Event Recap – Quantum Future Talent: Open Day & Careers Fair

July 24 2025

Business

On Tuesday 15 July, we hosted Quantum Future Talent: Open Day & Careers Fair at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The event attracted over 400 attendees — including high school students, teachers, parents, curriculum advisors, undergraduates, postgraduate students, and career changers — all eager to explore study and career pathways in quantum science and technology.

Attendees had the chance to network with a diverse range of employers, hear from inspiring speakers, and get hands-on with quantum demos, including a virtual reality experience that took viewers down to the atomic level. Exhibitors were present throughout the day and included leading universities, research organisations, government agencies, startups, and global tech companies driving the future of quantum.

The event was split into two sessions: Open Day in the morning, and a Careers Fair in the afternoon.

Making Quantum Concepts Click

In his keynote address, Lachlan Rogers warmed up the crowd with a creative demonstration that demystified key quantum concepts using sounds and everyday props. The engaging session proved that even the most complex ideas in quantum can be made tangible — and fun.

Shaping Your Future with Quantum

The opening panel, Shaping Your Future with Quantum, brought together panellists Lachlan Rogers, Cathy Foley, Manjula Sharma, and Alison Goldingay to explore where the quantum industry is heading — and what that means for future careers.

They highlighted the growing breadth of roles emerging in the quantum sector — from fabrication and engineering to sales, policy, education, and design. Their message to students was clear: lean into technically rich subjects like physics, maths, engineering, and computer science — not because AI will replace jobs, but because it will change them. They cautioned against “technological loss” thinking — the idea that new tools (like AI) can replace the need for technical knowledge. In reality, these advances make deep expertise even more essential for meaningful careers.

Just as important as technical knowledge? Adaptability, lifelong learning, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. You don’t need to know everything about quantum to contribute — just enough to keep asking good questions.

The session ended with a reminder that resilience matters. No one has it all figured out — and the Australian quantum community is a supportive place to learn, especially for women and early-career researchers.

What Does a Career in Quantum Really Look Like?

Before the afternoon panel, Michael Hush delivered a keynote address tracing his journey from PhD student to Chief Scientific Officer at Q-CTRL. He offered a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s mission to make quantum technology useful, outlining the exciting work underway and the kinds of roles available in this growing sector.

The afternoon panel, Building a Career in Quantum, featured Michael Hush, Alexei Gilchrist, Charlene Lobo, and Rebecca Radebold, and offered a candid, wide-ranging look at how people are forging their own paths in the field — from academic research to founding a quantum startup and landing industry roles.

Panellists stressed that thriving in quantum tech goes beyond technical know-how. Adaptability, resilience, and a broad skillset are just as vital. In academia, research needs to be paired with teaching and leadership skills. Internships and placements were highlighted as powerful opportunities for students to build experience and connections — but the panellists advised aligning them with your research to maximise impact. They also compared academic and industry life: academia offers intellectual freedom and space for curiosity, while industry roles provide immediate, applied impact and often faster-paced environments. For those drawn to entrepreneurship, starting a quantum business can be deeply rewarding — but it demands a steep learning curve and commitment beyond the usual 9 to 5.

No matter the path, one theme stood out: connections matter. Building networks — both within and beyond quantum — can open doors, uncover unexpected opportunities, and shape a fulfilling long-term career in this fast-moving sector.

🎥 Watch the highlights reel on our YouTube channel

Sydney Quantum Academy supports your journey not only by helping you build those connections, but also through scholarships, events, and a wealth of resources designed to empower and guide you every step of the way. Stay informed and connected—sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest news, opportunities, and events.