What motivated you to study Software Engineering?
From a young age, my passion has revolved around healthcare and technology. It was during Year 11 in high school that I realized I could blend these interests into a fulfilling career, leading me to the field of software engineering. The prospect of creating life-saving medical software fuels my enthusiasm and has been a driving force in my academic journey.
Why did you choose to study at UC?
I am from Canterbury so it was the closest option but I also completed STAR courses at high school, so I was able to integrate nicely into first year engineering. I have also continued to believe that UC offers a fantastic range of engineering programs!
Would you recommend STAR courses to other students?
I completed two STAR courses while I was in high school and I would definitely recommend them! It was a high workload on top of NCEA but if you are driven and excited about what you are studying, then I would certainly encourage it.
What do you enjoy about your Software Engineering degree?
I find immense joy in the dynamic and stimulating world of software engineering. Its versatility knows no bounds, as we are exposed to countless applications during our studies. Witnessing how the technical skills we acquire are put to use in real-world industries is truly gratifying. The complexity of the degree and the ample opportunities for problem-solving further fuel my passion for this field.
Throughout the degree, we delve into a wide range of exciting areas such as artificial intelligence, networking, security, graphics, embedded systems, and design. Personally, I am currently in my final year of study, and I find artificial intelligence concepts particularly captivating.
In addition to my studies, I am actively engaged as a scrum master, guiding and supporting third-year software engineering students as they embark on their most significant group project at university.
What do you enjoy about studying at UC?
The social atmosphere here is simply fantastic, with an array of clubs tailored to diverse interests. And guess what? If you can't find one that suits you, you have the freedom to create your own! The support system is exceptional too, from student advisors to financial advisors, all readily available at no cost.
Moreover, the advantages extend to discounted healthcare and dental services, along with access to free counseling. In terms of the engineering degree, it offers abundant opportunities to grow both as an engineer and a leader. With numerous tutoring positions available throughout your studies, each experience contributes to enhancing your character, abilities, and employability.
Have you been awarded any scholarships?
I received a $5000 Tait Scholarship in my third year which was a great opportunity to improve my communication and professional skills!
What internships, exchanges, or other practical experiences have you found at UC?
I've successfully completed my two required work placements, -one at Tait Communications and the other at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare. .I improved my communication skills and ability to translate customer needs into technical specifics, ultimately resulting in the creation of tangible products.
Uncovering my preferred management style was a rewarding aspect, and I appreciated the occasions when I gained leadership roles in various projects. Furthermore, my initial internship evolved into a part-time position that extended throughout the year, and my second internship transitioned into my role as a graduate.
I forged lasting friendships and embraced the excitement of relocating to a new city for a summer. I wholeheartedly recommend fellow students to engage in internships or work placements. Beyond the technical readiness they provide for post-university life, these experiences profoundly enhanced my soft skills and boosted my self-assurance.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying in your degree area?
If you have a passion for problem-solving and a fascination with technology, software engineering is the perfect degree for you! What excites me the most about this field is its incredible versatility. Regardless of your hobbies or interests, you can integrate software into any area imaginable. Whether it's music, sports, healthcare, agriculture, or even justice, there's an application of software engineering waiting to be explored.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying in your degree area?
If you have a passion for problem-solving and a fascination with technology, software engineering is the perfect degree for you! What excites me the most about this field is its incredible versatility. Regardless of your hobbies or interests, you can integrate software into any area imaginable. Whether it's music, sports, healthcare, agriculture, or even justice, there's an application of software engineering waiting to be explored.
