Hasnat Abid

What's your background? What was it that drew you to initially apply for the NEC IT Graduate Program?

I have always been passionate about Technology from a young age. Starting from when my dad bought his first computer, I would sit by him and see how everything would connect, from the different peripherals connecting to their specific ports, to the internet connection using dial up. I was so fascinated by the computer and how it would connect to other computers around the world that I decided to pursue in anything, and everything related to computers and networks from then on.

This would then later lead me to doing a Bachelors in Computer and Network Engineering where I would come up with network designs catering to various business sizes, configure computers, switches, and routers to work together in a LAN and WAN, and investigate the security aspect on various layers within a network.

In my final year of Uni, I worked on a project showcasing the benefits of a software-defined network within a transport network, using various test methodologies to show the advantages over traditional networks. I would then go on to present this at the end of year exhibition where industry leaders such as Telstra would come and take note of my findings.

Then it was time to get a full-time job. This is where I decided to look into graduate programs that had various areas where I would be able to make an informed decision on where I wanted to take my career. This is when I stumbled across NEC, a company I only ever knew for their consumer electronics from back in the day. However, after doing some investigating, I realised that despite not being well known by the general public anymore, NEC are very much still alive and doing a lot more than most of us realise. They are an international leader in biometrics but also work closely with government departments and other businesses, providing solutions in cyber security, cloud computing, networking, digital signage, unified communications and more. This wide range of areas focused on today’s Technology is what drew me into NEC. 

What does a typical day look for you, and what are you currently working on?

Currently, in my second out of a total three rotations, I’m working in Unified Communications. A typical day of mine will include learning more about the equipment we work with (Telephony Servers/PABX’s and Handsets), going through our ticketing system and helping our customers with their issues/inquiries. This can range from assigning and configuring an extension, disabling users who have left a company, checking alarms that were triggered on a PABX and troubleshooting, just to name a few.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience in the Graduate Program?

What I have enjoyed the most in the graduate program would have to be the flexibility in experiencing different areas of the business and getting to know all the talented people in each team. It’s the variety in one single company that truly helps a graduate understand what they would like to do in the future, by not only engaging and learning from people with vastly different areas of expertise, but also being able to use various pieces of Technology both software and hardware combined as a single solution.

What are the limitations of your job?

The main limitation as a graduate would definitely be the impacts of COVID. Initially I had to work from home five days a week which did make learning new skills a lot harder especially when we didn’t have direct access to the equipment we would work with. But now that restrictions have eased and we can go to the office two days a week, it’s become a lot more manageable.

What have you gained from working at NEC from a career perspective?

Working at NEC has given me the opportunity to work with different technologies and understand which ones I enjoy working with but also which ones I don’t. This knowledge will be foundational for my career path and where I would like to take things moving forward.

What kind of characteristics or skills do you believe a Graduate needs to be successful in the program?

To be successful in the program, I believe there are a couple of key things that a Graduate should have:

• Curiosity – You should have a drive that keeps you motivated, that makes you want to get up in the morning and look forward to going to work and learning new skills, that makes you want to ask the smart AND dumb questions that others don’t. It’s this curiosity that will truly pave the way for you to do great things!
• Perseverance – When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Don’t be afraid of a task no matter the difficulty, you are here to learn. Through success and failure is where one shines, but in times of failure, it’s the persistence that one displays which will make them shine from the others.
• Engaging – Speak up in meetings and other team discussions. Don’t let the fact that you are graduate sway you away from giving input, as your input and fresh mindset is extremely valuable in an organisation.
• Flexible – Be willing to try new things even if you think you might not enjoy it or benefit from it as there will be unique lessons to be learnt from them, that you might not get if you only aim for things you are comfortable with.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

What I would advise to my former self as a student is:

• Network – Start building up a network of people you meet and get to know them. Join some clubs, go to career expo’s, industry nights, and any other event that will be beneficial for you. The bigger you build this network, the more potential avenues there is in getting a job after you graduate. LinkedIn is great way to both connect with your network of people but also look for job opportunities!
• Outshine – The job market is getting more and more competitive. As the population increases, the number of people looking for work also increases. Look for ways to make yourself stand out. Look into internships and any other way that will give you real world experience. Look into certificates and see which one applies to you and is sought after. Not only will the experience make you stand out, but you’ll have also increased your network of people and in this case, with people who may very well have a good chance in helping you land a job with the company.
• Communication – Follow up with your teachers/tutors regarding your work. Get them to check it and ask for advice. Ask your peers to also go over your work and get their perspective on it. Have regular group discussions outside of Uni whether that be virtual or in person. Make use of forums and/or any other platforms your Uni may have for communication.