Maria and Jose are a married couple from Colombia who together studied a Diploma in Software Development (Level 7) at our NZ Technology Academy.
We had a chat to them about their experience, how they found it studying alongside each other and how the NZ Technology Academy helped them further their careers in the IT industry.
Through the NZ Technology Academy Maria and Jose both had the opportunity to intern with a cutting-edge game company called Redfox.
What was your biggest fear before coming to the NZ Digital Media Academy? Did it come true, and if not, what happened instead?
We didn’t really feel fear because we have experience already from Colombia. We wanted to focus on new technologies, learning from classmates and the IT industry in NZ. We felt excited and wanted to take the knowledge we already had and apply it to the industry in NZ.
What, specifically, was your favourite part of your experience at NZ Technology Academy, and why?
Several things… How we learn, it’s quite different to in Colombia. Here we’re more free to explore different technologies.
Also, how we get involved in the IT industry. The connection between EDENZ and the IT industry. I love to be involved in good projects like the internship with Redfox.
The experience we learned from different people and sharing knowledge with each other. Also we really like our lecturer, he’s very friendly, supportive and he cares about us in different ways like your career path and also about personal things. It’s very nice, a very human touch.
What is your background experience/what has led you to where you are today?
Jose- In our country I was a System Engineer and I worked for 8 years in different companies and industries including: banking, software development and internet service providers.
Maria- I have about 7 years’ experience as a Test/Software Analyst. I decided to do this diploma to improve my technical skills and also learn about the NZ IT industry.
In what way do you think your education from NZ Technology Academy has helped you in the real world and your career?
The location here is practical, we learn about different kinds of projects and technology and the internship gives us a real way and a practical experience to enter the NZ industry.
Also, the tutors are willing and they are very supportive and warm. It’s more than a class, how they work, their communication skills, we love it. They care about your ambition, your future and what you can do. It’s exciting to think about what you can do in the future with the knowledge you’ve gained here.
How have you found studying as a couple?
We’ve been married for 2 years. Sometimes we fight but it’s great to be able to support each other, we can learn from each other’s experience. It’s helpful and we understand each other more. Sometimes we have differences but we can solve the differences by working together. We’d be happy to work together in the future as well.
