Dan Tran, 12 February, 2024 | Dan's time at QUT
We spoke to Dan part-way through his second year in his QUT course and then again as he was about to graduate. We asked him the same questions about his course, the Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Mathematics. Let’s see how his experience and thoughts about his time at QUT changed over the years.
Why did you choose QUT?
Second year: Considering the practical nature of my degree, especially in IT, I believed QUT was the best option. QUT had a good impression on me with the 2018 Vice Chancellor's STEM Camp (now called the Future You Summit) and the 2019 START QUT program allowing me to experience uni life before I started it.
Final year: I chose QUT since I decided to study a technology-related field, and QUT stands out due to "Technology" in its name. Additionally, I had other interactions with the university throughout high school, by attending a STEM Camp in 2018, and did two START QUT units in 2019. I did my START QUT program for two semesters, having completed an IT and a maths unit and enjoyed both of them, so I decided to take a double degree in IT and mathematics. During these events, I was able to make connections that are still lasting until today.
What did you learn? I actually only reconnected with the people I met during START QUT towards the end of my degree because these students were in different degrees or were ahead of me in the same degree. In my third and fourth years we started to reconnect as we happened to take the same advanced or elective units. A student ambassador at the time actually became my tutor in one of my final units. So, connections throughout your entire degree are important.
What were your favourite parts of your course?
Second year: From what I have seen, many units in my course are constantly updated to ensure the experience is as close to the real world as possible, especially in IT. The course motivated me to focus on self-learning and putting my skills into practice instead of handholding me through the problems.
Final year: I really enjoyed the practicality of my IT units, where I had the chance to realise my ideas into actual programs - especially the more advanced units such as Software Development, Machine Learning, Web Computing, Cloud Computing, and of course my IT Capstone. These were ones of the most challenging units I have done but were the most satisfying as I feel like I really gained valuable skillsets there.
What did you learn? While my course has always been practical, the projects in the advanced units are way more interesting and challenging. I really like how the nature of the course is stable in its project-based approach, with a good emphasis on self-learning.
What practical or industry experience have you been involved with of as part of your course?
Dan in his second year at QUT
Second year: Throughout my degree, especially in IT, I have been working on several practical projects, the biggest of which involved building an electronic asset trading software in a team. In my first year, I attended a Start-up Weekend - a hackathon that required me to explore a business idea with a team from multiple backgrounds. In my second year, I facilitated several workshops on entrepreneurial topics as part of my student organisation's (AIESEC) activities.
Final year: Throughout my degree, I have been involved in many work experiences in various IT and maths related projects. There is not enough time (and space) to talk about all of them here, so I would like to focus on my first working experience at QUT through the Full-Stack Web Development role at STiMulate. I was involved in the maintenance and development of a volunteer rostering system as the only developer. This included talking with the program executives about additional features (needs, feasibility, scope, timeline, etc.), then developing, testing and deploying the solution. This role stands out the most to me as it was my first ever paid role where I had to extensively communicate with others about the evolution of a software system. This role also had a major impact on building my confidence, serving as proof that I am capable of learning on the job and can deliver value.
What did you learn? The professional experience I received in my last year is certainly more extensive than experience in the earlier years of my study and its impact is on a totally different scale, benefitting thousands of staff and students every year. The tutoring and content development positions prompted me to dig even deeper into unit content than I ever did as a student, and I find this highly satisfying. I guess my volunteering since my second year (mentioned in the next response, second year) has really paid off.
Have you been involved in any QUT clubs, sports or other activities?
Dan studying maths in his final year at QUT
Second year: In my first year, I attended multiple leadership and development workshops and was an active member of the Esports Arena in my first year. I am also a member of multiple student associations (Maths Society, MESS, VietQ, Bubble Tea Society, to name a few) and have attended many of their social events. I am also considerably involved within the College of Excellence and participate in multiple volunteering opportunities, including QUT Connect during orientations; STIMulate Peer Learning Facilitator that provides support with STEM related topics; and IFB105 Peer Learning Facilitator that goes to tutorials and support current students. I was also part of a student organisation's (AIESEC) committee.
Final year: I have been involved in some extracurricular activities, such as being a member and executive of various student clubs and volunteering communities. Since these activities were voluntary, I find the people there very passionate about what they are doing, which gives off a positive energy.
I have also been part of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Scholar program since my second year, where I got to connect with many like-minded people, many of whom later became my mentor or partner in several university projects. This community is highly professional and I was able to gain many strong connections from here, which played an important role in shaping my university journey.
What did you learn? This is probably what I missed the most going into my final year. As I got more involved with paid roles such as tutoring and web development, I have been spending less and less time participating in club events and volunteering. I am still a peer learning facilitator for STiMulate, but that is pretty much it.
Your final thoughts?
I recommend QUT to others because there will always be something meaningful for you at QUT, not just academically. It is a good place to find like-minded people, to push beyond your limits, or even just chill with friends and take it slow sometimes. It is also undeniable that QUT has provided me with many opportunities that led to even greater opportunities.
Dan has since graduated from QUT with the highest possible GPA which he maintained throughout his studies. He was awarded the QUT Medal for outstanding academic achievement.
