Student & Alumni Stories
Jonatan Tarapacz
Bachelor of Networking
I landed a job after 2 months of graduating and found that the course content was right on the mark to what I needed for my role. The industry-based project enabled me to distil all the knowledge and theory learned in lectures and labs and put it into action and practical use. Even job interviews were in relation to my studies and usually had at least 3 technical questions related to my studies and the industry based project I worked on during my degree. What I loved about my studies was that it was very interesting and fun to learn. For example, the Advanced Networking unit challenged me as I physically worked on hardware such as routers and switches, while the VPN unit allowed me to interact with the network simulation software, allowing me to build my networks to enterprise scales. This really helped me understand how everything connects together on a global scale. It has been due to my degree from MIT that I’ve learnt to take education seriously and realised the value of lifelong learning. I’ve also improved my time management skills and learned to work in diverse group environments and learn from other points of view.
Shirshak Nepal
Master of Engineering (Telecommunications)
Studying at MIT has been invaluable in kick-starting my career in the Telecommunication industry. Through the compulsory internship program, I landed a part-time job in the networking field even though I was still halfway through my degree. After graduating, I was employed with a company named XLATE for three years followed by my recent move to Telstra where I look after Managed Services and Projects for our CISCO clients. What stands out for me is that most of the subjects I studied in my postgrad degree has been essential in all the three roles I’ve undertaken. It’s fair to say the degree has provided me with the practical knowledge and vital skills I’ve needed on the job. As a student at MIT, I also learnt to cultivate a positive can-do attitude and got to study with like-minded peers who motivated me to push my limits. That has certainly paid off for me as I continue to test my limits in my new role – juggling different projects, learning new technologies and enhancing my knowledge for bigger and better things.
Ramanbir Kaur
Master of Networking
I initially chose MIT because of the fast track option and the scholarship offered to academically outstanding students. However, I got much more than that from MIT. For starters, I got the opportunity to work as an IT Help Desk Assistant as part of MIT’s work experience program. This experience proved crucial when I later applied for IBM’s Graduate Program – helping me ace a rigorous recruitment process. As a Graduate IT Consultant at IBM, I immediately started using the technical skills I learnt in my degree, specifically those related to working as a System Analyst and assisting the Enterprise Architect – a testament to the practicality of the degree. I owe much of my success to MIT and continue to give back to the school – as a longstanding Alumni member in the MIT Academic Board, and now as an IT Industry Representative.
Patrik Kemeny
Master of Networking
I’ve always wanted to work in the IT industry, and MIT has helped me to achieve this dream. I cannot emphasise enough how important it was for me to be part of the very interesting, multi-IT domain industry-based project which helped to kick-start my career. As a fresh graduate from another institution, the biggest drawback of my CV was a lack of industry experience. Industry-based projects in the degree compensated for this weakness. In all the interviews I attended, the employers showed great interest in my industry based project. The course content of my degree has turned out to be my best friend in my daily work. I am using everything I learned at MIT on a daily basis - from network topologies and network security, to project management. MIT also has exceptional staff, all of whom have been very supportive during my studies and even helped me land my first internship while studying there.
Ali Jaweed
Master of Professional Accounting
I got my first job offer within months of graduating from MIT. Since then, I have worked in various multinational firms in Melbourne, London and now Hungary. Much of my success has been due to the Professors at MIT. The guidance they provided me as a student gave me the confidence to grow in my career. While studying at MIT, I was able to advance my leadership, analytical and soft skills to a whole new level – skills that have helped me immensely in both work and life. I would have to say that one of the best things about studying at MIT was the cross-cultural interaction between students from various parts of the world. It is something not to be downplayed as it has been quite advantageous in my career trajectory.
Benjamin Park
Bachelor of Business
- Major in Accounting
During my degree at MIT, I was able to score an accounting Cadetship with a civil infrastructure company which helped me get my foot in the door and gain experience in the industry. The Cadetship allowed me to rotate to different parts of the civil industry, specifically Roads and Pavement, which led to numerous job offers from within the company. My degree has helped me immensely in my career - I’ve developed the analytical thinking, writing and communication skills that I need in my current role as an auditor. What I liked most about MIT was the small and engaging class sizes which made it easier to ask questions and engage in the course. The location of the campus is also amazing as it is right in the city and central to everything, whether that be food, entertainment or transportation. The degree itself is CA ANZ and CPA accredited which gives me the option to progress further in my career and studies.
Joel Smith
Bachelor of Networking
- Major in Cyber Security
At school I was more interested in singing and music production than getting stuck into the books - I didn’t know how well tertiary study would suit me. But after just one trimester at MIT, I was landing great grades! I put it down to being able to study with like-minded and motivated people who have a common goal. We all want to break into ethical hacking: to become the ‘white hats’ of cyber security and networking. Being able to study in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD makes learning a more dynamic experience as well. I look forward to heading into the city when I have classes on. The academic staff at MIT also make learning a highly enjoyable experience. They want to see that we’re learning the skills we’ll need in the workforce. The Bachelor of Networking is such a practical degree and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to put everything I’ve learned into action before I’ve even finished.
Shamika Wijesinghalage
Master of Engineering (Telecommunications)
Choosing MIT has been the best decision I’ve made for my further studies in the telecommunication field. I originally chose MIT because the engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia and because of MIT’s great location in the heart of the city. After studying here, I’ve found that MIT also takes a holistic approach to education and provides the utmost care and assistance to students. I’ve received one-on-one help when I’ve struggled with assignments and lab work, and lecturers have also stayed back after class to help me figure out any concepts I had trouble with. The degree is very practical - I’ve been involved in project work that requires us to find engineering solutions in existing systems, and solve real-time problems – all skills that will be useful on the job. Studying this course at MIT has definitely increased my confidence to pursue my passion in the telecommunication industry.
Neeharika Gupta
Master of Engineering (Telecommunications)
The internship I’m undertaking as part of my degree has taken my learning to a whole new level. My role as Project Coordinator takes me on fieldwork projects for Telstra where I get hands-on with diagnosing and fixing faults to power panels – something that is directly related to my studies! Having the chance to work on the equipment and technologies in real-time is just incredible and gives a lucidity that I would not have received just from textbooks alone. I’ve also learnt skills that I feel gives me an advantage in the workforce – time management, safety skills, good work ethic and knowledge of work responsibilities on the job. MIT has been integral in helping me gain this amazing internship and I’m really grateful to my Professor who believed in me, and Jared (Careers Advisor) who coached me. It’s clear that MIT not only wants to see its students succeed, but they’re also willing to put in the effort to do so.
Joshua Te Momo
Bachelor of Networking
- Major in Cyber Security
I’ve always enjoyed coding, so getting to learn programming languages like JAVA and SQL as part of my degree is very exciting for me. What I like about the degree is that it isn’t just theoretical, but has a lot of emphasis on practice-based learning which is great for learning concepts that you don’t have much experience in. I’ve managed to develop a methodical problem-solving mind set which I know will carry me in good stead whether as a programmer or a cyber-security specialist. Overall, the course is very well-rounded as I’ve had the chance to learn about professionalism in the workplace, and what to expect out there in the IT space from lecturers who have had many years of experience in the field themselves.
Brie Dancak
Bachelor of Business
- Major in Management
My degree has provided me with so many levels of practical experience and insider knowledge even before I’ve graduated! Our lecturers and tutors have such vast experience within the business world – some own their own businesses, are at high level positions within a company, or have been involved in leading large scale projects in their careers. The Project Management unit has been the highlight of my studies so far as it has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to produce high level project proposals for industry. Dr Vanaja’s mentorship has been a huge contributor to my success in this unit - in fact, she even took the time to mentor each and every student in my class! I’ve had a very supportive experience at MIT which makes sense since there’s such a great range of resources available to students whether it be academic, mental health related, or career guidance. Career-wise, I now know that I want to get into management and human resources roles and eventually start my own business. This clarity has been possible because of studying the business management degree at MIT.
