Sunmeet Singh

‘I’d always recommend Natcoll,’ says Diploma of Web Development graduate Sunmeet Singh. ‘It offered a specialised education in programming, design and usability skills, which was exactly what I wanted. It was wonderful.’

With a background in design, Sunmeet was looking to extend and develop his programming skills when he chose to study at Natcoll. ‘I had a specific interest in learning [programming language] PHP and was looking for a course that would teach for full functionality,’ he says.

As well as acquiring new professional skills, Sunmeet also had to cope with the culture shock that inevitably comes with a move to a new country. He was grateful for the support he received from the International Student liaison team at Natcoll’s Auckland campus. ‘They came and picked me up, found me accommodation, showed me round, gave me advice. They were really very helpful and friendly,’ he remembers.

Once he finished the course, Sunmeet candidly admits it was tough finding a job and, at times, he felt like giving up and going back to India. Eventually, however, his perseverance paid off and he found work as a web designer/developer for Internet-based hotel accommodation booking engine, channel management and distribution system, STAAH.

It may be a long way from Amritsar to Auckland but, for now at least, Sunmeet is proud to call New Zealand home.