When Paul walked into the WISE Employment office in Dandenong in the middle of 2024, he had a job ad in hand and a goal in mind. He’d spotted a role on Seek with Compnow—an IT company he admired—and told the WISE team, “This is the job I’d love.”
It wasn’t just a hopeful moment. It was the next step in a long journey that began when Paul was three years old.
Growing up in Melbourne, Paul was diagnosed with a developmental delay that made speech and communication difficult. He was quiet, shy, and found it hard to express himself. But he never let that stop him.
“I never allowed my challenges to stop me from looking ahead,” Paul says. “I was always surrounded by supportive teachers, great family and friends.”
Paul’s passion for technology led him to study cyber security. He completed a Certificate IV and then went on to finish an Advanced Diploma. He loved learning and he loved computers, but turning that into paid work was harder than expected. Job interviews were tough. Finding the right role felt just out of reach.
That’s where Souzan Asfour, Head of Employer Engagement at WISE Employment, came in.
“What inspired me to support Paul was his passion and his determination to work within the IT industry,” Souzan says. “When I first met him, he was noticeably nervous and shy. Although he possessed the necessary skill set, it was clear that he struggled with self-doubt. This came across in conversations, particularly during job interviews, where he had difficulty articulating his thoughts in a way that clearly demonstrated his ability.”
Souzan worked closely with Paul, building a strong rapport that helped him believe in himself and boost his confidence. She focused on highlighting Paul’s strengths and uplifting his spirits.
To better prepare him, Souzan conducted practice interviews and involved Paul’s family every step of the way, ensuring he felt supported throughout the process.
His first interview with Compnow, a national IT company with more than 500 employees across Australia, didn’t go to plan. The role was customer-facing and while Paul had the right skills, he wasn’t ready for that type of work.
“After Paul’s interview, he was quite disheartened and felt extremely disappointed that he didn’t get the job the first time around,” Souzan says.
But no one gave up. Souzan stayed connected with the Compnow team, Paul kept practicing and his parents were always there to offer support.
“You don’t always get it right the first time,” says Travis Ernsdoerfer, Talent Acquisition Lead at Compnow. “With Paul, the first role wasn’t quite the right fit. But we worked together with WISE and his family to adjust the role and now he’s settled in really well.”
In December 2024, Paul started in a newly scoped position as a Deployment Technician. His focus is on supporting Australia Post by managing incoming and outgoing devices—completing orders for brand new and refurbished tech, scanning and recording returned assets, and preparing them for refurbishment or retirement. He also communicates directly with the Australia Post team to keep everything running smoothly.
“What I love most is the people I work with. Everyone’s supportive, the culture is really positive, and I enjoy helping out where I can,” Paul says. “I also get to work with some really cool technology, and the instructions are clear so I always know what needs to be done. I like the challenge too—it keeps me sharp.”
Paul enjoys the hands-on side of the job and the rhythm of the work. The space suits his focus, and over time, he’s built confidence in how he operates.
Travis Kubiak, known as TJ, is Paul’s team leader.
“Paul was great at asking questions and going, ‘Oh hey, I don’t quite get this process yet. Do you mind taking me through it again?’” TJ says. “He really showed initiative and took all our feedback on board.”
TJ, who shares Paul’s love for tech and gaming, says it’s been rewarding to watch Paul grow in confidence and independence.
“I know how much Paul loves his tech, and I’m the same,” TJ says. “It’s been great seeing him get hands-on with the equipment and build his skills. He’s very much part of the team.”
James Edge, Marketing Manager at Compnow, says the way Paul has settled into the business speaks volumes about what’s possible when people are seen for their potential.
“Diversity and inclusion is very important to us,” James says. “We know that not everyone can fulfil every role, but we always look to see their skills and what different types of roles we can utilise. Paul’s journey has been exceptional and we’re proud to have him as part of the Compnow family.”
Now six months into the role, Paul says he’s feeling good about how far he’s come and what’s ahead.
“Never give up. If you need help, ask for help. There’s people willing to help you out and support you,” he says.
Paul found the job, asked for help, and put in the work. With the right support around him, he’s found a place where he belongs.
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Watch Paul and Compnow’s story below.