The Student Adventures Blog has a new home!

From July 2009 the StudyLink Student Adventures blog will move.

Click here to read the latest news and views on studying abroad.

See you on the new blog!

The guru guide to your IT career

Do you want to know what it takes to have a successful career in IT and computing? We’ve asked the experts for their tips, at each stage of the process.

1. School

Behind every successful IT guru, from Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg, you’ll find years of experience. For many, that experience starts when they are still at school, tinkering with technology in their spare time.

That’s because every successful career starts with passion. If you genuinely love what you do enough for it to be your all-consuming hobby, then you’ll have the energy and enthusiasm to handle the pressure and challenges ahead.

2. University

When it comes to your university IT course, it’s important to learn more than just the technical skills you need to be a programmer, web designer, network planner or computer support technician.

‘Soft’ skills such as communication, leadership and business awareness are just as important when it comes to landing a job.

Stand out from the crowd – study your masters in computing at Derby University

Take your learning one step further.  Build on your bachelors degree and turn yourself in to a strategic thinking, critically evaluating, valuable asset ready to embark on a successful career in computing.

At Derby you can join students from all over the world to study your masters.  Our courses include:

• MSc Advanced Computer Systems
• MSc Computer Games Production
• MSc Computer Networks
• MSc Enterprise Computing
• MSc Forensic Computing and Security
• MSc Strategic Information Technology Management (online only)

Our programmes have all been designed hand in hand with industry, and there’s lots of focus on practical and hands on experience, so we’re equipping you with the skills that employers are looking for when recruiting.

Study IT in Perth, Western Australia

There is a common saying that ‘practice makes perfect’. Perth’s private Vocational Education and Training (VET) colleges take you a step further by giving you the ‘competitive edge’ – the advanced skills and knowledge that employers are looking for today.

Why should you study an IT vocational course?

VET courses allow you to gain the most advanced knowledge and practical expertise, from teachers who are specialists in their field, ensuring that you are taught the skills that are relevant to today’s ever-changing world. When you graduate, you will be ready for direct employment in IT.

What qualifications will you get?

Private vocational colleges offer IT courses in the fields of general IT, networks and communications, and programming. Depending on the level of skill you want, you can gain a:

1. Certificate I to IV
2. Diploma
3. Advanced Diploma

Top Ten reasons to study by distance

Online technology has made studying from home a real alternative. So is distance learning right for you?

Find out with our top ten reasons to take on a distance learning course.

1. Study when you want, where you want

All you need to access to the internet, and you can study in your bedroom, in your office, on the beach… If you think better at night or in the early morning, schedule your coursework to suit you.

2. Fit your study around your work commitments

You don’t have to give up your job or put your career on hold to get a world-class international education. This could be especially important if you want to study an MBA or Masters degree.

3. Fit your study around your family commitments

You also don’t have to move your family abroad to get a world-class international education.