People of BNE: Shushan Jude, Solution Architect

This International Women's Day (IWD) we caught up with Shushan Jude, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Solution Architect (Applications & Data Technology) to learn more about her exciting career and what IWD means to her. 

As a former IBMer she worked in India, Singapore, and Malaysia, before she moved to the Middle East to head the development of applications for various corporations and government organizations in Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE. As a result, she joined a federal government organisation in Oman and whilst working for it, her expertise was frequently requested by other Federal government organisations in Oman to deliver their projects.

Having relocated to Brisbane, she worked with Logan City Council as the head of Smart City technologies, and she was the only female representative at the Southeast Queensland Mayors infrastructure and planning committee.  Later, she worked with Griffith University and Metro North-QH prior to joining BAC.

How long have you worked for as a Solution Architect? 

I have been working as a Solution Architect for well over 18 years now and I have had the privilege of working with teams in several countries from different backgrounds and cultures.

What appealed to you about working at Brisbane Airport? 

From my early days, I have always been inspired to accept challenging assignments which led me to work in various government agencies and several corporations in the private sector. So, when the opportunity arose to work for BAC, I was enamoured by the prospect of working in an environment that is driven by technology to constantly improve the functioning and performance of an airport whilst elevating customer experience.

What is a typical day like in your role? 

While most of the time no two days are identical, they are always dynamic and exciting as projects are in a state of flux. For example, on some days I would be engrossed in engaging with the stakeholders, vendors, subject matter experts, and the technical team to get a clear understanding of the business need, business value, performance, and support requirements. 

And on other days I could be involved in reviewing technical documentation that would translate the business requirements to a functional solution while designing and defining the architecture of a fit for purpose solution. 

What is the most important thing you’ve learned working at Brisbane Airport in the Technology industry?

Brisbane Airport is a large enterprise, inextricably linked by technology to myriad businesses that are working in tandem to optimize the smooth functioning of the airport. As a solutions architect, I get to observe these labyrinths of connections, and I’m astonished at the precision and meticulous execution of these associations that account for the sheer sophistication and seamless functioning of Brisbane Airport.

If you could sum up what you love about your role, what does it boil down to? 

Amongst a whole host of reasons, the one that stands out is the unique opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders to get both a bird’s eye view or a broad understanding of the processes or systems involved; while also gaining a robust understanding of the nuts and bolts, the nitty-gritties of it to carve out a solution that addresses their objectives, aspirations, and sometimes apprehensions.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Embrace Equality’, what does this mean to you working in the aviation and technology space?

"I believe an equal world makes a better world."

The matter of gender equality has been a topic of active discussion within the technology and the aviation space and it’s important that it gets well-publicised and amplified. In more recent times, given the expected growth in aviation, more opportunities have come up and efforts to encourage women to consider a career in these sectors have increased and I hope the policies and practices to foster and ensure gender equality move the needle in the right direction.

“Embrace Equality”- the theme for International Women’s Day this year serves as a clarion call to the powers-that-be and the employees in the technology and aviation space to embrace and encourage equality at work.
 

CREDITS

• Feature image by: Shushan Jude, Solution Architect at Brisbane Airport Corporation
• This post was created for International Women's Day and Women of Aviation Week and to encourage courageous conversations about equality and diversity at Brisbane Airport. 
• Read more about the People of BNE.