By Devakumar A/L Robert William, Senior Executive, BAC College and Nevash Nithi, Content Writer, BAC College

Technology is changing rapidly, but the fundamentals of building a successful technology career remain remarkably consistent: learn the fundamentals, develop practical skills, keep learning and understand where you want to go.

In the first interview of the UNIMY Expert Interview Series, we speak with Ts. Dr. Aneshkumar s/o Thangaveloo, an experienced IT professional and educator with a background spanning networking, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing and technical training.

With professional experience across IT infrastructure and networking, as well as extensive experience in training and education, Dr. Anesh shares his career journey and offers practical advice for students preparing to enter the technology industry.

1. You started your technology career at a very young age. What led you from IT support into networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity and education?
I started my IT career at the age of 19 while I was doing my diploma, working night shifts in technical support in various tech companies.

At the same time, I continued developing my skills through my university studies. During my degree, I became increasingly interested in networking and servers. From there, my interests expanded into cloud computing and cybersecurity.

For around 13 years, I was based in Cyberjaya, working with companies involved in infrastructure and networking. While working in the industry, I also became involved with MDEC’s training initiatives, where I entered the Train-the-Trainer pathway and began training students and corporate employees.

2. Having worked in the IT industry and education, what do you think students often misunderstand about preparing for the real world of IT?
One of the biggest gaps I noticed was between academic knowledge and the practical skills expected by employers.

While working in IT infrastructure, I was involved in interviewing and hiring new staff. I noticed that many graduates lacked some of the technical skills and professional certifications needed for the roles they were applying for.

When students enter the industry, employers will look beyond their academic qualifications. For example, if you want to work in cybersecurity, do you understand networking? What tools do you know? Do you understand cloud computing?

These are important questions.

Students should continuously develop their skill sets. Learning at least one programming language is also valuable, because programming gives you a better understanding of how technology works.

Students should also take advantage of short courses and additional learning opportunities provided by their universities.

There are also many excellent learning resources available online. YouTube, for example, can be a very useful learning resource when used wisely.

3. How important are professional certifications, and how should students balance certifications with practical experience?
Your diploma and degree are very important and provide the foundation for your career.

Professional certifications can then demonstrate that you have developed additional knowledge and practical skills in a particular area. They can help show employers that you have invested time in developing yourself beyond your academic studies.

However, students should not rely on shortcuts.

Today, information is easily available through Google, ChatGPT and other tools. These resources can help us learn, but students still need to put in the effort to understand the concepts themselves.

You need to take the time to study, practise and develop your skills.

This is why practical learning is so important. At UNIMY, for example, students can benefit from hands-on activities, laboratory practice and tutorials that help connect concepts with practical application.

I always encourage students to spend at least one hour a day studying and developing their knowledge. Over time, you need to develop a genuine interest and passion for your subject.

Another important piece of advice is to look at actual job openings and study the job descriptions. See what employers are asking for and use that information to identify the skills you need to develop.

4. Technology is changing almost every day. What skills should students develop to remain relevant?
Technology is changing very quickly, so students need to make continuous learning part of their careers.

I strongly encourage students to master at least one programming language. For example, learning C can provide a foundation for understanding related programming languages such as C++, C# and Java.

Students should also develop a strong understanding of areas such as networking, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.

The important thing is to keep updating yourself.

I often compare this to updating a smartphone. People are willing to queue for hours and spend money to buy the latest iPhone because they want to keep up with technology.

Why not make the same investment in yourself and your future?

5. What is your advice to a student beginning a journey in IT or cybersecurity today?
You need to continuously upgrade yourself and keep up with technology.

Do in-depth research into the industry and understand what the market requires. Don’t simply choose a technology career because it seems popular. Understand what you are getting into.

When you begin your journey in IT, ask yourself why you are choosing this path.

What is your purpose? Where do you want to go? What kind of work do you want to do? Who do you want to work with?

Having that sense of direction is important.

Technology is becoming part of almost every area of our lives, and more of the world is becoming digital. The opportunities are there, but students need to prepare themselves by developing the knowledge, practical skills and mindset required by the industry.

Key Takeaways
Dr. Anesh’s career journey highlights an important lesson for anyone entering technology: a qualification can open the door, but continuous learning and practical skills help you move forward.

For students preparing for careers in IT, networking, cloud computing or cybersecurity, his advice is straightforward:

· Build strong fundamentals.

· Develop practical, hands-on skills.

· Learn at least one programming language.

· Explore professional certifications.

· Study real job descriptions to understand what employers want.

· Make continuous learning part of your routine.

· Most importantly, understand your purpose and where you want your career to go.

As technology continues to evolve, the ability to keep learning may be one of the most valuable skills of all.

This interview is part of the UNIMY Expert Interview Series, which brings real-world perspectives from experienced technology and industry professionals to students, aspiring professionals and anyone interested in building a future in technology.