Steven Clark BComp
It’s an interesting experience receiving an academic qualification in a university with gowns and ceremony and a chancellor who knew me in another life as an entirely different persona. All I can say about that is we make choices every day about who we are girls and boys – career and life changes are easy. Small steps make a journey. So, without adieu I present you with Steven Clark BComp, official letters after the name. We didn’t line up for professional photography and just snapped a couple on our little handheld canon during the post-ceremony refreshments.
Was it worth it? Yes I’d say it was definately worth it regardless that our industry doesn’t expect these professional qualifications. The reason: one day you might want promotion in a large organisation, or to be recognised as a professional by a professional body. At that time I’ve got no doubt that a university degree will be an important part of your arsenal. And, to be honest, there is more to computing careers than web design. We’re moving towards a web of things and a lot of sciences are going to be pushing into this space. It’s not just about websites or social applications.
Next stop will be the Master of Business Administration. Maybe then someone will listen to me that web development in the public sector should NOT be run by generic project managers. Hire a specialist, or at least someone who has an idea what’s contemporary best practice. Happy muppets don’t make good products, right? OK I’ll shut up now and frame my Bachelor of Computing from the University of Tasmania. Awesome.
By the way, happy birthday to Abi who is 15 this morning. We love you and are very proud of you and you will always be perfect exactly how you are. Follow your heart in life and don’t let people put you in boxes (I should let you in on a secret: she’s a very talented artist and designer).
December 18th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Congrats Steven!
December 18th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Thanks Jin. I couldn’t help myself though, had to do a few Harry Potters…
“Stop that magic spell, young Harry!”
December 18th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Well done Steven – great to see you getting your graduation day hat on!
Congratulations on the highly-skilled qualification. All the best.
December 18th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Cheers Matt, thanks. I’m probably only a bit over half way to the qualification I’ve ultimately aimed at but it’s a significant effort.
The funny thing is that when the chancellor heard my name called out and I had to go over the stage and bow and shake his hand, well he realised who I was. Let’s say he was a leading state figure in my previous occupation. It’s only a small place so certain names ring through history quite effectively.
And I can’t say I’m overly miffed at no more programming assignments.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Congratulations!!!!
December 19th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Thanks Sue, the case of mixed wines are being put to good use.
Hope your virus is getting better.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I’m better, strange time of the year to get a virus but on holidays until 19th Jan so looking forward to the time off and sleeping in. Glad your enjoying the wine, hope there are some nice ones in the package. Three more sleeps!
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
[...] We were back at the Federation Hall on Wednesday evening for Steven’s graduation ceremony for his Bachelor of Computing which was a really fabulous event. We managed to get in early and be sitting right at the front. It has given me courage to maybe take the walk of gowns in the not too distant future for my graduation… maybe. A huge congratulations to you Steven! [...]
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Aw thanks Linden… but you should point out that you already have a Bachelor of Arts in Environment and Wilderness Studies, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking with First Class Honours, and are talking about your mid-year graduation from your Master of Fine Art in Printmaking.
Now that’s getting to be impressive, dear.