Steven Taniko

Course: Bachelor of Computer Science, 2013
Nationality: Indonesian
Current role: Product Owner, Swift

How have your studies helped to prepare you for the working world?

I believe my studies at Monash prepared me not just in knowledge and skills in the field of Computer Science, but also in terms of the mentality that a professional should have. The standard and the level of difficulty set by Monash equipped me well to face the challenging reality of the working world.

What did you like best about your studies here? What were the most challenging aspects and how did you overcome them?

What I enjoyed the most during my studies at Monash were the facilities and the resources provided by the university. The lecture halls, computer lab, library and other facilities were very helpful in my experience. With a high standard being set, I believe Monash has made sure that students are always able to get the materials and the help that they need.

The most challenging experience that I had was being unable to fully understand some of the subjects in my course. I think this is a common thing that happens among university students. However, I believe that if students are not able to get the help that they need, they are going to be frustrated and in the worst-case scenario, they are probably going to give the subject up or fail. Thankfully, I managed to overcome this challenge by voicing my problems to my lecturers. And after several discussions, they were able to provide me with the guidance and help that I needed.

You graduated with the Best Student Award from the School of IT. How did that feel?

The Best Student Award from the School of IT granted me the proudest moment and the most relief in my entire study life. To me, the award is the ultimate achievement in my study life. It gave me confidence and told me that a focused mind and hard work will eventually pay off.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

I attended a few industry talks and they were definitely helpful for my career growth;  I actually got my first permanent job there. I attended Accenture’s industry talk, submitted my resume, and got hired so yes, the industry exposure at Monash was a lot of help and showed me how my undergraduate course will relate to the working world.

What did you enjoy most about your student life at Monash?

The thing that I loved the most would be the friendships that I made. And not just with fellow students, but also with the school’s tutors and lecturers. All of them made my whole study experience delightful.

What are your future career goals?

At the moment,  my goal is to be an expert in the world of IT. I believe now is the right time for me to gain as much experience and skills as I can before I move on to the next stage in my career.

Do you have any advice for our current students?

My advice is to put your effort into both your study and social life, and most importantly never give up. You might not feel it at the moment, but the hard work, the knowledge and the social circles that you gain from your study life will give you a whole lot of support when you move into the working world.