Aman Dayal

International undergraduate student, Aman Dayal, went to Narrabri to undertake the industrial experience component of his course with the CSIRO. The project Aman worked on with the CSIRO was funded by the Cotton CRC and Telstra. The aim of the research was to exploit the new wireless technologies and advancements in hand held devices to provide the capacity and information to assist cotton farmers with 'in-field' decisions and investigate the adaptation of existing Cotton CRC web tools for use on PDA devices.. His employers liked him so much, Aman was then asked to stay on as a casual for another three months after completing his industrial training.

Aman, from New Delhi, jumped at the opportunity to work for the CSIRO on a special project and experience Australian country life. Not many local students are willing to venture out to the bush for their industrial training year. Aman wanted a completely different experience and to see the 'real' Australia. He threw himself into country life, joined the local RSL, played cricket for the local side and really became part of the community.

So why did Aman decide to come and study at UTS in Australia?

"I decided to come to Australia because of the high quality of education provided by the universities and to get a degree that would be globally recognised. UTS is one of the top IT universities in Australia and is more practical that other universities - this was a big factor in making my decision about where to study. What was even more interesting was the Diploma in IT Professional Practice - the industrial experience component of the Bachelor of Science in IT course - which requires students to go into industry, meet the real world and gain some experience. That was something I really wanted to do outside my own country."

"The way of studying at UTS is completely different to India, where you read from books, cram information and write up your work on paper. University life is completely different too. You can access presentations, research your work and assignments, and interact with your lecturers and tutors, all online. Everything is done electronically and the university makes most use of the latest technology in the way it teaches."

How has Aman found his time at UTS and working at the CSIRO?

"Working outside Sydney, living independently and working with new people has not only improved my interpersonal skills but made me more confident as a person. I learnt to survive in a new culture and have more respect for other people and cultures now. I was also able to work with professionals on a major project and learn how things now work in the global market. Choosing to go to Narrabri and work at the CSIRO is something I will never forget and has been one of the best decisions of my life!"

Aman hasn't made up his mind about what he would like to do when he finishes his course, "the opportunities are limitless." Software development is a field he is highly interested in and will specialise in through a sub-major. "Maybe I'll enrol in a Masters or an Honours year, who knows, my current goal is to finish my Bachelors and give it my best."