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Picture a world where cars are fuelled by complex algorithms or where patients only need a stable wi-fi connection to receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment remotely. This isn’t science fiction — it’s the present, powered by Information Technology (IT) professionals. IT is booming across the globe, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a growth rate of 13% for computer and information technology occupations by 2033.
Several thousand kilometres down south is New Zealand. While not the first country to come to mind when it comes to futuristic tech — its epic natural beauty often eclipses this — the industry accounts for 8% of its GDP (it’s 10% in the US) and exported US$5.18 billion globally in 2021. It employs 5% of the workforce, with 3,683 immigrants granted visas for IT occupations in 2019. They make up over 80% of new digital technology jobs created.
These talented specialists come from all over the world. In New Zealand, they find safe communities and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Many are products of New Zealand’s Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics too, like the Eastern Institute of Technology.
Dr. Emre Erturk, Associate Professor. Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
At its School of Computing, students prepare for careers in cutting-edge fields like data analytics, robotics, and the Internet of Things. Under the guidance of faculty members like Dr. Emre Erturk, they receive the clearest possible glimpse of what their future jobs will look like. Dr. Erturk’s professional journey is as diverse as the field of IT itself. After gaining extensive experience as a systems analyst and database specialist, he took on a PhD to explore the social and economic impact of IT. Since then, he has published and edited numerous academic papers and participated in prestigious conferences worldwide. Now, he teaches cloud computing both theoretically and practically when he isn’t researching the future of IT.
His recent study was on Digital Inclusion, funded by Internet NZ. “We studied ways we can improve digital literacy for various demographics and how to help make local organisations and businesses more competitive in their use of online tools,” he says. “Some of my postgraduate students were also involved in this research, and it gave my international students, especially, a chance to understand the New Zealand social context of information technology.”
All academic programmes at the School of Computing can unlock this level of exposure. The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) is designed for those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree — especially if they are looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the IT sector and effective management of IT resources. The Master of Information Technology is for those looking to build on their existing IT knowledge and skills with research-based courses and project work, case studies, real-life simulations, and practical work experience.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
The list goes on and can be explored here. Each has a track record of success that Dr. Erturk is proud of. “They have been around for a long time and have received good post-study feedback from the graduates over the years,” says Dr. Erturk’s. “They not only offer fundamental courses that are important for all IT professionals but also courses in emerging areas such as data analytics, robotics and Internet of Things.”
EIT meets regularly with industry representatives to ensure all programmes are up-to-date. Dr. Erturk and his peers love inviting IT managers and professionals to campus to conduct guest lectures and inspire their students.
“I have various connections with other academics at other institutes and universities in New Zealand and around the world,” says Dr. Erturk. “We talk about our experiences with our students and how we can better connect with them. I am also a member of professional IT associations in New Zealand and overseas. These have certainly helped me understand what certifications and programming languages are in demand, and then I recommend these to my students.”
This proactive approach is one of the main reasons why IT students at EIT hardly struggle to put knowledge into practice beyond campus. Currently, students work on projects using real data from local governments. This helps them understand their systems and analytics applications.
The Master of IT programme even offers courses that allow them to work on industry projects while earning credits. This is how EIT guarantees its students a near-seamless transition from education to employment. In fact, several international graduates are working in a range of IT roles across New Zealand and beyond.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
“I am still connected with them online, however, one interesting example I want to mention is a Master of IT graduate working as a Senior Digital Analytics Specialist,” shares Dr. Erturk. “He has not only worked and remained in New Zealand for a long time, but he also travels a lot and really enjoys the New Zealand lifestyle.”
EIT is a Business Division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, trading as EIT.
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