A high-tech future for IT graduates

It’s hard to imagine, but many computing jobs did not even exist 20 years ago.

Web designer, systems analyst, database administrator… today, businesses and organisations around the world rely on computers and technology to make working life more efficient and more secure.

Radical advances in communications, entertainment and medical device technology have also changed people’s lives. Where would we be without SMS, the internet or ultrasound machines?

There is no doubt that the number of computer and IT jobs are expected to keep on increasing, no matter where in the world you want to work.

Study IT in the Silicon Valley

For IT students, Silicon Valley in California is the ultimate destination. Home to the world’s greatest computing companies and minds – Apple, NASA Ames Research Centre, Google, eBay, Yahoo! and many others – it’s the birthplace of countless technology breakthroughs that have changed the way we work and play.

So, would you like to study there? And also experience a paid internship with one of these amazing companies? Of course you would.

You can kick-start your IT career by completing the first 2 years of a Bachelor Degree at Foothill and DeAnza College. And then transfer to one of the most highly selective universities in America to complete your degree – such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford or Columbia.

UK: The Huddersfield guide to computer science study

The IT industry has witnessed many ups and downs, but as computer science careers are so diverse you can still choose your own path to success.

Julie Wilkinson, Principal Lecturer (Information Systems and Computing) at the University of Huddersfield, shares her insights into what you should look for when choosing your computer science course.

How will a computer science degree develop my career?

Every course should provide a critical core of theoretical knowledge. Then look for practical experience, including case studies and lab-based exercises, as well as live projects with industry collaboration. Working in project teams with industry-style facilities is great for your CV.

Study abroad: time to realise your dreams!

You’re reading this because, deep down, you know that studying overseas could change your life. And it will - in so many ways. The places you’ll go, the people you’ll meet and the things you’ll learn. The challenges you’ll face along the way will also teach you a lot about yourself. It’s not always easy – sometimes it will feel quite daunting – but StudyLink will help you at every step of the way.

This article is about each stage of the journey, and the ways we can help you. So read on to find out how you can achieve your most important New Years’ Resolution – to study overseas in 2009 or 2010!

Step 1: Plan, find, compare

It’s important to look carefully at all your options. Which country, which course and which university? You can research and compare over 80,000 courses online through the StudyLink website. Make a list of all the things that are important to you – things such as (in no particular order):

• Culture, climate, lifestyle
• Academic reputation
• International student support
• Expertise in your subject area or industry
• Cost of tuition and availability of financial aid

You can also search through our recent Student Adventures articles for ideas on new courses, provider rankings, scholarships and the unique advantages of studying in different countries. It’s a great way to learn more about all the opportunities out there. And don’t forget to register for our subject guides, which will give you exactly the information you need if you know exactly what you’re interested in studying.

Ready to go? Don’t forget to…

The ultimate pre-departure and post-arrival study abroad guide

Planning and preparation. It’s vital when you’re about to move to the other side of the world, to another culture and possibly a different language, to study a new course with people you’ve never met. You’ll be more confident about it all if you know you’re completely organised.

A few months before…

• Get your passport and visa sorted.
• Finalise any scholarship applications or financial aid.
• Book your flights, including connecting flights. Make sure you know someone will meet you at the airport.
• Book your on-campus accommodation (if necessary).
• Organise your travel insurance and health insurance - in some countries you must have medical insurance, so check the conditions of your student visa. If you are heading to Australia, contact BUPA for more details.

Australia: Something for everyone at RMIT

RMIT University is one of Australia’s largest universities, and offers a huge range of both vocational and academic programs. In fact, over 470 programs are available for international students.

Based in Melbourne, the creative and cosmopolitan capital of Victoria, RMIT has eight campuses - as well as a new international campus in Vietnam.

For over 15 years, RMIT has developed links with Vietnam through education, business and research in engineering, IT, finance and telecommunications. It opened a Ho Chi Minh City campus in 2001 and a Hanoi campus in 2004. The 3,800 students include those from Vietnam as well all corners of the world.

Japan: Osaka University pushes research frontiers

International students who are keen to explore all their research options and get hands-on laboratory experience with top scientists can now apply for FrontierLab@OsakaU.

Following the Japanese tradition of ‘spirit of creation’ (mono zukuri) that has inspired so many innovative break-throughs in the last century, Osaka University has a word-class reputation for research training. Recent successes include the world’s first acting robots, programmed to deliver their lines alongside human actors using cutting-edge robotic software.

UK: Exeter Business School in the UK Top 20

The University of Exeter Business School has recently been rated as one of the top 20 business schools in the UK.

Academic staff were ranked as world leading or internationally excellent. The Business School’s accounting and finance academics too - 2nd place in the UK.

Last year, the University of Exeter Business School was also ranked highest of all UK business schools for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. And the Times subject rankings places it in the top ten for all of its subjects.

So what makes Exeter such a great place to learn business?

Ask Anna

Question:

"My dream is to study abroad in 2009 – Can you help?”

Answer:

“Yes, we can.

StudyLink counselors are here to help you by:

• choosing the best course that meets your academic and career goals
• preparing and submitting your application
• obtaining a student visa
• answering your questions
• contacting universities, colleges and schools on your behalf

– all without charge.

Read this month’s main article about realizing your dream to study abroad in 2009 and then contact us today so we can help you make your dream a reality: [email protected]”

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly. The best question will be chosen for next month’s newsletter!

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute.

Application Deadlines

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia and New Zealand – Apply now to start in July/August 2009. Application deadlines are approaching. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and the earlier you apply, the earlier you will have an answer from the institutions. Submit your application and supporting documents to us now. You do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course, completing your applications, and confirming your enrolment.

If you applied to start in February/March 2009, you should be arriving at your study location, finding accommodation, and getting settled in. If you have any questions on settling in to your new home, contact your counsellor.

USA and Canada – The main term starts in September but several start dates are available throughout the year. You can still submit your application to start in September and should contact your counsellor immediately to submit your applications. Application deadlines vary and we encourage you to apply well in advance for best consideration and to allow time to apply for a visa.

Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK – Submit your application to StudyLink now to start in September 2009, the UK's main term. It is best to get your application in early as some courses will start to fill up. Submit your application and supporting documents to us now. You do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course, completing your applications, and confirming your enrolment.

If you applied to start in January/February 2009, you should be arriving at your study location, finding accommodation, and getting settled in.