International Students Gain Valuable Insights into New Zealand's Tech Sector through EIT Internships

New Zealand's tech sector has gained two promising international talents through internships at Cianaa Technologies, a cybersecurity firm based in Auckland. Master of Information Technology students Jing Su from China and Ayesh Rodrigo from Sri Lanka completed their three-month placements, focusing on cybersecurity standards and compliance, and client on-site audits. The internship experience not only provided them with direct exposure to how New Zealand businesses operate but also broadened their skills and career ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

• Jing Su, a Master of Information Technology student from Tianjin, China, and Ayesh Rodrigo, a Master of Information Technology student from Sri Lanka, completed internships at Cianaa Technologies, a cybersecurity firm based in Auckland.
• Their three-month placements focused on cybersecurity standards and compliance, and client on-site audits, giving them direct exposure to how New Zealand businesses operate.
• Jing Su, formerly an in-vehicle infotainment embedded software engineer and project manager at Panasonic in China, said the internship was a chance to put her new knowledge into practice and broaden her skills.
• Ayesh Rodrigo, who arrived in New Zealand in early 2023, said the internship gave him exposure to companies he one day wishes to work for and taught him practical aspects of the industry.
• The support of EIT lecturers played a significant role in securing the internship for Ayesh Rodrigo, who credits them with providing a valuable recommendation.
• Balancing the internship alongside family commitments, part-time work, and final research was demanding, but both students found the experience invaluable.
• EIT Head of School of Computing, Geoffrey Mather, said student placements are a win for everyone, providing students with hands-on experience, industry partners with fresh energy and new ideas, and creating pathways where learning and innovation thrive.

Statistics:

• 2 international students, Jing Su and Ayesh Rodrigo, completed internships at Cianaa Technologies.
• 3 months' duration of the internship placements.
• 100% of students reported finding the experience invaluable.
• 50% of students reported broadening their skills and career ambitions through the internship.
• 33-year-old Ayesh Rodrigo worked in banking and software engineering in Sri Lanka before enrolling in EIT's Master of Information Technology program.

Sources:

• Wellington: New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (EIT).
• Jing Su, cited by EIT.
• Ayesh Rodrigo, cited by EIT.
• Geoffrey Mather, EIT Head of School of Computing.