Through the UTS IDeA cadetship program, Kai has built career momentum from day one.
Kai Johnson came to university ready to make the most of every opportunity.
He was driven by his desire to build real experience early, gain exposure to industry, and explore where a future in tech could take him.
Choosing UTS was a deliberate step in that direction, particularly a Bachelor of Computing Science.
From the moment he started, he was already thinking about what being a computer science student could look like, especially being part of a cadetship program where learning and working go hand in hand.
The idea that you could start working in industry straight away was huge. Especially in tech, where experience matters so much.”
The entry-level tech experience
For Kai, learning wasn’t about having every step planned; it was about starting strong in an environment designed to accelerate learning and open doors. From his first placement, Kai was immersed in a professional environment where expectations were real — and so was the learning.
Working alongside experienced teams, he quickly developed the skills that matter most in the industry. Not just technical knowledge, but also how to operate in a workplace. “Early on, I realised it’s not just about what you know — it’s how you communicate, how you collaborate, and how you approach problems.”
Through hands-on experience, he built capabilities that go beyond the classroom:
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- Communicating effectively across teams
- Navigating workplace expectations
- Managing competing priorities
- Taking initiative and ownership of his work
Now I can’t separate uni from work. They complement each other.”
Kai Johnson
Discovering IT career pathways
One of the biggest challenges in tech is figuring out where you fit. Cybersecurity and networking, AI, analytics, the options are endless.
For Kai, the cadetship became a space to explore.
By working across different teams, he began to narrow his interests, eventually discovering a passion for data analytics. “It’s like detective work," he says."You’re taking data and turning it into real insights to solve a problem.”
From analysing trends to understanding behaviour, Kai found a field that connects technology with real-world impact, and even bridges into areas like business and finance.
Gaining confidence beyond the classroom
Before starting, the tech industry felt intimidating to Kai, but now he feels like he belongs there. He's built confidence by being part of teams, contributing to real outcomes, and learning how the industry actually works. Perhaps most importantly, his confidence comes from realising that careers aren’t linear.
“I’m learning that people are always figuring out their journey. You’re not locked into one path.”
More than a degree
For Kai, university life became more than just studying; it became a launchpad. Through the IDeA cadetship, he’s gained clarity, direction, and a stronger sense of who he is and what he wants to do. He advises future IT students not to wait until they have it all figured out to start studying.
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