Embracing every opportunity: From installer/repairer to managed services professional at Telstra

Embarking on a career journey with Telstra is not just about finding a job; it's about discovering a world of growth, learning and endless possibilities.
Harley Jacobs · 19 February 2024 · 4 minute read

Embarking on a career journey with Telstra is not just about finding a job; it's about discovering a world of growth, learning and endless possibilities.

Telstra's commitment to nurturing talent shines brightly through its support for internal growth, and my own journey is a testament to this philosophy.

I’ve spent eight transformative years at Telstra, embarking on an incredible journey embracing the many opportunities that have come my way.

Humble Beginnings as an Installer/Repairer

My career at Telstra started as a leap of faith. Making a career shift from the sugar and mining industries, I entered the tech world through Telstra's Skilled Traineeship program.

Mentors became guiding stars, leading me through the maze of fault finding and troubleshooting. Building my confidence took time, as Telstra’s dynamic environment is constantly evolving with new technology and products. However, this challenged me to adapt and thrive.

It was during these early years that my spark of curiosity ignited. Conversations with mentors opened windows to new horizons, particularly Complex Data – an area uncharted for me at the time.

With grit and determination, I seized the opportunity to upskill, stepping into the realm of installing routers, switches, and participating in projects. This marked a turning point that set me on a trajectory of growth within Telstra.

From Little Things, Big Things Grow

My growth story was paved with internal secondments that led to incredible skill enhancements. I moved from assisting NBN Activations to remotely troubleshooting issues with residential and small business migration, and I also joined the Digital team to explore the world of customer experience and initiatives. Each secondment unveiled new facets of the tech world.

For me, the pinnacle of growth was my participation in Telstra's Leadership Development Program. This transformative experience honed my leadership skills, allowed me to work with a diverse range of teams, and provided me with a panoramic view of Telstra's values and mission.

In my field career at Telstra, what I’ve enjoyed the most has been the ceaseless evolution and the tapestry of challenges woven with threads of innovation. Telstra understands that field roles are more than just tasks; they are bridges to understanding customer experiences, building relationships, and crafting innovative solutions that the market craves.

My journey underscores the pivotal role of field careers in shaping Telstra's success story.

Encouraging Others to Take the Leap

While embracing these opportunities can be daunting, my advice to anyone is to consider trying a secondment. Even if you aren’t selected, you still gain experience in writing expressions of interest and gain insights into areas you aren’t familiar with. Similarly, once you start a secondment, you may realise the role isn’t what you initially anticipated.

While these may appear as negative outcomes, there is so much to be gained by trying something new, as the experience gained and perspectives broadened are invaluable. I encourage everyone to take the leap and see the learnings and new opportunities that await them.

Each position at Telstra has contributed to the multifaceted growth that I have been fortunate enough to experience. From product expertise to customer service finesse, from collaborating with stakeholders to mastering problem-solving, each role has been a step forward. These cumulative learnings have helped me grow immensely both professionally and personally, helping me to always be prepared to conquer and embrace new challenges.

Telstra's unwavering commitment to employee growth serves as a beacon of support. Formal learning programs, mentoring initiatives, and self-paced online resources form a constellation of tools guiding employees towards their aspirations. My personal experience exemplifies the effectiveness of providing the skills and insights needed to flourish.

Ultimately, your career journey with Telstra is more than just a job – it's a transformative odyssey.

From a fresh-faced Installer/Repairer to a skilled professional in Managed Services, my journey highlights the abundant growth opportunities within Telstra's embrace.

For anyone considering a career path with Telstra, remember: your journey here is not just about what you'll become, but who you'll be inspired to be.

At Telstra, our people find purpose and pride because we support the things that matter most. Ready to find your next rewarding career opportunity? Explore open roles at Telstra today.

By Harley Jacobs

Technical Expert - Field Services

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