Andrew Finlayson
Andrew Finlayson decided to switch careers and follow his passion for IT. Studying his masters at RMIT has provided him with many valuable skills and he is eager to break into the industry.
Master of Information Technology
So far the biggest highlight of my studies has been programming a chess-like game from scratch with three other group members. I found the assignment fun and challenging.
Upon graduating from a Bachelor of Accounting, I worked in finance for six months and realised that it was not for me, so I decided to switch my career focus.
I have always had a passion for IT – it’s a field I enjoy researching in my spare time without it feeling like work.
I chose to study my masters at RMIT as I had heard from many sources that it was the best for industry placement programs.
So far the biggest highlight of my studies has been programming a chess-like game from scratch with three other group members. I found the assignment fun and challenging.
In my first semester I learned Java and SQL programming; software engineering project development methods; how to construct UML diagrams; and how communications technologies work. These are all industry fundamentals.
I haven’t undertaken my industry placements yet, but I am very much looking forward to the industry project in the final semester.
My advice to anyone considering their study options is that if you are not happy with what you are doing, don’t spend the rest of your life being unhappy! It is never too late to make the change. I feel the smartest decision I have made thus far in my professional and academic career was to go back to university and study what I enjoy.
As soon as I graduate, or even beforehand, I hope to begin my IT career as a developer.
Ultimately, years from now, I hope this degree is the first step to becoming a software architect.