What do you study and what year are you in?
Bachelor of Computer Science (Machine Learning), second year
Who or what made you choose to study this?
I choose to study CS because it I am fascinated by technology and how it can be used to solve problems and improve people’s life. It offers wide range of career opportunities including software development, data analysis, cyber security and etc. It requires the ability to think critically and offers challenging problems which is so rewarding. I have been coding since 8th grade and when I wrote my first code which is print (“hello world”); and that I could make a machine do that was so fascinating to me and I felt so powerful.
Why did you choose to study at UQ?
To be honest, I had no plans of coming here. I was pursuing a bachelors in CS at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology in India. I came across the International Exchange Program and decided to apply for it. I received a full year’s worth of credit transfer and a scholarship. And I can say that choosing UQ was the best decision me and my family made. The exposure and growth that I am experiencing is so much. Meeting new people of different backgrounds and ethnicities.
What do you love most about your degree?
Coding. I love coding. As a child I enjoyed solving puzzles and crosswords. When I came across coding in 8th grade, it was addicting. I got to code different patterns, solve (basic) problems using code. Everything at that time was so fascinating and I wanted to explore and go deeper.
What’s been your favourite course so far and why?
MATH 1051 and MATH 1052, basic calculus and multivariate calculus has been my favourites so far. Solving differential equations was like dopamine shots. I loved solving calc questions with my music in the background. It was my kind of weekend getaway. Also, COMP2048 (Theory of Computing), it explored foundations and theories of computing, and the possibilities quantum computing holds that are yet to be explored.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering studying at UQ, what would that be?
Do not procrastinate on your assignments. Even if your assignment is 5% worth your grade or your tutorial is worth 1% submit it. Also, university time is the time explore different interests and passions about yourself. Actively participate in clubs, societies, volunteering programs and etc. Do not hesitate in trying new things, just go for it because this is the time where you can experiment without any consequences. NETWORK! Talk to people from different backgrounds. Introduce yourself to your professors and tutors. Be in touch with your professors and don’t hesitate to send that email. Attend lectures, workshops, tutorials. Online recordings are a way to make student life easy but don’t rely on it. There is a significant difference between seeing a lecture video at 1.5x speed and attending a live lecture. Most importantly, enjoy your university life to the max. These 4 years don’t come again in your life, make full use of it. The connections and memories you make at university go a long way that will help you both in personal and professional development.
Have you participated in any internships or work? If so tell us a bit about it, what did you enjoy most about the experience?
This is my second semester at UQ and so far, it’s been around 6-7 months in Brisbane so currently I couldn’t find one. But I am actively looking for internships in the tech industry to get real-world hands-on experience.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I want to work towards sustainable development using my technical skills. Initially, I’d want to land a role as a machine learning engineer or a data scientist. Get some experience, learn the ways and then want to start a business of my own that will help the world towards sustainable development.
Are you a member of any student societies or participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
Last semester (my first semester), I was a part of UQ Computing and UQ LIT. I attended and participated in many events. I have applied for an associate’s role at UQ LIT for the upcoming semester. This semester I am actively working and volunteering with UQ Union.
