How my curiosity turned into a passion for computer science

I began my journey at QUT with a Diploma in Information Technology and later progressed to a Bachelor of Information Technology because I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to keep learning. I appreciated that QUT collaborates closely with industry partners, which meant the curriculum was practical, up-to-date, and aligned with real-world needs.

My love of problem solving

I chose to major in computer science because I’m genuinely driven by curiosity and a desire to keep learning. Technology evolves rapidly, and being part of a field where there is always something new to explore keeps the work engaging and meaningful. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, especially when it comes to tackling complex challenges. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when I’m able to break down a difficult problem, find a solution, and see myself improve through the process.

What also attracted me to the computer science field is the flexibility and modern work culture that software development offers. It’s a profession where remote work is not only possible but often the norm, which allows me to create a comfortable and productive work environment, including being around my pets at home.

Why I choose to study at QUT

I chose to study at QUT because of its strong industry-focused approach and reputation for producing highly employable graduates in technology fields. I appreciated that QUT collaborates closely with industry partners, which meant the curriculum was practical, up-to-date, and aligned with real-world needs.

As an international student, moving to Australia also allowed me to experience a multicultural environment and improve my communication skills while studying in a diverse environment. QUT’s supportive services, approachable teaching staff, and modern facilities made the university a welcoming place to learn and grow both academically and personally.
Why real-world learning is important

To me, 'real world' means learning skills that are directly applicable to real industry environments and solving problems that exist outside the classroom. What felt real-world about my course at QUT was the focus on practical learning, which involved working on real projects, using industry-standard tools and frameworks, and being taught by lecturers with genuine industry experience. It is about what employers actually need.

Building lasting friendships

I met most of my friends through tutorials and collaborative class activities, where we worked together on problem solving and group exercises. Those interactions naturally led to real friendships. Fun facts, one of the friends I met at QUT, and I are still close today, and we work together at the same company after graduating.

Relieving the financial burden

I was fortunate to receive the International Merit Scholarship every semester until I completed my degree. It made a meaningful difference by relieving financial stress and allowing me to fully engage in my studies and university experience.

From QUT to Software Engineer

Today, I’m proud to work as a Software Engineer at Entain Australia & New Zealand, applying the real-world knowledge and experience I gained at QUT to design and maintain backend systems for high-performance operations. I’m building and maintaining backend microservices for betting and wagering systems, primarily using Go. My role involves designing features, implementing reliable and scalable solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring high performance and accuracy in real-time betting operations.

One of my major career highlights has been working on large-scale backend services for betting operations, including handling sensitive transaction data with banking-level reliability and implementing compliance measures such as anti-money laundering (AML) and suspicious activity monitoring.

Alongside my university studies and professional growth, I worked on several personal projects focused on full-stack web applications and backend systems. I used technologies such as Java, Go, React, GraphQL (GQL), and AWS tools, with a focus on building projects based on real-world scenarios rather than tutorial-style applications. These projects helped me develop a deeper understanding of software architecture and gave me confidence in using industry-standard tools, workflows, and development practices.
An important part of showcasing technical growth has been GitHub. GitHub is an online platform where developers store and share code. It is widely used across the software industry for version control, collaboration, and displaying technical projects. Many employers and recruiters review GitHub profiles to better understand a candidate’s coding style, technical interests, and initiative outside of university coursework.

For current students looking for employment, one of my biggest recommendations would be to spend time preparing for interviews and building practical projects outside of coursework. Hands-on experience through personal projects not only strengthens technical skills but also helps build confidence and provides meaningful examples to discuss during interviews.

Study a Diploma  in Information Technology like Chole

Study a Bachelor of Information Technology like Chole

View all Information technology and games courses at QUT