Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
4 minutes ago
Priyanka Antil, who came from India to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) and the Master of Information Technology at EIT, has continued her journey and recently completed a PhD at AUT in Auckland.
An international student chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand and is now reaping the rewards having recently completed her journey with a PhD.
Priyanka Antil, 38, has always had a passion for IT, having completed her Bachelor of Computer Science and Masters in Computer Application in her home country of India.
She spent a number of years working in India before marrying her husband Vinod and having a son, Priyansh.
It was then that Priyanka started looking for opportunities to study abroad.
“I did my research and I really liked the look of New Zealand. We chose EIT because I wanted to go to a polytechnic rather than going to a university. When I saw EIT, I knew that it was a good institute so I applied.”
It was a decision she does not regret, even though it meant moving her young family halfway across the world to pursue her studies in 2015.
She enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) at EIT in Auckland, which was a one-year programme.
“We had a couple of admission offers from institutes, but we chose EIT because I had some specific criteria. I wanted to go to a government institute and I wanted to be with students from different countries.
She loved the Postgraduate Diploma, and it whet her appetite to go forward with her studies. It was a natural progression to do a second Masters. She chose the Master of Information Technology and she is glad she did.
“After I finished my Graduate Diploma, I got a job here in Auckland as a part-time lecturer at AWI, Institute”
“Working part-time also motivated me to continue my higher education journey. I want to grow in the field more, so that I can be a part of the education system here in New Zealand.”
The next phase was her PhD, but unfortunately EIT does not offer that programme so she completed it through AUT in Auckland. However, her association with EIT did not end as she has received guidance from EIT Adjunct Associate Professor Alison Clear.
The PhD in software engineering has taken her four years to complete, something she says she could not have done without her husband, who has been the family’s sole income earner as a manager at a local supermarket.
However, that has changed and Priyanka now has a job of her own, working as a senior test engineer at GenTrack Global Limited.
EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman says: “EIT is immensely proud of Priyanka and her outstanding accomplishments as she graduates with a PhD. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the excellence we strive to cultivate in all our students.”
“Although EIT does not currently offer PhD programmes, we are delighted to see how our Master’s qualifications serve as a strong foundation for graduates aspiring to pursue further research and academic success.”
“Priyanka’s achievements highlight the value of an EIT education in supporting students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to their chosen fields. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Priyanka and her family, and we wish them continued success and happiness as they continue their journey here in New Zealand.”