Humans of Open Universities Australia: Meet Ram
Ram is our Product Manager for the Enrol and Start Team at Open Universities Australia. Find out how he combines his passion for tech with the discipline of yoga (he's a yoga teacher, too!) to bring out the best in digital so that students can enrol and start with ease.
1. Tell us your name and your role at Open Universities Australia?
“My name is Ram, and I'm the Product Manager for the Enrol and Start Team. We focus on delivering a seamless enrolment and study commencement experience for students, facilitating their journey towards achieving their goals.”“As a Product Manager, my responsibility revolves around conceptualising and leading the evolution of Open Universities Australia's enrolment and admission process on open.edu.au. By working collaboratively with various cross-functional teams, we strive to devise and implement solutions that not only streamline the enrolment process but also significantly improve the student experience.”
2. What was your role when you started and how has it changed?
“My journey with Open Universities Australia began in 2013 when I took on the role of Application Support Manager, overseeing different business systems. As I've seen the transformation in technology, business strategy, and ways of working, my role too has continuously evolved to keep pace with these dynamic changes.”“I've put on various hats during this journey, from being an IT Operations Manager and Service Delivery Manager to stepping into Product Management as a Platform Product Manager. Currently, I serve in a more business-centric role as a Product Manager.”
3. What led you to working at Open Universities Australia and why?
“Earlier in my career, I worked primarily in the financial services industry and for large corporations. I've consistently been attracted to sectors that fundamentally change people's lives. It's quite unique to find an opportunity to work in a purpose-driven, non-profit organisation, equally committed to technology and people, that strives to create real change. When this unique opportunity came my way, I grabbed it instantly, without any second thoughts.”4. What do you do every day to transform lives through education?
“I deeply resonate with Open Universities Australia's guiding principle – that education has the power to change lives, and the belief that quality education should be available to anyone, anywhere, at any time – regardless of previous experience.”“Our team is dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges students face when choosing their subjects. Through constant interaction, such as interviews and website feedback, along with data analysis, we work to improve the enrolment experience. Our efforts include introducing new features, optimising existing ones, and resolving issues. We aim to make subject selection easier for students and ensure smooth information exchange with universities.”
5. What is your favourite part of your role?
“Being able to grasp the big picture and prioritise ideas and experiments within the scope of the team. Also, the challenge and creativity involved in problem solving for the betterment of the student journey, coupled with the collaborative work with various cross-functional teams, brings a sense of collective achievement.”“But, perhaps the most satisfying element is knowing that the work done contributes to setting students on the path to success and enhancing their education journey can be deeply satisfying.”
6. What is your proudest moment or career highlight during your time at Open Universities Australia?
“There have been numerous moments of immense pride. Operating in a heavily regulated and variable environment [like education] requires us to be nimble and adaptive with our strategies. I admire how Open Universities Australia adeptly adjusts to these shifts, consistently delivering on its mission without wavering from its foundational principles.”“In 2018, we undertook a substantial overhaul of our systems… In this challenging situation, I had the opportunity to lead a team tasked with restoring the smooth functioning of our business operations. This team later evolved into one of the first product teams at Open Universities Australia.”
7. What would you say to students thinking about taking the leap into online study?
“Choosing online study through Open Universities Australia gives you more than just learning at your own speed. You also get to pick from many different universities, so you can find the one that fits you best.”“Plus, you can start with a single subject or choose a specific [path] to follow. With all these options, it's like tailoring your education to suit you perfectly.”
“So, don't be afraid to take the leap – it might be one of the best decisions you'll ever make for your personal and professional growth.”
8. What would you say to someone thinking about working for Open Universities Australia?
“Working at Open Universities Australia offers a unique opportunity to be at the intersection of education and technology. If you're passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives and believe in the power of education, Open Universities Australia is a place where you can truly make an impact.”“We're not just about online education, but about opening up opportunities, breaking down barriers, and making higher education accessible for everyone. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. If you're keen to be part of a mission-driven organisation that's committed to transforming lives through education, Open Universities Australia could be a great fit for you.”
9. What do you do when you’re not working behind the scenes at Open Universities Australia? How does this make you a better employee?
“I'm a certified classical hatha yoga teacher. I conduct yoga classes under the umbrella of the Isha Foundation, an international non-profit organisation founded by Sadhguru, a yogi, mystic and a visionary.”“In my leisure time, I enjoy spending quality time with my two-year-old daughter, catching up on Netflix shows with my wife, and enriching my knowledge through a variety of product-related podcasts.”
“As a practitioner of yoga and a yoga teacher, I've developed a strong sense of discipline and balance. Additionally, personal time spent with family and engaging with podcasts enhance my empathy, creativity, and trend-awareness, further enriching my overall approach to product management at Open Universities Australia.”
10. Finally, tell us a fun fact about you!
“I enjoy delving deep into a contemplation about life, consciousness, psychology, and human behaviour. It's not uncommon for me to lose track of time while exploring these intricate topics.”Browse thousands of courses from leading Australian universities.
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