From Curiosity to Career: The many pathways into quantum

Most students can picture a career in medicine, law or finance. Far fewer can picture themselves working in quantum. 

With only 27% of Australians reporting they have heard of quantum technologies, the challenge of helping people understand what quantum is, why it matters and where they might fit within the field is becoming increasingly important as Australia's quantum sector grows. 

That was the focus of Sydney Quantum Academy's Quantum Future Talent: From Curiosity to Career event, which brought together more than 500 students, teachers, careers advisers and community members during National Science Week. 

Changing quantum’s reputation 

Leading quantum researcher Scientia Professor Andrea Morello (UNSW Sydney) challenged the perception of quantum as a mysterious and inaccessible field, explaining that researchers today are not simply studying quantum phenomena but building and engineering technologies that harness them.  

Drawing on examples from his research team at UNSW Sydney, he showed how scientists can now observe and manipulate the quantum state of a single atom – something that would have seemed unimaginable to earlier generations of physicists.  

He highlighted the potential for quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs in areas such as materials discovery, chemistry and climate solutions, while encouraging students to see themselves as part of the industry's future. As quantum technologies move from the laboratory into the real world, he said the sector will need engineers, software developers, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers alongside scientists and researchers. 

Exploring quantum’s potential applications

Michaela Ripper, Exhibition Developer at Questacon and lead developer of the Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures exhibition, encouraged attendees to think beyond the science and imagine how quantum technologies could shape everyday life. From helping diagnose sports injuries and uncovering archaeological sites without excavation, to developing new climate solutions, she highlighted the many ways quantum could change the world around us. Drawing comparisons with modern computing, Ripper noted that most people use computers every day without understanding the underlying hardware, suggesting quantum technologies are likely to follow a similar path. 

Career spotlights into quantum  

The day's spotlight speakers reinforced another key theme: there is no single pathway into quantum. 

Current UNSW Sydney Quantum Engineering student Rebecca Lamont reflected on how a fascination with understanding how the world works led her into quantum engineering. She encouraged students to stay curious, embrace opportunities to learn and not be intimidated by the complexity of the field, emphasising that passion, persistence and a willingness to ask questions matter more than being the "best" student in the room. 

Cayla Dengate, Communications Director at Emergence Quantum, demonstrated that careers in quantum extend well beyond science and engineering. Beginning her career in journalism, she shared how a passion for storytelling ultimately led her into the quantum sector, where she now helps translate complex technologies for broader audiences. Her experience showed students that quantum needs people who can explain the technology just as much as people who build it. 

Former SQA scholar and Diraq engineer Dr Will Gilbert’s path was less conventional still. After stepping away from engineering to pursue music professionally, he returned to university with a clearer sense of purpose. A turning point came during a research project when he encountered an engineering challenge that had no existing solution. Solving that problem sparked a passion for innovation and discovery that ultimately led him into the quantum sector.

In their own words: Attendee’s share their views  

The event’s impact was reflected in attendee feedback. One student commented that they "didn't know there was this much to quantum" before the event and now had “a much better understanding of the field and would love to pursue a career in it.”  

Another highlighted the value of hearing from people with different backgrounds, noting it was inspiring to see the variety of pathways into the sector. Teachers also praised the event for showcasing multiple pathways and opportunities available to students. 

Bringing quantum to life 

Across the exhibition floor, abstract concepts became tangible. Students explored demonstrations that connected quantum principles to everyday technologies, from the security features embedded in Australian banknotes to exhibits demonstrating how particles can be controlled and manipulated. They also had the opportunity to speak directly with researchers, university representatives, startups and industry professionals working at the forefront of the field.  

For many attendees, it was a chance to see quantum not as a distant scientific concept, but as a growing industry filled with real people, real technologies and real opportunities. 

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the event was that there is no single pathway into quantum, and no single type of person who belongs in this rapidly growing industry. 

The future workforce will need scientists, engineers and programmers, but also communicators, creatives, entrepreneurs and people willing to tackle currently unsolvable problems. Careers may begin in physics, engineering, computer science, journalism or somewhere entirely unexpected. 

As Prof Morello reminded the audience, Australia's quantum future will depend not only on technological breakthroughs, but on the people who choose to help create them: "We need you." 

Quantum Future Talent: From Curiosity to Career was proudly supported by the Australian Government through a National Science Week grant.