Go1 Welcomes First Class Excursion | Mabel Park State High School

Tech Unicorn: A term used in the venture capital industry to describe a tech start-up company with a value of over $US1 billion.

‘Go1 achieves double unicorn status after US$100m raise’ (Business News Australia, 7 June 2022)

On Thursday 11 August 2022, 16 Senior students from Mabel Park State High School’s Years 11 and 12 Cert III IDMT class (plus the daughter of a Go1 programmer) were entertained and inspired by the amazing employees of Underwood-based Go1.

With offices in location across the world, including The United States, South Africa, Vietnam, The United Kingdom and Malaysia, Go1 has achieved excellent growth and funding whilst maintaining a head office in Underwood not far from where Go1 was founded by high school students Chris Eigeland, Chris Hood, Vu Tran and Andrew Barnes. Go1 operates an education marketplace, kind of like to Netflix but for learning courses, and increased its user base 300 per cent in FY21.

The students, led by Digital Technology teacher Michael Orme and Transitions Coordinator Tracey Crossman, were hosted by Go1 as part of a Queensland State Government-funded initiative, managed by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Project Manager for the ICT GISP, Matthew Jorgensen from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) said that for both groups, it was an amazing experience. ‘The ICT GISP works closely with our school contacts to connect them with the Queensland-based companies that understand the need to engage with students in secondary school, so that they stay on the Digital Technologies study pathway into a rewarding career in the broader tech industry. Our host and the employee presenters took time out of their work day plan, prepare and present to the students and teachers. I think both groups were part of an experience that has been invaluable for their personal and profession growth.’

For Sandra Kelly, Go1’s Senior Manager, People Partnering, outreach into schools fits perfectly under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility commitment. ‘At Go1, our mission is to unlock positive potential in people through a love of learning. Our founding team are all heavily committed to social change and we currently support a number of NFP organizations and charities. Our employee presenters saw this event as a great opportunity to inspire local students and highlight the positives of working in a tech company. By partnering with the ICT GISP, we can more easily affect development in schools and promote a career in the tech industry and maybe even at Go1!’

Tracey Crossman asked as many questions as the students during the engaging presentations. The experience of being immersed in a tech work place, and hearing about career journeys from professionals, has taken her understanding of this industry to a new level. ‘I know how much time it takes to prepare for these types of events and we appreciate that Go1 took the time to inspire our students.  It was fantastic to see how engaged they were and the questions that they asked. Vivian, Cassidy, Isabel and Luke’s stories connected with our students – I really liked how they all sent some key messages around “learning for life”, “believing in yourself” and “you don’t have to know everything” to have a career in IT.

It is definitely events like this that can be the catalyst for students choosing a career pathway, so maybe you will see some of our students in the IT industry very soon.’

The natural presenters who delivered their own unique messages included:

• Cassidy Maier, Associate Product Manager
• Isabelle Cheung, Graduate Software Developer
• Luke Brooker, Head of Design
• Vivian Nguyen, Software Developer

Mabel Park State High School student Jadyn enjoyed the visit and the insights into a tech company work space and the pathways to a career in tech. ‘Today’s excursion was great for me.  Just seeing how GO1 isn't like a typical hacker dungeon from the movies and how the presenters followed their own pathways made me want to focus more on IT.  Being told by professionals that you don't need to know "everything" and you learn on the job was a good message to hear.' 

Year 11 Cert III IDMT student Mussa agreed. 'The excursion was amazing, it helped me decide and confirm what career I wanted to pursue. If there are any job vacancies at Go1 please let me know!”

The questions from the students during the presentations and in conversation over morning tea showed that they were thinking beyond high school and what their role in the digital workforce could entail.

The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, funds this ICT Gateway to Industry Schools initiative.