Oliver Lade
First Year, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance major)
New Generation Undergraduate Award
Why did I decide to study Informatics in first year?
The possibilities provided by computers have always fascinated me, but Commerce has always been my main ambition. However my breadth sequence in Informatics has been nothing short of a revelation, and I'm now planning on completing a concurrent diploma in it. The content of the subject is accessible but extremely powerful; it's fundamental but immediately relevant.
What am I learning from the subject(s)?
Informatics packs a whole lot of fundamental knowledge about computing into a very short amount of time. I've picked up (and since fallen in love with) the Python programming language, and we've explored many other vast areas such as XML and (X)HTML in terms of Python and how they all interact.
To me, studying at Melbourne means...
Security. I can be assured of the highest quality of education on offer, a wide range of subjects and healthy encouragement of breadth studies (without which I'd have overlooked Informatics), and perhaps most satisfyingly, a shoe in for future career prospects.
The highlight of my experience at Melbourne so far is
The experience of University as opposed to high school, the freedom to choose what and how I study, and primarily the discovery of Informatics as a direct result of that exploration.
After graduation, I see myself...
Getting stuck right into the workforce. I have vague but lofty career goals, and I can't wait to be introduced to the real corporate environment.
After class, I enjoy doing the following things on campus
The hours of the Bachelor of Commerce are very permitting, so I'll often meet up with friends for lunch whenever I can, and perhaps hit the squash courts at the Sports Centre.
My dream job:
My Economics subjects this year have reinforced my belief in the power of markets. My dream job would be a successful, fulfilling and perhaps overseas position with the World Bank, assisting in the economic development of less fortunate countries.