Anantha (Nandu) Padmanabhan Anu is a Bachelor of Business Management graduate who moved to Australia from India to study at UQ. He explains how studying marketing and information systems majors prepared him for a rewarding career.
Why I chose my degree and the information systems major
I chose to study at UQ because of the University’s strong industry connections. I also felt the many professional opportunities in Brisbane made it the ideal place to start my career.
The Bachelor of Business Management was exactly what I was looking for. It focused on business and technology and provided the chance to gain practical experience right away. With 7 different majors to choose from, I had the flexibility to explore any field that sparked my interest. Ultimately, I chose to focus on marketing and business information systems.
Business information systems are the information resources and technology (software, hardware, networks and systems) businesses can use to collect, analyse, store and disseminate data, make informed decisions and improve operations. You can also study an information systems major as part of the Bachelor of Commerce at UQ.
Employability was a key consideration when I chose this major. The job market can be saturated with general skills, but the skills taught in the business information systems major fill a niche that I believe will always be in demand across sectors. This is especially true given the growing need for technology implementation in all types of organisations. Every organisation needs business information systems professionals to bridge the gap between technical experts and management, clients or less technical parts of the business.
For example, in the Business Process Management course (BISM2203), I learnt about BPMN modelling, Lean, Six Sigma, process improvement and qualitative analysis. This knowledge directly helped me in my graduate career when I needed to assess a client’s operational workflows and recommend system improvements.
How I gained practical experience while at university
In addition to the technical skills I learned during my business information systems studies, I had the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, time management and organisation skills through practical experiences.
When I first started applying for internships and casual jobs, I struggled with rejections due to using generic resumé templates I found online. The Careers and Employability team helped me craft a more polished and professional resumé and prepare for interviews, which boosted my confidence.
This team also organises career fairs, which are a great opportunity to meet employers and learn about industry opportunities. While not every connection led to a job offer, the experience of meeting professionals and building interpersonal skills was incredibly valuable.
"I completed a few internships through UQ that helped me get experience with real companies during the holidays. These internships would have been hard for me to find on my own."
One of these opportunities was applying my business information systems skills to help optimise the student experience at UQ. Using various data analytics tools, I analysed feedback data, identified pain points and used that information to recommend improvements. I worked closely with different departments to design solutions that were more user-centric, ensuring systems and processes were as efficient and intuitive as possible. This hands-on experience showed me how information systems can directly impact user experience and how applying data insights can help address problems.
The combination of soft skills, technical skills and experience I gained during my business information systems studies prepared me for the real work environment after graduation.
What you might not know about the information systems industry
One surprising aspect of the information systems industry is how integral people skills are to success. It’s not just about coding or working with software. It’s about understanding the needs of businesses and people. Often, the best solutions come from having a broad perspective, making creativity and empathy just as important as technical knowledge.
Another key element is managing expectations and balancing the needs of various stakeholders. Whether it’s negotiating favourable outcomes, finding common ground, or leading discussions, good communication and interpersonal skills are critical. Being diplomatic, approachable and a good listener are all essential traits for thriving in this field.
My first information systems jobs as a graduate
The business information systems background I gained at UQ has been incredibly valuable across my career so far. I’ve had multiple opportunities to apply what I learned in practical, meaningful ways in the information systems jobs I’ve had.
If you’re interested in pursuing an information systems degree as well, you might find these examples helpful in understanding what to expect in your first graduate roles.
Business analyst at IRiQ Law
After graduating, I started in a business analyst role at IRiQ Law. This allowed me to apply my business information systems background in a hands-on, operational capacity to solve real business problems. I worked closely with clients in mining, energy, construction and engineering to:
- develop and deliver client work using data tools to analyse and interpret large data sets
- identify business requirements, refine processes and improve efficiency
- conduct system audits, risk assessments and track KPIs
- maintain clear and efficient communication
- ensure projects were delivered on time and within scope.
Graduate consultant at Deloitte
Working in Deloitte's Technology, Strategy & Transformation team, I’ve continued to leverage my business information systems skills to help clients in the government, health, banking and automotive sectors.
In this role, I work closely with the team to align tools and systems with the business's needs and develop and deliver business solutions. I’ve worked on various projects where the key to success was understanding how to optimise different systems and data sources for efficiency and effectiveness. A lot of my role involves working closely with senior leaders to finalise deliverables and ensure work meets high-quality standards.
Looking forward, I’m excited to continue growing within Deloitte in the technology and consulting space. I want to explore leadership roles managing teams while continuing to drive impactful change for clients. I’m passionate about helping others find their path and reach their potential.
"My business information systems major has enabled me to translate complex technical information into tangible outcomes for the organisations I work with and I’m confident in my ability to continue developing my career in this industry."
My advice for graduate job seekers
As an international student, I found the job search particularly challenging, even with residency. The competition for roles can be fierce and many employers prioritise permanent residents and citizens.
One thing I wish I’d known earlier is that employers place a significant focus on soft skills when hiring recent graduates. Your ability to collaborate, communicate and get along with people from diverse backgrounds is just as important as your technical expertise, if not more. Employers want to see that you can navigate different perspectives, solve problems collectively and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
"Something else they look for is your willingness to learn and grow. Demonstrating that you’re adaptable and eager to pick up new skills can go a long way."
These foundational qualities are essential for building a successful career in any field, and they’re often what sets candidates apart in a competitive job market. If you engage in your university experience and all the opportunities it provides, you’ll develop these capabilities and be able to apply them to your career.
Where could a business information systems major take your career?
Explore UQ’s Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Commerce programs.
