By Ananya Kulshrestha - India, 15 September, 2026
I chose to study a Master of Information Technology (Data Science) because I wanted to combine my software engineering background with data-driven decision making and emerging technologies.
Data is transforming every industry, and I wanted to build the analytical, technical and problem-solving skills needed to create solutions that have a real business impact. The course also provided the flexibility to explore areas such as machine learning, data analytics, visualisation and AI, which aligned well with my long-term career goals.
What attracted me most to QUT was its strong reputation for practical, industry-focused education. I wanted a university where I could apply what I learnt rather than only study theory.
QUT's emphasis on real-world projects, industry engagement and work-integrated learning really stood out. Brisbane was also a welcoming and affordable city for international students, making it a great place to study while building a professional career in Australia.
Getting prepared for the real world
I attended career workshops and made use of QUT's careers resources to better understand the Australian recruitment process. The guidance on resume writing, interview preparation and employer engagement gave me greater confidence when applying for internships and graduate roles.
Through networking events, career workshops, student leadership programs, industry partnerships and internships, I was able to develop skills and connections that played a significant role in securing my career after graduation.
My advice would be to actively participate in these opportunities because they can be just as valuable as the coursework itself. These resources helped me present my skills more effectively and prepared me for opportunities like my internship at Suncorp.
From QUT to Suncorp
I joined Suncorp as a technology intern during my final year at QUT. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work on real business projects, collaborate with different teams, and demonstrate my technical and problem-solving skills. After successfully completing the internship, I was offered a place in Suncorp's Technology Graduate Program.
In my role, I use data, automation and technology to streamline business processes and solve complex business challenges. My role involves working with different teams to develop solutions that make everyday work more efficient and enhance the experience for employees.
What I enjoy most is that every day presents a new opportunity to learn. I get to work with people from different technical and business backgrounds, solve real organisational challenges and see how technology can create meaningful improvements for both employees and customers. I also appreciate the supportive culture, where continuous learning and collaboration are encouraged.
Work highlights
One of my biggest highlights has been designing and delivering automation solutions that have improved business processes and reduced manual work. It has been incredibly rewarding to see solutions I developed being adopted by teams and making a genuine difference to the way they work. Another major milestone was transitioning from an intern to a permanent technology graduate, which reinforced that the hard work I had put into my studies and internship had paid off.
Putting theory into practice
QUT gave me much more than technical knowledge. It taught me how to analyse problems, work with data, collaborate effectively in teams and communicate technical ideas to different audiences. The industry-focused projects and practical assignments helped me build confidence in solving real business problems, which has been directly applicable in my role at Suncorp. Just as importantly, QUT encouraged curiosity and continuous learning, which has helped me adapt to modern technologies and challenges.
Advice for international students
Start early and don't wait until graduation to begin preparing. Build practical experience through internships, industry projects, volunteering, or personal projects, and actively attend networking events because many opportunities come through the relationships you build. At the same time, don't underestimate the importance of communication skills, teamwork and being willing to learn. Finally, don't let rejection discourage you. Every application and interview teaches you something, and persistence is one of the biggest factors in achieving your goals.
Growing as a technology professional
In the next five years, I hope to continue growing as a technology professional by leading projects that combine data, artificial intelligence, and automation to solve meaningful business challenges. I also hope to mentor students and early-career professionals, contribute to the technology community, and continue building solutions that create positive impact for organisations and society.
My long-term goal is to become a technology leader who uses data and AI to solve real-world problems while creating opportunities for others to grow. I am particularly passionate about supporting international students, so I hope to build initiatives and platforms that help them navigate their careers, connect with industry, and achieve their goals. I want my work to combine technical innovation with meaningful social impact.
Study a QUT Master of Information Technology (Data Science) like Ananya
