Thao's story
A Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) student from Vietnam
International student Thao highlights her reasons to study computer science at Swinburne
At Swinburne University of Technology, undergraduate students are presented with an appealing study component: every bachelor degree guarantees real industry experience. It’s this unique offer that sees Swinburne rank within the top three Victorian universities for student satisfaction.
This promise of hands-on industry experience, as well as Swinburne’s excellent reputation, led international student Thao to accept her offer to study a Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional). She details her other incentives for studying at Swinburne and how Swinburne is setting her up for future success.
A future-focused course choice
Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, Thao has lived in Australia for three years. She completed her secondary education in Australia before enrolling at Swinburne for her tertiary studies.
According to Thao, the choice to study computer science was an easy one. She considers it the perfect degree to open up a multitude of career pathways in her future. As the world continues to digitise, the technical skills that Thao is learning in her degree will become increasingly invaluable.
“Computer science is a rapidly growing area that has become an integral part of the world,” she says.
Skill development outside of the classroom
What is even more interesting about Thao’s degree is that it isn’t just a traditional Bachelor of Computer Science; she is pursuing a professional degree. That means, in addition to the standard three years of study, Thao will complete a 12-month paid industry placement as part of Swinburne’s unique Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.
“Swinburne has very good industry connections that offer workplace experience for the students,” says Thao.
These work placements offer students more than just a glimpse into the world of work; they provide an opportunity to form long-lasting industry connections with potential future employers.
Having just completed her first year of study, it will be another two years before Thao takes part in this placement. However, she is confident that it will give her insight into how the computer science industry works.
“It’s the time to take what you’ve learned in the lectures and tutorials into the actual workforce,” she explains.
Understanding the WIL program
Swinburne’s WIL program provides a new level of relevance to students’ day-to-day studies.
Unlike a standard internship, which students typically have to source for themselves, Swinburne uses its considerable industry network to place students in appropriate industry environments. Not only does this guarantee that students will gain relevant on-the-job skills, but Swinburne guarantees that students are paid for their work placement.
The right industry placement can offer a pathway to leading Australian and global organisations, which is in large part why Thao is so excited to experience it for herself.
“I plan to explore potential career paths, boost my CV and get hands-on experience,” she shares.
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"Swinburne has very good industry connections that offer workplace experience for the students."
Thao , Bachelor of Computer Science
Pursuing the passion for academia
When asked about her plans for the future, Thao can’t help but emphasise her love of learning. When she finishes this degree, she shares, she plans to dive headfirst into a master degree – this time in teaching. It is her hope that the practical experience she gains through the WIL program will help her navigate various types of professional environments.
She adds that Swinburne’s unyielding support of international students will also play a key role in her future success. As the academic home to students from across the globe, Swinburne ensures that its international cohort knows where to turn for help.
“There’s a lot of platforms developed to help international students,” says Thao.
Extending support to fellow international students
Thao plays a key role in Swinburne’s support of international students, acting as a Swinburne Student Ambassador. Thao, along with the rest of the International team, organises events and programs to help ease the journeys of international students just like herself.
They also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about studying at Swinburne. On any given day, Thao might answer questions about accommodation, scholarships, course content or general questions about life in Melbourne.
According to Thao, the success of the program speaks for itself. She explains that there are several benefits, with the most prominent being that students can chat directly with an ambassador who has been in their shoes. Additionally, students have their questions answered quickly and by people with a real understanding of their situation.
Thao’s advice to other international students hoping to study at Swinburne is one of simplicity and solidarity: be open, ask questions and reach out for help because, as Thao says, “There is always help available for everyone.”
Guaranteed real industry experience
Swinburne ensures all students can access industry experience as part of their course, whether it's a placement, internship or an industry-linked project. It's our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) guarantee!
If you're interested in a placement, you can even choose a Professional Degree, which comes with a 12-month full-time paid Professional Placement opportunity.
Scholarships for international students
Swinburne has a range of scholarships just for international students. If you're awarded one, you can focus less on finances and more on learning and experiencing life at Swinburne and in Melbourne.
The best part? Every international student application is automatically considered for a scholarship, so you won't need to submit a separate application.
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