Jakapi building a career in IT

By LORRAINE JIMAL
JAKAPI Agro, from Dauli in Hela, wants to gain as much experience as possible as an Information Technology business system consultant in Queensland, Australia before returning home.
She went to Queensland in 2013 after she was awarded an Australian Scholarship. She is studying Information Technology at the Queensland University of Technology.
After completing her first Masters in Information Technology degree at QUT, Jakapi returned to PNG and worked as an information technology consultant.
“My study at QUT gave me a broad understanding of IT enterprise management, business process management and digital transformation which help gap in enterprise systems management expertise in PNG workforce.”
She returned to QUT in 2018 to pursue her second degree in information technology (enterprise systems).
“For me the university and course were the most important factors in my decision about where to study but other considerations like proximity to home and climate were also important. Queensland is perfect for me.”
She also has the opportunity to watch the State of Origin rugby league games at Suncorp stadium.
“I always watch the games on television at home in PNG and being able to be there in person is more exciting.”
She is now used to living and studying in Queensland.
“When I first arrived in Queensland to study, there was a lot to get used to. Queensland is very culturally diverse and at first I found it difficult to understand the different accents. But I developed listening strategies and I don’t find that to be a problem anymore.
“I plan to continue to build my career as a business process management consultant or enterprise systems analyst here in Queensland as I already have part-time work in this field.
“But I want to return home to PNG and use my expertise to make a difference. I am confident I can do that.”
She took up the course because of the power of process automation that brings efficiency to production lines in manufacturing and other industries.
She thought it was cool when a process was automated without human intervention.
Jakapi started in Grade One at Dauli Primary School in 1990 before going to Tari Secondary School. She was accepted to pursue a Bachelor in Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of PNG from 2002 to 2005.

“ My study at QUT gave me a broad understanding of IT enterprise management, business process management and digital transformation which help gap in enterprise systems management expertise in PNG workforce.”

She learnt to budget her money and completed all her assignments and projects.
“I am the third eldest in a big family with many siblings. I had to do things right otherwise I would burden my parents more.”
Her dad Dumbiari Arigo is a primary school teacher. Mum Liliato is a housewife.
“It motivated me to do well in school. I have failures but I never give up and trust God more than knowledge.”
She is thankful for the Australian scholarship and the support of QUT staff.
The university is well-resourced with support services on campus – international student support, faculty support, counselling, academic support, library support and medical service.
“All of these helped me through. I give God the glory because when my family is not around, God is there and has never failed me.
“I thank my loving parents, siblings, friends I called family and my ex-husband. They in one way or another supported me.
“If there is a will, there will always be a way. Be determined, work hard and focus until you achieve your goal. Seek God’s guidance and help.
“Education gives knowledge but God gives wisdom. And surround yourself with people who are genuine and positive because it will make you grow and take you higher.”