Student testimonials for the Diploma for Graduate (ICT), School of Computing

These testimonials offer you the opportunity to hear the voices of some of our SHIFT programme graduates.

Christine Chambers

Christine Chambers.

Bachelor of Science (Genetics)
Diploma for Graduates (ICT) – SHIFT programme

After completing my Bachelor of Science, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to take. The SHIFT programme seemed like a great opportunity to learn something new, enhance my studies, and gain job opportunities within the IT sector. It was also a one-year programme, and I liked the idea of learning tech fundamentals in such a short period of time.

I enjoyed the mix of university papers with industry projects, which helped develop a lot of necessary soft skills. The teaching staff were also extremely knowledgeable and it was great to have highly-skilled people to go to for advice whenever I needed it. They really want you to succeed in what you do.

SHIFT's 200-hour work placement was a highlight as it gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I had gained throughout the year. I spent five weeks at Airmed working on a data science project and learning valuable skills related to working in a tech team, especially the importance of self-motivation and asking questions!

I am now working at IAG, New Zealand's largest general insurer, as part of their Group Technology graduate programme. SHIFT enabled me to get my foot in the door to a career in technology. It provided me with a base set of IT-related skills that I have grown throughout my first year of working. I would definitely recommend the SHIFT programme to anyone looking for a career within IT. You'll learn a broad range of skills that are applicable to the workforce and make some great memories along the way.

Will Charlton

Will Charlton.

Bachelor of Science (Zoology, Ecology)
Diploma for Graduates (ICT) – SHIFT programme

The SHIFT programme allowed me to completely change my career path.

I had been working as a scuba diving instructor in Dunedin for six years, and it was time for a change. I've always been interested in technology and computing, so I tried an online programming course and decided it was something I wanted to pursue further. The most important deciding factor when choosing a qualification was the opportunity to get hands-on experience through projects and internships, and make connections with people in the industry. I didn't want to just sit in lectures and labs.

The SHIFT programme offered all this and I had a great experience. The best aspects were the group projects working on real-life problems and creating solutions for companies. The internship was the cherry on top. I got to work with others in the industry full-time and successfully develop something that has already made an impact on the business.

I am currently completing a 10-week software developer placement at Outpost Central in Auckland. After that, I've been offered a job back in Dunedin with the business that hosted my internship.

I would absolutely recommend the programme. It wasn't easy to learn the skills and knowledge that I did in one year, but if you put the effort in, it is well worth it.

Find out more about the Otago Business School's Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) endorsed in Information and Communications Technology