Steven Price - Master of Networking and Systems Administration
What made you choose ITM-CSU?
It was quite hard to study at undergraduate level when you’re already in the workforce and some years into a career so I dropped undergrad once I’d done enough to obtain a diploma. I knew people who had studied at ITM-CSU and it really aligned with what I needed in my job. I’d moved into IT and my manager told me I needed a qualification if I wanted to get ahead. It was the only good option for me.
Did you do any of our short courses?
Yes, I completed 3 and they gave me a credit for them towards a subject. I’m doing a fourth one now post finishing my masters.
When I first started, I also did the ACS Professional accreditation as a way of being recognised for my skills and experience in the absence of further qualifications. It also gave me 2 subject credits in the course and that helped with finances also.
Getting credits for industry courses or the ACS really helps you plan out your study journey – I would have taken at least another 6 months without it. I may not even have joined ACS without the prompting of the course, and their professional development requirements and opportunity to network are great – they are big added bonuses.
Has the course been helpful for your job?
What impressed me was that I have really done a lot that applies directly to my day-to-day work. I made sure that I selected subjects that worked that way, my work was supporting me to do the course and it felt like a good way to help repay them.
You started by completing our Grad Cert. What made you decide to pursue your Masters?
When I finished the graduate certificate, I thought I might do some industry courses then come back, but then paused over the break and thought that now was the time, while I was in the swing of study. I had really enjoyed the graduate certificate and wanted to do the masters. I had never expected to get a masters in my life as I had never had any undergraduate qualifications, but I found it very satisfying. I’m now thinking about going back to get some vendor certifications as well.
What would be tips do you have for a prospective student who is worried about managing full-time work and a family, plus study?
It’s important to be organised at the start of each subject – with whatever might work – for me it was doing printouts, so that when the course starts, you’re ready to learn and not scrambling to keep up. Focus on the assessments too. Think about that early and it alleviates some of the anxiety of putting in assignments on time. Make sure that you answer what you need to. If you are unsure ask, do not wait until it’s too late. Ask early – it’s not embarrassing.