IBM, Monash extend IT education partnership

IBM and Monash University have partnered on a new $1.2 million Future Leaders Scholarship program aimed at developing IT leaders versed in both technology and business.

Along with funding a number of degrees with majors in business and information technology, the program will allow for students to participating in leadership camps, public speaking, mentoring and a 22 week internship at IBM or one of its partners.

Currently IBM works with Monash through its $0.5 million current Institute for Business Leadership (IBL) program.

According to Jay Hannon, university relations and development manager, IBM Australia and New Zealand, it was the success of the IBL program that encouraged us to commit to the much larger Future Leaders program.

“Monash University has consistently produced high quality graduates through the existing IBM IBL program,” he said. “It was this track record of success which encouraged us to establish another scholarship program with the University.”

Hannon said many current IBM staff had come from Monash, including ex-IBL graduate and current IBM's General Manager Strategic Outsourcing, Nicole Crooks.

“Nicole is a perfect example that programs of this kind can lead to great success,” he said. “Today she is IBM's General Manager Strategic Outsourcing - one of the highest ranking executives in the company, and responsible for thousands of IBMers.”

Currently, IBM works with around 20 Universities across Australia on graduate and development programs, Hannon said.

“IBM recognises that we need to invest in students who have multi-disciplinary skills including IT, Business, Leadership, teaming and communications, for the rapidly changing business environment,” he said.

“We have invested in this course with Monash to equip future graduates with the right skills, and prepare them for a successful career at IBM.”

Hannon said it was important for the wider IT industry to become involved in partnerships with education institutions to ensure that IT skills are there for the future.

“Industry needs to tell universities, such as Monash, what we need so they can update their curricula, and this is what lead to the Future Leaders program,” he said.

“IBM isn’t just a technology company, it’s now a services company, and we need employees who can demonstrate capabilities in both business and technology and beyond.”

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