Introduction

As an IT Systems Manager working in Australia, one of the questions I often hear from aspiring tech professionals is: “What skills are Australian employers actually looking for?”

The Australian technology industry is evolving rapidly. Cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important, while practical problem-solving and communication skills remain essential in day-to-day IT operations.

Based on my experience managing real-world IT infrastructure—from VPN optimization and cloud backups to AI security policies—here are five IT skills I believe are particularly valuable for IT professionals working in Australia, along with some practical examples from my own experience.

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1. Cloud Infrastructure, SaaS Backup & Identity

Cloud technology has become an important part of modern IT environments, and many businesses rely heavily on platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure.

However, cloud adoption involves much more than simply moving services to the cloud. IT professionals also need to understand identity management, security, and data protection.

Identity Management

Experience with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is increasingly important for managing user access and protecting cloud-based services.

Understanding how users, groups, devices, applications, and authentication policies work together can make a significant difference when managing a Microsoft-based environment.

SaaS Data Protection

One thing I have learned from managing Microsoft 365 is that using a cloud service does not automatically mean that all of your data is fully protected against every type of data loss.

For example, organisations may need dedicated backup solutions for services such as Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

In my own environment, I have worked with Veeam Data Cloud to manage regular Microsoft 365 backups and consider how that data could be restored in the event of accidental deletion, data loss, or other incidents.

For IT professionals, understanding both cloud administration and data protection can be a valuable combination.

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2. Practical Cybersecurity & AI Data Governance

Cybersecurity is no longer something that belongs only to the security team. In many organisations, IT teams are directly involved in protecting users, devices, data, and cloud services.

But modern cybersecurity isn’t only about firewalls and antivirus software. A large part of the challenge involves people, processes, and the new risks created by AI tools.

Phishing Simulations

One practical example is simulated phishing.

Rather than simply telling employees not to click suspicious links, IT teams can use controlled phishing simulations to help employees recognise suspicious emails and understand the risks involved.

The goal isn’t to punish employees for making mistakes. It is to build better security awareness across the organisation.

AI Policy & Shadow IT

AI has introduced another area that IT teams need to think about.

Employees may use tools such as Microsoft Copilot or external AI services to help with spreadsheets, documents, emails, research, and other tasks.

These tools can be extremely useful, but they can also create risks if employees accidentally share confidential company information with external services.

This is where AI governance, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and appropriate usage policies become important.

IT professionals who understand how to balance productivity with security will be increasingly valuable as organisations adopt AI more widely.

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3. Modern Network Infrastructure & VPN Optimization

Although cloud services are becoming more common, networking remains a fundamental part of IT.

For organisations with remote and hybrid workers, reliable network connectivity can have a direct impact on productivity.

I’ve found that sometimes a problem that initially looks like a “user issue” is actually a network performance problem.

Firewall & VPN Management

IT professionals may be responsible for managing both physical and virtual network appliances, including firewalls and VPN solutions.

For example, I’ve worked with WatchGuard FireboxV and remote-access VPN configurations.

One challenge I have encountered is improving the performance of remote access to internal resources such as file servers.

In one situation, we looked at IKEv2 as an alternative to traditional SSL VPN and tested the change with a pilot group before considering a wider rollout.

Performance Testing Matters

One of the lessons I have learned from this type of project is that you shouldn’t always assume that a new technology will automatically solve the problem.

Testing with a small group of users, comparing performance, gathering feedback, and then making a decision based on the results can be much more effective.

This type of practical troubleshooting and performance analysis is an important part of working in IT.

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4. IT Operations, Service Desk & Software Lifecycle

Technical infrastructure is only one part of an IT professional’s job.

Someone also needs to manage the day-to-day operational side of IT: support requests, software, devices, documentation, licensing, and recurring issues.

This becomes particularly important in smaller IT teams where one person may be responsible for many different areas.

Ticketing & Knowledge Management

I’ve been working with NinjaOne to improve IT service management and support workflows.

For example, incoming emails can be converted into support tickets, assigned to the appropriate person, tracked through the resolution process, and eventually closed.

Over time, resolved tickets and troubleshooting information can also become a useful knowledge base for the IT team.

The goal isn’t simply to close tickets as quickly as possible.

A good IT operation should also look for recurring problems and opportunities to improve the underlying system.

Software Procurement & Support

IT teams are also often responsible for managing third-party software.

This can include:

• Software licensing
• Vendor communication
• Software deployment
• Updates and upgrades
• Troubleshooting
• Supporting specialist applications

In some cases, an application may be managed by a specialist user within the business while IT maintains the overall technical and security oversight.

Understanding this balance between business requirements and IT governance is an important operational skill.

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5. Communication & Business Acumen

Technical skills are important, but they are only part of working successfully in IT.

IT professionals work with executives, managers, employees, vendors, and sometimes customers. Being able to explain technical issues in a way that makes sense to non-technical people is extremely valuable.

Bridging Technology and Business

For example, an IT Systems Manager may need to explain to management why an AI security policy is necessary.

At the same time, they may need to explain a phishing incident to an employee who accidentally clicked a suspicious link.

These conversations require more than technical knowledge.

They require:

• Clear communication
• Patience
• Empathy
• Business awareness
• The ability to explain risks and benefits
• The ability to listen to users

I’ve found that some of the most important IT decisions aren’t purely technical decisions.

They involve finding a practical solution that works for both the technology and the people using it.

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Final Thoughts

From my experience working in IT in Australia, practical, hands-on experience can be extremely valuable when building an IT career.

Understanding technologies such as Microsoft Entra ID, cloud backup, cybersecurity, VPNs, IT operations, and AI governance is useful, but knowing how to apply those technologies to solve real business problems is just as important.

If you’re currently working in IT or thinking about starting an IT career in Australia, don’t focus only on collecting certifications.

Try to understand why a technology is being used, what problem it is solving, and how it affects the people and business around you.

Technology will continue to change, but the ability to solve problems, communicate clearly, and adapt to new technologies will remain valuable skills for IT professionals.