Stepping into the bustling Sydney headquarters of global tech giant Atlassian, a group of bright, ambitious students from Arthur Phillip High School got a firsthand look at what the future of work looks like. Hosted as part of the Creating Chances Digital Futures Program, the immersive visit was designed to strip away the guesswork from post-school options and give students direct access to real-world corporate environments.
Led by our Head Facilitator Will, the energy was high from the moment the group stepped through the doors. Will set an inclusive, engaging tone early on, bridging the gap between classroom learning and modern workplace expectations. Through structured group activities, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops, he guided students to reflect on their personal strengths, communication skills, and aspirations beyond high school.
For students from Parramatta’s Arthur Phillip High School, the visit was more than a day trip, it was an eye-opening experience. Atlassian, widely recognised for its collaborative culture and world-class software innovations, provided the ideal backdrop to illustrate how technical skills, creativity, and teamwork intersect in the modern workplace.
During their time at the office, students explored various roles within a global tech company, discovering that tech careers extend far beyond writing lines of code. From product management and user experience design to marketing and workplace strategy, the visit highlighted a wide range of entry points into the industry. Atlassian team members shared their personal career journeys, offering honest insights into their high school years, university pathways, non-traditional entry routes, and the value of adaptability.
A key focus of the Digital Futures Program is equipping young people with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction as they navigate their final years of school, with an introduction to what working in the digital landscape looks like. Under Will’s expert facilitation, the Arthur Phillip students were encouraged to ask bold questions: How do I stand out in an interview? What skills matter most to employers? How do I turn my passions into a career?
My students have worked hard all term to develop their skills to be ready for the workplace. Whether that is preparing their resume, prepping for an interview or just workplace behaviour and responsibilities. It was awesome to see their engagement during the excursion and how they took advantage of learning from the professionals in the room to hear about their options as they come to the end of their school journey. We definitely have students who are keen to start their tech careers after today!
The visit left a lasting impression on the Arthur Phillip High School students, empowering them to dream bigger, plan smarter, and step confidently toward their future pathways.
This project has been supported through a City of Parramatta Council Community Grant.
