’ve been placed in a data-driven role, so I’m learning skills that not only complement what I’ve studied at University but also extend beyond that. I feel like I’ll be a lot more competent and skilled upon graduation.”

The program not only provides Ronan with hands-on experience but also offers multiple benefits for his future career. Successful applicants of the APS Academy Campus program receive opportunity for permanent employment at the end of the program, competitive salary and superannuation, access to career coaching and mentoring, membership to professional bodies and a supportive, professional workplace culture that promotes equal opportunities. “I get placed in a team where I have a career mentor and a team leader who is experienced in the data industry. Through their guidance, I’m able to learn key data skills. It makes it so interesting to see the core skills I learn at University through my studies of data science being applied in an industry context, especially in a way that benefits the Australian community.”

Looking ahead, Ronan is confident about his future. “In the next few years, there will be a huge increase in data-driven roles, and I feel confident as a graduate of the data science degree that I will possess the skill set to fulfill those roles.” By gaining a role as a Data Cadet at the Academy Campus, Ronan is not only growing his skills and knowledge but also ensuring he is job-ready upon graduation. “Not only do you get on-the-job experience in the industry that you’re studying, but you also get access to a wide variety of valuable learning and development opportunities,” he concludes.

Student Ronan Walker holding a computer

Ronan Walker

Ronan is taking full advantage of the opportunities offered throughout his studies, gaining real-world experience through the APS Academy Data Cadetship.

Not only do you get on-the-job experience in the industry that you’re studying, but you also get access to a wide variety of valuable learning and development opportunities.