About the ACS
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) was established in 1966 to represent information and communications technology (ICT) professionals in Australia. The Society is the public voice of the ICT profession in Australia and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the Australian ICT industry. They are committed to advancing professional excellence in ICT.
What will I gain from the ACS Professional Year?
The ACS PYear is about ‘job-readiness' and will prepare you for a career in the Australian workforce.
What do I do during the ACS Professional Year Program?
Whilst completing the ACS Professional Year Program you will undertake the following elements:
- ACS Orientation (Opening boot camp)
- An intensive training course in Australian workplace culture
- An intensive training course in Professional Business Communication
- An internship to enable you to gain workplace experience in the ICT industry
- An online module of work in a professional environment
ACS Orientation (Opening boot camp)
This will be an orientation lead activity with an emphasis on introducing students to the content and delivery of the program including a presentation about the ACS.
Australian workplace culture.
During this intensive training course (130 hours either part or full time), you'll learn about common work practices and values operating in Australia companies. You'll discover the ins and outs of the Australian workplace and how to:
- develop a career plan
- write a resume
- perform effectively in interviews
- understand and respond to employers' expectations
- understand occupational health and safety guidelines
- contribute positively to workplace diversity.
Business/professional communication
Employers in Australia most often look for former international students who are skilled in business and professional communications. This module of work will provide you with practical skills to communicate successfully with people at all levels in the Australian workplace.
During this 130-hour (part or full time) module, you'll learn how to chair and participate in meetings, write reports and other documents relevant to the workplace and give presentations to work colleagues, managers and clients.
Work experience internship
One of the most valuable aspects of the ACS Professional Year; you'll gain 220 hours of practical ICT workplace experience in a well-respected company.
Expect to enhance your career and employment skills with an ePortfolio of work and a proven ability to operate in the Australian workplace. You can't beat that on your CV!
Professional Environment
You will attend a preliminary half day workshop approximately one week before you commence your internship and the online professional environment module run by the ACS. This workshop will introduce you to the necessary online work environments and the Skills Framework for the Informatioon Ahe (SFIA).
The online Professional Environment module will run for 12 weeks, alongside your internship, and includes mentoring sessions focusssing on career and professional develoment planning.
What's more, the ACS Professional Year will also connect you with ICT professionals around Australia through ACS networking events. You'll learn professional networking skills and gain valuable industry contacts.
ACS Graduation
The graduation will be a chance to listen to industry professionals, be issued with your certificate and to celebrate! You will be able to toast your success with your fellow Professional Year graduates and meet and mingle with prospective employers and colleagues at the graduation ceremony.
