Name: Vikramjit Dhir
From: India
Studying: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
Vikramjit Dhir is a GDIT student at AIS St Helens. Coming from India, Vikramjit says that “ AIS St Helens is one of the best institutes in New Zealand and I am very happy to be doing this course. Lecturers at AIS StHelens focus more on practice rather than theory.They give us very good live projects.My project is onsite in an IT company developing a virtual map of New Zealand dive and wreck sites using Microsoft Virtual Earth. At the same time my part-time work is in one of the best web development companies based in Auckland. My life in New Zealand couldn't be better right now!"
Name: Kanako Ito
Studying: Diploma in Computing and Information Technology
“I have a background in web design having worked in this industry in Japan for two years”, says Kanako Ito. “I decided to come and study the Diploma in Computing and Information Technology at AIS St Helens because I could see the value of the course. I knew nothing about programming but I could see that this programme could help me with my web design business and open up other employment options. I am really enjoying the programme and the tutors are really helpful and patient.”
Student Name: Dicky William
Programmes completed: Diploma in Computing and Information Technology (Level 5) at AIS St Helens
Internship: ACPMedia Ltd
Dicky William studied the Diploma in Computing and Information Technology (Level 5) at AIS St Helens. After he graduated, he received an internship in ACP Media - one of the biggest magazine publishers in New Zealand. His work involves data backup, desktop support, distributing email lists and networking.
“The lecturers at AIS St Helens really helped me a lot with my study and with getting my internship,” says Dicky. “The teaching style was very practical and when it came to the theory, the lecturer explained it very clearly so I could understand. The practical part of the study was very different from the study I did in Indonesia and really helped me build a strong foundation for my current job.”
Dicky now works at ACP Media full time and is applying for his residency in New Zealand.
Name: Venkat Dandamudi
From: India
Studying: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
Venkat Dandamudi is in the final stages of completing the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. He is currently on a work assignment at Pulsecor designing a documentation system and developing a web site for Pulsecor's medical devices to gain FDA approval. Venkat has already been offered a position at Dela Saft in the United States working on Oracle development.
“The GDIT programme provided me the formal qualification I needed to enter the software industry as I have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.”
He attributes the fact that the GDIT includes a project in the industry as a key element in finding a permanent position.
Name: Jay (Hideki) Kurosawa
From: Japan
Studying: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
Aspiring: Project Manager or Systems Engineer
Jay has almost nine years of project management, system engineering and server administration experience in the Information Technology industry. Half of his experience was in global or enterprise class companies. He was also a supervisor in the IT department of a global medical company in Japan.
Jay has certificates in English for academic study at AUT and IT certificates such as MCSE, CCA, CNE, A+, Network+, and others related to his job.
Jay began his studies at AIS St Helens in May of this year. He chose the Graduate Diploma in IT to improve his skills and knowledge and English language abilities.
AIS St Helens was Jay's first choice of tertiary institution.
“When I was in a university in New Zealand, some tutors and service staff were not friendly toward Asians. However, as far as I know tutors and staff at AIS St Helens are friendly and helpful to Asians. This is a big advantage to Asian students.”
Another aspect he enjoys about studying at AIS St Helens is the opportunity to make friends with people from other countries. “I am enjoying studying in good environment, meanwhile I am learning about cross-cultural communication.”
Although Jay admits it is a challenge learning about IT in English, he is grateful for the support he receives. He says the course coordinator and the lecturers are friendly and helpful.
Jay says the skills he is gaining on his course will be invaluable for his future.
“This course will help further my job opportunities as a project manager or systems engineer.”
Name: Sujeewani Alokabandaralage
From: Sri Lanka
Studied: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (graduated 2004)
When Sujeewani Alokabandaralage's former institution closed down it could have been a grim day for the dedicated student. Luckily AIS St Helens came to the rescue.
Sujeewani was able to transfer to AIS St Helens to complete her qualification, a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology. NZQA approved AIS St Helens to take over the qualification and the majority of students transferred to AIS St Helens.
On her course Sujeewani explored key aspects of how computers store data and studied computer systems and networking. Programming courses included Visual Basic, Net, HTML, C++ and core components of databases and data management. She was also taught the principles of project design and project management.
For her final project Sujeewani was required to work within a company, using her new IT knowledge to provide a solution to a business problem. Sujeewani then completed her project at AIS St Helens where she developed the online Helpdesk.
Sujeewani is grateful to AIS St Helens for helping achieve her goal and considers her recent graduation ceremony as extra special. Now that student life is over she is looking forward to starting her new job as a teller for the Bank of New Zealand.
Name: Zhao Rongheng
From: China
Studying: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
International student Zhao Rongheng has a passion for computers and believes it is a skill that is important in many jobs.
Although Rongheng has been in New Zealand for more than five years, he started his Graduate Diploma at AIS St Helens in May 2004.
Rongheng's interest in the AIS St Helens graduate programme was ignited after his teacher inspired him to pursue his computing interests.
“When I graduated from my diploma course, I heard my teacher moved to AIS St Helens, so I went to AIS St Helens to ask for his advice about the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology.”
Rongheng is happy with his decision. He says AIS St Helens is an efficient institute and the Graduate Diploma is a well-structured programme. He adds that the environment is comfortable and the equipment is excellent.
So far, Rongheng has learned Visual Basic, and HTML. In the next few months, he will study project management, Database, C++ and VB. net. He will also spend three months working on a project with a company.
As for his future, Rongheng believes the qualification and skills he is gaining on his course will be useful for any job he wishes to pursue.
“The AIS St Helens Graduate Diploma in Information Technology advances my knowledge and we complete a practical project within one year.”
Name: Sanjeeva Reddy Nannuri
From: India
Studied: Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (graduated 2004)
Sanjeeva Reddy Nannuri is utilising his project management and information technology skills in his workplace.
The AIS St Helens graduate is a computer technician and web developer for PC Mechanics Ltd. He also works on private software development contracts. Eventually he wants to become an IT consultant.
Although Sanjeeva has been working at PC Mechanics Ltd for several months, he is quick to credit his AIS St Helens training where he studied SQL server, VB, C++, networking and project management. In fact he did so well on his course that he was the AIS St Helens Enterprise Award winner.
He adds that AIS St Helens has good facilities, ample space for car parking and friendly staff. He enjoyed the structured teaching, well-organised syllabus and the personalised approach.
“It is well worth it spending some time studying here,” he says.
Name: Takashi Sasaki
From: Japan
Studying: Certificate in Computing and Information Technology (Level 4)
Aspiring: To work in the Information Technology industry
A study stint in Christchurch two years ago was so memorable that Takashi Sasaki decided to return, but this time he chose Auckland's AIS St Helens.
Takashi has just begun the Certificate in Computing and Information Technology (Level 4) after completing the Level 3 certificate earlier this year.
Despite beginning the year with very little computing knowledge, Takashi has grasped the subject well. Last semester he gained basic office skills and basic computer programming knowledge. This semester he is learning about web design, advanced computer programming, animation and accounting.
“It is a very good course. I am learning a lot and it is interesting,” he says.
Takashi says because his class is small the teachers are able to give students plenty of attention. He is also impressed by the new Asquith campus computer facilities that are especially designed for IT and computing students.
Takashi believes his IT and computing qualification will make him more employable.
Although Takashi's studious attitude leaves little time for leisure, when he does have a chance, he hopes to travel around New Zealand.
