lecturer

associate professor

administrative officer

technical officer

project officer

Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is an institution that holds a special place in my heart. As a software engineer, I had the privilege of both studying and working at CDU, and I can attest to its unique advantages for professionals in the field.

First and foremost, CDU's dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment is evident in its commitment to students and employees alike. The university boasts a vibrant and diverse community, which creates a dynamic and enriching atmosphere. This diversity is especially valuable in the world of software engineering, as it exposes individuals to different perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation.

The university's curriculum is well-structured and adapted to the rapidly evolving field of software engineering. CDU understands the importance of keeping up with industry trends and equips its students and employees with the latest tools and technologies. This was invaluable to me as a software engineer, as I always felt well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that came my way.

Another standout feature of CDU is its emphasis on practical experience. As a software engineer, I was able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios through internships and cooperative education opportunities. This hands-on experience was a significant asset in building my skills and confidence.

CDU's faculty and staff are dedicated to the success of their students and employees. The professors are experts in their respective fields and are approachable and willing to provide guidance and support. As a software engineer, I found that the faculty's expertise and accessibility were invaluable in expanding my knowledge and tackling complex problems.

Furthermore, CDU offers numerous resources to assist students and employees in their career development. From career counseling and job placement services to networking events and industry partnerships, CDU is committed to helping software engineers succeed in their chosen field.

In addition to its academic and professional advantages, CDU is located in a picturesque setting, with a campus that combines modern facilities and the natural beauty of Australia's Northern Territory. The tranquil environment provided an ideal backdrop for focused study and personal growth.

If I were to offer one suggestion for improvement, it would be an even stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. While CDU does foster diversity, it could further encourage the integration of ideas from various fields, enhancing innovation and the problem-solving abilities of software engineers.

In conclusion, Charles Darwin University is a fantastic place for software engineers to study and work. Its supportive community, industry-aligned curriculum, and practical experience opportunities have helped shape my career in remarkable ways. I am grateful for the time I spent at CDU and highly recommend it to anyone looking to excel in the field of software engineering.

I worked remotely with CDU with a certain autonomy for 4 years until I became town based where I delivered literacy and numeracy support to VET students. I have learned that Indigenous disadvantage goes beyond that reported in the media. For example, Indigenous culture must be supported and highlighted to other significant Australians...continuing cultural beliefs and practices for Indigenous people are paramount in their struggle for recognition and reconciliation.
I have also experienced the lack of pathways for mainstream school students who do not aspire to academia. Trite respect is given the two-third of students who are incapable of academic pathways nor choose them. Literacy and Numeracy skills for VET areas (especially Trades) are well below acceptable levels; too many teachers know little of the workforce/place beyond their own limited/restricted work experiences in part time work as they navigated school, university and school again as teachers and then suggest that if academia is inappropriate then perhaps 'fall back to a Trade'.

A typical day at CDU consisted of dealing with historic complaints from students and stakeholders. The induction was slapdash and management made a lot of excuses about the lack of quality in education at CDU.  The teaching and learning materials are poor. My managers have been there for at least a decade, one has been employed at CDU for nearly three decades. Inertia. Organisational culture is a problem but may improve with the new VC appointed in 2021. I was in the VET sector (holding a MEd) and as far as I am concerned, VET at CDU hasn't improved since I worked as a contractor at CDU VET in 2005/06 - prior to ASQA. In 2021, I did not witness compliance with the Standards of RTOs (2015). I sighted evidence of non-compliance from 2017. Two staff that were employed from elsewhere prior to 2021 told me they were told "don't rock the boat" and they would be okay at CDU.  According to research, equity cohorts have not been served in the NT despite oodles of NT/Federal funding going to CDU.

For the past months, my relationship with the different heads of school and staff members have been one of the two important parts of the job for me - work relations. It has enabled me to function well with different personalities and backgrounds which has both been fun and educational at the same time. 

The second most important one is that I am able to provide relevant service to my area.  I have been able to practice what I know and really provide quality service which any employer would expect.  

The fun and most enjoyable part of it is that - I am having the best time that I possibly can, doing the job that I know I am good at and being able to work around and with people who bring out the best in me - which makes anything not seem like work.

I was traveling Australia and came across a volunteer position to work in the outback to trap animals and collect data before release for an animal conservation project ran by a PhD student at Charles Darwin university. 

I was taught hot to set up use and empty Pit traps, Elliott traps and funnel traps. I was also given snake handling training  and animal euthanasia training. 

It was grueling work in a very remote location but i learned an awful lot and became a valued member of the team.  It was an amazing experience and i discovered a passion for working with Animals.

Although I worked independently in the field I was a contributing member of a great team.

I was able to use my initiative and design material to suite various levels of clientèle.

I had excellent managerial support.

Typically I travelled to remote communities to deliver training.

The hardest part of the job was long travel from Alice Springs to the Communities

The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing students improve their skills and broaden knowledge of their area of work.

Excellent salary and benefits, rent-free accommodation available on campus, regular opportunities for staff development and acquisition of additional job skills and qualifications.Generally poor to occasionally toxic job culture between staff and management, however generally good to excellent relations and cooperation amongst staff, varied and interesting job tasks and plentiful opportunities for travel across the Top End as part of work duties.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good induction
Adequate leave
Good working environment

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Covid isolation affected mental health significantly

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
supportive challenging stimulating 


What is a typical day like for you at the company?
8 to 5 with a  1 hour lunch break
lectures and practicals for 2-4 hours / day on 3 days, 2 days to prepare

What is the best part of working at the company?
The best thing about Charles Darwin University is the people.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No stress involved. The Uni is very supportive.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Nice environment and the culture is one of teamwork and assistance.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Helping a lot of mostly grateful  academics and students.

Collaborative and supportive and providers of good positive and helpful feedback on staff performance. Good resouces and training materials and encouragement of professional learning opportunities. For example I was funded to upgrade my TAE Certificate IV although I was on a fixed contract. This was greatly appreciated and and is a major reason for my very high ratings of this organisation.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Lecturer 2 salaries reported	$127,044 per year
Associate professor 1 salary reported	$169,740 per year
Administrative officer 8 salaries reported	$77,834 per year
Technical officer 10 salaries reported	$73,620 per year
Project officer 6 salaries reported	$92,449 per year

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