La Trobe University alumnus, Arnie Bhattacharya, will share insights from his career in tech at the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Science’s Engineering and IT Showcase on Wednesday 18 November 2026.
Arnie, who graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours), has built a career in technology, data analytics and AI, most recently serving as Chief Product Officer at Nuix. He is now co-founding two startups – one focused on creating a product to assess viability of companies for potential investment, acquisition and mergers; and the other, an AI native consultancy.
Reflecting on his career, Arnie says three qualities have been particularly valuable: curiosity, growth mindset and grit.
“University gives you more than knowledge for your area of specialisation. It develops the foundations to keep learning, question assumptions and adapt as technology and your career evolve.”
He also emphasises the importance of embracing change, remaining open to new ideas and persevering through challenges. Arnie says these qualities are particularly important as AI transforms all industries and changes the skills required of future professionals.
“AI needs to be implemented with conviction and purpose, and we should proceed with cautious optimism,” he says. “AI creates opportunities to build, experiment and solve problems. The challenge is knowing when to use it, how to test its outputs and where human judgement must remain central.”
“That’s why human thought and agency are so important in guiding further research and development, with ethical boundaries and guidelines that respect the evolving nature of privacy and governance, and help maintain trust across the public, private and government sectors.”
Arnie’s advice for current students and graduates hoping to turn technical expertise into a successful career is to identify a genuine problem, listen to customers and understand how to commercialise an idea.
“It is also important that the next generation of professionals recognise the way we consume information is changing, along with how we are influenced by it and opinions we form,” he says.
“Human agency will also be important in guiding the responsible use of AI. Together, these factors will help reshape the industry and provide a blueprint for how humans and AI can coexist.”
Hear more from Arnie about building a career, solving real problems and exercising judgement with AI at the Engineering and IT Showcase on Wednesday 18 November 2026, 5:30-8:30pm AEST at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus.
