'Endless opportunities': IT student Reema on staying local and loving it

To the surprise of her loved ones, Reema decided to stay local to study IT at CDU after finishing high school. Now, she's playing her part to set an example of what women in IT can achieve in Darwin. Here's her study story. 

For passionate Darwin girl, Reema, there was only ever one option of where she would study IT when she finished high school.

While friends assumed she would make the logical choice to 'head down south’, this self-proclaimed 'local Darwin girl' had other ideas.

"I wanted to complete my higher education while staying in Darwin, the town I love, with the people who mean the most to me," says Reema.

Four years on, this is a choice Reema is so glad she made.

Staying local meant I could have a lot less financial stress and more time to get into the local industry.

A journey of self-discovery

With diverse learning opportunities, Reema has uncovered new interests while studying IT at CDU. 

In particular, she's developed a passion for creating simulation experiences through the ever-growing field of virtual reality. "When I started my IT degree, I never thought I'd end up creating a virtual reality tour of a historic Darwin location," she says.

Through other projects in media design and short film, Reema has many career paths to consider.

When I started university, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be, but the staff at CDU have really helped to guide me on my path.

"I know I’m in a field where I will just keep learning and building my path", says Reema. "I don’t know where exactly I will end up, but I do know I’ll learn a lot along the way."

Tapping into a tight-knit, supportive community

Reema credits CDU’s supportive teaching staff for helping her develop both personally and professionally. "I have had some amazing teachers who have really helped me grow in both my field and as a person," she says.

Reema’s also quick to point out the benefits of a smaller, community focused university.

Being a CDU student means it’s easy to make connections if you put in the effort to explore the options the university puts forward.

In addition to CDU’s teachers, Reema is also thankful for the close-knit group of friends she’s formed through the wide range of university clubs on offer. And while she admits that "being a university student is never all sunshine and rainbows," she is grateful for the nurturing CDU community that is helping her overcome the typical challenges of being a university student.

A bright future ahead

Today, Reema is focused on the future, and the many exciting opportunities on offer.

Virtual reality, in particular, is a field Reema would love to pursue. "The knowledge I've acquired at CDU during my virtual reality project will have long-term prospects. My double degree also allows me many pathways: a developer, analyst, user-experience designer, photographer, videographer, editor and researcher. I’ve worked in all these roles during my time at CDU and I’m excited to further develop my skills," she says.

Crediting the "inspiring" female IT lecturers at CDU for showing her that "the sky’s the limit," Reema herself aims to be a role model.

I want to show girls that women in IT are a force to be reckoned with, and that they can achieve goals while staying local in Darwin.

With the world at her feet, there’s no question that Reema will achieve big things. And, if she has her way, she will empower a generation of Darwin girls in the process.
 

Considering a career in IT? Explore CDU's range of certificates, diplomas and degrees in IT.