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Cassie Burke

Cassie Burke

Diploma of Information Technology (Computer Engineering)

Being the only girl in a high school class of 23 males studying information technology made Cassie Burke somewhat of a novelty. The perception that IT was boring and too mathematical led Cassie to try a variety of careers before completing the Diploma of Information Technology (Network Engineering).

“When I first studied IT about ten years ago, females were generally not encouraged in the field, so it wasn’t my first study choice, although I was good at it.

“Even when I worked in bookkeeping I was more interested in the IT side of a company. I was constantly asking questions about the computer networks. After solving a few technical problems, I decided to give IT a go.”

Swinburne’s Diploma of IT (Network Engineering) was the best option for Cassie, who wanted to keep working while she studied. She enjoyed the practical nature of the course, which covered the selection, installation and management of computer networks, as well as general client support.

“One of our subjects, Systems Analysis and Design, was especially relevant as we worked in groups to tackle case scenarios where we designed a network to specific client requirements. I was the project manager so the experience I gained was invaluable.”

While studying, Cassie landed her first IT job as a technician for Swinburne TAFE IT Services, which brought her to the attention of Swinburne’s National Centre for Gender and Cultural Diversity (NCGCD), who awarded Cassie with a runner-up placing in its annual Non Traditional Woman of the Year awards Vocational Training category.

”I guess being one of six females in my course made me stand out. It was very flattering,” Cassie said. Most importantly for Cassie, the award led to a chance to inspire other females to work in traditionally male dominated areas, as a visiting speaker in secondary schools.

Cassie’s ultimate goal is to manage a complex computer network for an organisation while using her skills to adapt to and manage technological change. She also hopes to see more females in IT.

“I’d really encourage girls to aspire to study non-traditional areas like IT. Just jump in the deep end and you will swim.”

Cassie Burke in 2009

A lot has changed since I graduated from Swinburne; I was lucky enough to land a job in Desktop and Helpdesk Support at TRUenergy. The Diploma gave me loads of practical, transferable skills that enabled me to work in IT support and I most enjoyed the people contact and problem solving aspects of the job.

Twelve months into my job my interest in business and systems analysis developed, and I realised that whilst I wanted to stay in the IT discipline, I also wanted to learn more about the way the business used the systems we supported and how to facilitate changes to these systems. I moved into another type of support role, Configuration Analyst, this involved learning how the TRUenergy billing system worked, how to build new products in the system, as well as updating the pricing. During this time I completed a Master of Business (IT).

Now, I work for a small consulting company as an IT Business Analyst, specialising in utilities. I enjoy the diversity that this job affords, I am sent to various utility companies and work with both IT and business representatives to accurately ascertain business requests for change to IT systems.

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