GDG Hobart DevFest 2025: AI in Action and Career Insights

GDG Hobart hosted DevFest 2025: AI in Action and Career Insights on Wednesday 12 November 2025, from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM, at the Centenary Building on the University of Tasmania's Sandy Bay Campus. The event brought together more than 25 developers, students, and technology enthusiasts for an evening of technical learning, career discussions, and community engagement.

Oscar Wahltinez, a Senior Software Engineer at Google, travelled from Sydney to deliver a presentation on the practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. His session included real-world examples and an interactive AI game, providing attendees with an engaging introduction to how AI technologies can be applied in practice.

The event also featured UTAS alumni Amber Nguyen from Hydro Tasmania and Pul Khut from the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management. Both speakers shared their experiences transitioning from university into professional roles in the technology industry, offering insights into career development and how artificial intelligence is influencing career pathways.

An interactive question-and-answer session provided attendees with an opportunity to engage with the speakers, explore career-related questions, and gain perspectives on entering Tasmania's technology workforce.

Beyond the presentations, DevFest 2025 encouraged connections among students, graduates, and local technology professionals. The University of Tasmania supported the event by providing the venue, helping bring together members of Hobart's developer community.

For UTAS ICT students, the event offered opportunities to explore practical AI applications, learn from the career experiences of university graduates, and develop a broader understanding of employment pathways in the technology industry. It also highlighted the value of participating in local developer communities to build professional connections and stay informed about emerging technologies.