Tim Fausten, a student at TAFE International WA’s East Perth campus, completed the ICT40120 Certificate IV and ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology, specialising in Networking.
Transitioning from office administration and sales to IT, Tim chose TAFE for its hands on approach and industry alignment. Recently nominated as a finalist for the WA Training Awards(opens in a new tab)’ International Student of the Year, Tim reflects on how the practical training and supportive environment at TAFE have paved the way for his future in IT.
What campus are you located at and what course are you studying? Why did you choose to study at TAFE International WA?
I studied the ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) and the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking) at North Metropolitan TAFE's East Perth campus because I wanted to change my career from working in office administration and sales to something that interests me more. I discovered that I was becoming more and more interested in IT and especially networking, so I had a look at my study options in Germany but also abroad. Since I had visited Australia before, I had a look at the options in different cities. I then decided on TAFE International WA because I liked the course information, topics, and also the units aligned with what I wanted to study. In addition, I wanted to study a hands on course where I can gain current industry knowledge because I think that employers are looking for people with hands on experience and skills.
What were the best things about your course? How do you plan to use this qualification for your future career?
The best things about my course are the practical exercises. I learnt how networking works and had hands on experience on virtual machines, configure networking equipment like routers, switches and servers either in software or in live hardware in the Cisco lab. Since it’s becoming more and more popular that everything is in the cloud nowadays, I also studied units which covered cloud computing technologies and how to configure cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure and AWS.
After gaining all of these hands on skills from TAFE, I want to further broaden my skills by studying a bachelor's degree before getting a job in the IT networking industry. I believe that all the practical skills I learned at TAFE together with the knowledge I gain at university will pair nicely and will help me to secure a job where I can use my skills in a network administrator role whether that’s here in Australia or in my home country.
You recently have been nominated as a finalist in the ‘International Student of the Year’ category at the WA Training Awards(opens in a new tab), do you have advice for other students who are striving to become a finalist?
It’s really exciting and I’m so happy and proud that I have come so far and am now a finalist in the International Student of the Year category. It's a very big achievement that I have progressed to the finals with so many other students competing in the WA Training Awards(opens in a new tab). I never thought of applying for the WA Training Awards myself, however, my lecturers encouraged me to apply because they believed that because of all the efforts and hard work I put into my studies I would be a great candidate and that I would deserve it. Even though there was a lot to prepare for the written application and I was nervous before going to my interview on judging day for the semi-finalists, I have received so much support from my lecturers, TAFE and my classmates that it was well worth it.
For other students that want to apply for the Training Awards and to become a finalist, I would give them the advice to work hard and keep focussed to achieve their goals and to get support from TAFE and the lecturers to prepare their application. The Training Awards team and the judges are super friendly, they want to learn about your personal journey and the achievements, and they want to know the motivations behind your decision to come to Australia to study.
Did you undertake work placement as part of your course?
A work placement was not part of my courses, however due to the practical approach and the hands on experience that I had at TAFE, I feel very confident that having the skills I gained will benefit me in my career. It's important for employers that their employees have the right skills that are needed in the industry and know how to solve problems rather than just knowing theory.
How have you found the facilities on your campus? What are the best things about your lecturers and teaching style?
The campus is very nice and not a very big campus with small study groups which allow for a better and more personal learning environment. I liked the practical training approach which helped me to learn and understand the different concepts and how everything works much better than just learning the theory of it. We had access to computer labs, we worked with a real server, and we had access to the Cisco lab which allowed us to configure real networking switches and routers. The lecturers were very knowledgeable and very approachable if I needed help with anything.
How does life in Australia compare to home? What are some fun activities you’ve been enjoying in your free time? How have you found the people?
I have been living in Perth for about two years now and in my opinion the people here are more friendly and laid-back compared to Germany. So, I would say that the lifestyle here is more relaxed and Perth has so much to offer. I love exploring the city and WA. I like the beaches such as Cottesloe with its Sculpture by the Seas exhibition, relaxing in Kings Park, strolling through Fremantle and of course visiting the Quokkas on Rottnest Island. Another great spot is Lancelin where you can do sandboarding and visit the Pinnacles.
Do you have advice for future students from your home country that are considering to study abroad at TIWA?
If you are considering studying at TIWA, I would say it’s well worth it with all the practical training that you get and you will have a great time during your stay in Perth. Getting a certificate or diploma will help you to get a job, and I think that German employers are looking for people with hands on experience and who have studied abroad or have work experience from overseas. Studying here will also benefit you as you will improve your English.