Yamatji IT student Jared is redefining success in STEM
A decision to take a chance on university has transformed the future of CQUniversity student Jared Williams, taking him from a non-ATAR high school graduate working labour-intensive jobs to becoming a two-time finalist in the WA Premier's Science Awards.
The Yamatji man from Geraldton, now based in Perth, is completing a Bachelor of Information Technology and has earned recognition for both academic excellence and his advocacy for greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in STEM.
Named a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM Student Scientist of the Year category for the second consecutive year, Jared said the recognition was something he never expected.
“I have always had an interest in technology, problem-solving and creativity, but it took time for me to believe I could achieve a higher education in STEM,” he said.
Taking a Chance on University
After completing a vocational pathway in high school, Jared did not pursue an ATAR and initially saw university as an unrealistic option.
Instead, he spent several years working in civil labouring and warehouse roles before deciding he wanted a career with long-term growth and greater fulfilment.
A turning point came when his mother encouraged him to enrol in CQUniversity’s UniReady pathway program.
“She encouraged me to enrol in the UniReady bridging course, even when I was unsure whether university was the right path for me,” Jared said.
“Looking back, that push made a big difference because it helped me build confidence and showed me that I was more academically capable than I had believed in high school.”
Since commencing his studies, Jared has maintained a GPA of 6.667, achieved high distinctions throughout his degree and received four letters of commendation from CQUniversity’s School of Engineering and Technology.
CQUniversity Head of Course, Creative Media Jim Picton said Jared’s journey demonstrated that school results do not define future success.
“Jared’s journey is a good reminder that school results don’t tell the whole story,” Mr Picton said.
“He finished school without an ATAR and went on to achieve consistently high marks at university, picking up a number of university awards.
“Being recognised as a finalist in the WA Premier’s Science Awards in both 2025 and 2026 is a remarkable achievement.”
Looking back, Jared said he was most proud of overcoming his own self-doubt.
“Coming from a non-ATAR background, I was concerned whether I would be able to keep up at university,” he said.
“Over time, I started to prove to myself that I was capable of succeeding.”
Blending Technology and Creativity
While studying Information Technology, Jared also excelled in game design and development units, where he combined technical expertise with creativity.
“Students often feel more comfortable with either the technical or creative side of game development, but Jared showed a real aptitude for both,” Mr Picton said.
“In contemporary workplace terms, this makes him a ‘unicorn’, which holds a lot of utility for future employers.”
Mr Picton said Jared’s game War Within, which explored an ex-soldier’s experience adjusting to life with PTSD, was among the most impressive student projects he had encountered during his teaching career.
Beyond the classroom, Jared completed an Aurora Foundation internship with Indigenous-owned business Shine People Solutions, where he worked on refreshing the company’s website and improving the user experience.
He also developed confidence in presenting and communicating ideas.
“Earlier in my degree, I found presenting uncomfortable,” he said.
“Over time, having to present projects, discuss ideas with other students and explain my work in assessments helped me become more comfortable.”
Creating Space in STEM
Mr Picton said Jared had grown into a collaborative leader who continued pursuing creative projects with fellow students beyond their coursework.
“I believe Jared has a great deal to offer as a future STEM leader,” he said.
“Alongside his technical and creative abilities, he understands the importance of supporting the people around him.”
Jared hopes his journey can encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to consider careers in technology and STEM-related fields.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still under-represented in STEM, and I feel this is especially noticeable in areas like IT, cybersecurity and technology,” he said.
“This inspired me to show that there is space for us in this field and seeing that lack of representation pushed me to step up and hopefully encourage others to follow.”
As graduation approaches, Jared hopes to build a career in cybersecurity and continue expanding his skills across technology and digital media.
His advice to others considering university is simple.
“Give yourself a chance, even if university was not always the path you saw for yourself,” he said.
“For anyone with a similar background to me, I would say do not let your pathway make you feel behind. If you are interested in technology and willing to keep learning, there is a place for you in IT.”
Want to blend creativity and technology like Jared? Discover CQUniversity’s new Bachelor of Creative Media, starting Term 1, 2027.
