Auckland ICT Graduate School: Join one of the world’s fastest-growing industries

Technology is booming. Not a week goes by without the launch of a brand-new app, digital service or device, and as a result, there’s a huge global demand for tech graduates who can hit the ground running.

A unique collaboration between the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato, Auckland ICT Graduate School is both influential and progressive. Working with New Zealand’s up-and-coming computing industry, this school’s ability to produce smart, work-ready tech graduates is internationally-revered.

“The digital future of business is dependent on having the most innovative, creative and diverse thinkers ready and willing to embrace an exciting and dynamic career,” says James Bergin, Chair of the school’s Industry Advisory Committee. “The Auckland ICT Graduate School and its collaboration with leading NZ businesses is well positioned to create graduates ready to meet this need.”

Auckland ICT Graduate School is a known hub of innovation. Determined to stay ahead of the curve, the school has created two cutting-edge postgraduate programmes to empower technological development within the region and beyond.

Source: Auckland ICT Graduate School

The Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech) fulfils the need for graduates equipped with the ideal balance of technical skill and business awareness. A 10-week, full-time internship is an integrated part of the programme. Here, students pursue a relevant, real-world project that refines their expertise, providing an invaluable insight into life as a qualified IT professional.

“When researching course options, I was delighted to come across a programme that met my requirements perfectly and has been a great learning experience,” says recent graduate, Amulya Jagadeesh.

“The MInfoTech provides an opportunity to learn both the management and the technological sides to software engineering and how to implement the learning in a real-world scenario. By meeting people from the industry, I was able to learn from their experiences,” she adds.

Amulya enrolled in the programme after completing bachelor-level studies in a relevant IT subject. She has since been offered full-time employment with her internship provider, highlighting the lasting value of this professional experience.

Source: Auckland ICT Graduate School

The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (PGCertInfoTech) instils both technical and business skills along with critical thinking capabilities. This short, intensive programme is perfect for those who already possess an undergraduate degree in a non-ICT-related subject, offering a supercharged route into the business of computing.

Here, you’ll gain fundamental skills in software development, including current knowledge of object-oriented programming and design, on top of web technologies and databases, to complement your existing critical thinking and communication abilities.

Students come from varied academic and work backgrounds. Gulnar Grover’s original degree was in Human Resource Management and Psychology, for example. After a brief stint travelling and working in recruitment, he developed a passion for technology and entered the Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology, viewing it as a great opportunity to enter the IT field in a short space of time.

“Looking back, it’s hard to believe the amount I learnt in just 12 weeks! The support from the tutors and the lecturers was invaluable; the casual atmosphere helped absorb some of the pressure and helped me get past the frustrations of learning to code,” says Gulnar.

Source: Auckland ICT Graduate School

“Upon completion of the PGCertInfoTech at the University of Auckland, I enrolled in the Master of Information Technology at the University of Waikato. The wide variety of courses offered at master’s level has allowed me to choose an area that most appeals to me,” he adds.

“When I finish my master’s, I’d like to work in a company where I can combine the communication and business skills I gained in my undergraduate studies and employment, with my newly acquired technical skills as I grow a career in the ICT sector.”

The school itself has forged strong partnerships with New Zealand’s tertiary and business sectors, also fostering long-established links with some of the nation’s largest companies.  Students are encouraged to maintain close contact with business mentors and advisers, nurturing relationships to equip them with a holistic understanding of how technology is used in a professional setting.

Tech and industry leaders guide and advise Auckland ICT Graduate School, articulating the needs and gaps within the sector, forming a powerful network between universities, industry and the wider innovation eco-system within New Zealand and overseas; providing counsel on suitable funding models to support high quality delivery and sustainability.

Source: Auckland ICT Graduate School

A civil engineering industry partner, working closely with the school to select the most suitable students for particular projects, has taken four interns in the past year, planning to employ one full-time to continue working on the project they started during their internship.

“By the end of their internship, we require them to have developed something to a stage that will allow us to continue to take the project through into scoping and funding, or to give it to a consultant and get them to expand on that idea,” Aaron Hynds, from Hynds Pipe Systems explains.

“All the projects we’ve undertaken have been for our benefit — we’re not doing it just for the sake of doing it. We have an end-game in mind.”

If you want to be part of the fast-evolving IT sector, your journey begins now, with Auckland ICT Graduate School.

Click here for more information.

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