Enjoying the IT crowd (Issue 3, 2012)
Benjamin Koh only had one issue when adjusting to his new life studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at La Trobe – Melbourne’s weather!
Coming from Malaysia, Benjamin found the adjustment period very smooth (except for the ever-changing weather) which he attributes to having great friends and family, as well as friendly and helpful University staff.
Benjamin loves his course and is very passionate about IT. He decided to complete this Bachelor after joining a business plan competition and realising he needed IT skills to achieve his career aspirations.
The most outstanding social experience for Benjamin was when he joined La Trobe’s soccer team training.
‘I was sent onto the field to play against an Australian league team; we lost, but the score was respectable and it was heaps of fun,’ says Benjamin.
Benjamin was lucky enough to complete Industry Based Learning (IBL) in his first semester at La Trobe. He learned a lot about interacting in a professional environment and also how to apply what he learned in class to real-life situations.
‘What was learnt in classes did have practical applications, however being in the real environment you have to incorporate soft skills to carry across the technical skills.’
Studying in Australia has helped Benjamin develop as an individual in many different ways.
‘It helped me to improve my efficiency with time management, as well as self-discipline. Also, it introduced me to a culturally different environment, having lived in a multicultural country; this isn’t a problem, but rather an opportunity to learn more about another culture.’
‘An international qualification or experience opens opportunities globally and does not limit you to just your own country. Having the opportunity to learn overseas does make you more independent and resourceful I would say, and in today’s world that makes a difference.’