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For Muntaha, studying Information Technology is about much more than earning a degree. Her move from Bangladesh to Perth was the result of her determination through an intense process and her willingness to embrace a new environment far from home.
The journey to Curtin for Muntaha wasn’t easy – she’d describe it as hectic! Because Bangladesh isn’t considered a “low-risk” country for student visas, she had to submit extensive paperwork – from financial documents to statements of purpose to high school certificates. But despite the intense process, Muntaha stayed focused.
“I kept my hopes and I think those hopes helped me to come here.”
Muntaha’s sights were set on Sydney at first, where she has a family member, but found that the application process was much smoother with Curtin. “Curtin helped me with my documents and made the process easier,” she explains. “That’s honestly why I chose Curtin.” And after arriving in WA and seeing the beauty of Perth, Muntaha knew she had the right choice.
What Muntaha she values most at Curtin is having the opportunity to do better. Back home, exams were strictly closed-book, but now she’s allowed a sheet of notes. In IT, sometimes you know the maths, but forget the formula. So, being able to double check that you’re doing the maths in the right order is a lifesaver. Another lifesaver? Recorded lectures. As a student, you sometimes just have to miss a lecture, so having access to notes and lecture recordings allows Muntaha to catch up on her own time, at her own pace.
IT is an interesting subject but a difficult one too. Managing assessments has been the most challenging part of uni, especially when she has competing deadlines or even multiple exams on the same day. What helps her cope is having open communication with her helpful tutors and the ability to apply for extensions.
That’s why Muntaha’s biggest piece of advice is to communicate, communicate, communicate!
“Communicate with your professor, communicate with your friends, communicate with the assistant teachers that are in the lab. I’m so happy that I chose to communicate, but I wish I did so from the beginning of my course.”
Despite her love of IT, one of her favourite classes has been a unit about Indigenous science and Aboriginal studies. “The history of Australia is quite similar to Bangladesh – colonisation, the Indigenous people’s suffering,” explains Muntaha. “My tutor told the stories in such a beautiful way and made it so engaging to learn about Australia’s past.”
Learning about the history has helped Muntaha feel more connected to Australia and confident in understanding its culture and perspectives. She was able to dive straight into learning about Australia at a small zoo pop-up on campus after her international student orientation. Meeting a koala and holding a snake over her neck for the first time was an experience Muntaha says she will never forget.
Looking ahead, Muntaha hopes to return to Bangladesh and start her own IT firm, while still holding onto her dream of interning at Google.
“I just want to visit their office. If I get the chance to work there even for a day, I would be so happy!”
Despite hearing cautions that IT skills aren’t as in demand as they once were, Muntaha is confident that Information Technology is the degree for her. With a lifelong passion for technology, she’s confident she’s learning something that she loves is the right path – wherever it leads.
