Matteo’s Story

1. Why did you choose to study the Diploma of Digital Media Technology at Kent?

When I came to Australia, I looked for the chance to combine my IT skills and my passion for art. I always loved design, graphic and animation so when I found out that Kent had a pathway from a Certificate IV in Web Based Technologies to a Diploma of Digital Media Technologies, I decided to have a closer look. The college location and the competitive fees eventually led me to what I think was a good decision, choosing to start this journey.

2. What do you like about your course?

There are two very important things when you’re learning something new: good material to support you and a prepared teacher to explain it. I’m not going to talk about the former because the latter is the real deal. Tim is not just prepared; he’s really passionate and able to transmit that passion to the students. If you start this course with a feeble interest in the matter, after a couple of weeks you’ll be completely into it.

3. What challenges have you come across during your studies?

Here something you’ve never heard: when you’re not a native English speaker in an English speaking country everything can be harder. Yeah, I know, mind-blowing, isn’t it? In college the assessments need a lot of work – and time – to find all the information required; and sometimes the theoretical level is a little distant from the everyday classroom practice. Having a good teacher to guide you can be not enough if you don’t focus on your targets; and while you’re thinking about the reason to be here, find a balance between work, study and social life is a must.

4. How do you see this course helping you in the future?

In this course, I’m building many new skills. Nowadays the use of the Adobe software suite is a must and Kent gives me the chance to practice with something every designer needs to master in order to find a job. Actually when I started my pathway at Kent I was thinking to find a position as web designer, but now I discovered that digital animation and video effects are absolutely amazing; so thank you Kent to help me find my way!

5. What aspects of this course have exceeded your expectations?

My experience at Kent started some time ago, before the Digital Media diploma. When I think about my expectations for this course my mind takes in account also the good things I experienced before and the aspects that weren’t completely aligned with my mindset.

What I find really remarkable is the college’s will to improve by giving us new and better way to build our skills, taking in account students’ feedbacks. The recently added free subscription to Lynda.com is the best example of this willingness.

Well done Kent, this is what I call a good way to set new standards of quality.

6. What advice would you give to new students considering the Diploma of Digital Media Technology?

First of all be passionate, but this helps in every aspect of life I guess. So, more on point: be ready to struggle having fun; if you love this kind of things you’ll find yourself amazed in front of what technology can do for you and your ideas, but nothing comes easy. The things to learn are many and the time is never enough. Take it easy, the resources are ready for you and with Kent’s help you can open a Pandora’s box of new possibilities. Stay focused, make a plan and stick to it keeping an open mind. Find inspiration and motivation around you, Sydney is a great place to be. First rule to change the world, know it – and know you – so go out, find time to live the city, enjoy life and make friends. One day I’ll write a book about this, but for now that’s it.