Meet Aziz Syed

As a Rabobank systems administrator for Cloud and Platform, Aziz Syed likens his role to ‘spinning plates’.

“You just never know what’s around the corner, and between maintaining our servers and software security we really need to be one step ahead the whole time, so when problems do occur they don’t escalate.”

Aziz and his team are responsible for the servers that underpin the computer applications across the whole bank, a critical role that impacts each and every department.

Born in Bangladesh, Aziz lived in the US and New Zealand before eventually following his sister to Australia in 2004.

“I love the peace and quiet of Australia, in Bangladesh it’s so busy with people and traffic – there is no down time,” he said. “Australia is like a peaceful island in comparison!”

Aziz began his career as a computer salesman, a side job while he completed a Management Systems and Information and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

“Eventually rather than selling computers I started fixing them, and that’s where I decided to stay. There’s so much opportunity in this sector – it’s dynamic, ground breaking and a really exciting industry to work in.”

Upon moving to Australia, Aziz completed a number of IT courses, and is now a Microsoft Certified System Engineer – recognition he believes even more meaningful than his university degree.

“For any young ones looking to get into IT or progress their path, in this industry, hands on experience is key.”

An IT specialists at NewsCorp for over nine years, a role at Rabobank eventually caught his attention.

“A friend of mine suggested I check it out – I’m certainly no farmer but I have a keen interest in growing my own backyard chillies and herbs. You could call me a low maintenance farmer!”

A keen cook, Aziz laughs recalling when, at the age of 17 upon complaining to his mother about a meal, she promptly told him he would cook for himself going forward.

Since taking on his role at Rabobank, over four years ago, Aziz has a far greater appreciation for where his food comes from.

“Agriculture is an industry I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about before Rabobank, and this job is so much more than just an IT job, it’s really opened my eyes to a whole new world.”

“I’ve been surprised by agriculture’s sophistication and complexity, and the technological precision our farmers use to ensure maximum production, I have a whole new appreciation for the amount of work it takes to get food on our plate.”

Rabobank’s tight security and systems also ensure the IT department has all the tools necessary to run a smooth operation.

“We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk – our team is so invested in maintaining only the very best systems, and our local IT team works closely with global IT – these are the benefits of working for an organisation that is genuinely global.”

And you could call Aziz himself ‘genuinely global’.

While he returns to Bangladesh every few years, with such a large extended family scattered across the globe, family catch ups are generally via a destination holiday.

“Every year – covid aside – we all meet somewhere in the world – it’s wonderful, and makes for lots of travel.

“I feel really lucky to have my sister close by here in Australia, enjoying this great lifestyle and in a job I enjoy, while still being about to travel and experience the world.”