What sparked your interest in engineering?
I have always dreamed of becoming an engineer since I was a child. My dad, a mechanical engineer, inspired me through his ability to repair and build things at home. His work sparked my passion for solving complex problems and innovating, which ultimately impacted my decision to pursue a career in engineering.
How did you end up choosing UC to study Engineering?
I came to New Zealand in 2018 as an international student and in high school, I became aware of UC’s strong reputation for its Engineering undergraduate programme. Receiving an Engineering international scholarship also made UC the perfect choice for me.
Overall, New Zealand’s excellent education system, safe environment, and multicultural society made it an ideal choice for both high school and university education.
Looking back, what were some highlights of your time at UC?
The UC community is truly special, particularly the international student community. It is a supportive and welcoming environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together to share experiences, learn, and grow. The connections I’ve made here have enriched both my academic journey and personal development.
Additionally, UC offers a variety of scholarships for international students, providing valuable opportunities to achieve our academic and personal goals.
Your degree is very practical — how was it working in the labs?
The friendships you build in the labs and the teamwork you experience during projects and assignments will become invaluable—not only during your studies but also in your career.
Reflecting on my time at university, I’ve realised that many of the friends I made in the labs are now my work colleagues. Those sleepless nights spent in the labs working on the projects to fix that one last bug are invaluable experience.
Did you take part in any internships or projects during your study?
I completed an internship at Xero during my third year. That opportunity helped me secure a full-time position after graduation.
I also worked on a year-long project as part of my SENG302 course. This experience allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world problem while developing essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management.
That’s amazing! How did your studies at UC prepare you for work?
UC’s focus on technical expertise and teamwork prepared me exceptionally well for my role at Xero. Courses like SENG302 emphasised the importance of working collaboratively, managing time effectively, and communicating ideas clearly, which are essential in the workplace. The practical experience I gained with software development tools and methodologies during my studies closely aligns with the demands of the tech industry and provided a strong foundation for my professional journey.
You’ve done so well for yourself! What advice would you give to someone considering studying in your area?
Pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. There will be moments of stress and self-doubt, but perseverance is essential. My advice is to embrace the journey, learn from your mistakes, seek help when needed, and focus on developing strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
