Jessica Ling

Who: Jessica Ling, Software Engineer, IBM, Beijing
What: Masters of Business Systems
When: Graduated 2006
Career/Industry: Information Technology

An international qualification from Monash University helped IT professional "Jessica" Jie Ling earn a job at computer giant IBM.

The Monash advantage
She says it is a job that she probably would not have got without the advantage of having an international qualification from Monash University.

"Yes, of course it helped me a lot," Jessica says. "international companies really liked the fact I had overseas experience. They will tend to accept the overseas students because they have more English skills and also equivalent knowledge as the local students."

Jessica studied her undergradate IT course in China, but decided it was important to get her postgraduate qualification overseas.

Why choose Monash?
"I had lived in China for more than 20 years and I wanted to go abroad to broaden my eyes and I wanted a top university to continue my study.

"I thought I could learn a lot of new knowledge there, so I chose Monash.

"I was quite glad that I did because Monash has taught me a lot. Yes I have learnt a lot," she says.

In 2005 Jessica travelled from China to the Clayton campus of Monash University, based in Melbourne Australia, to study a Master of Business Systems. Within a year of returning home to China in mid 2006 she had secured a job at IBM.

Jessica says she loved her time in Australia and at Monash University. She found the tutors and lecturers were of a very high academic standard. They were strict, which helped her learn a lot.

The Masters course provided Jessica training and research skills in the analysis, design, development and application of information technology to management and decision making.

Monash University is Australia's largest university offering a wide range of study options. It has campuses in Australia, Asia and South Africa, 56,000 students, 7000 staff and an enviable reputation for teaching and research excellence forged in just fifty years.

Monash has consistently ranked among the top 50 universities in the world by The Times Higher Education Supplement and is a member of the prestigious research intensive Group of Eight universities in Australia.

Like most international students, Jessica was also able to see and experience Melbourne, which is regarded as one of the world's most livable cities.

Jessica thinks there is a course at Monash University that will suit most Chinese students. And she also has some more advice for students considering study in Australia.

"If you are going to study abroad I really suggest you stay with English speakers and this will help you improve your English skills," she says.

"Also get more communication with your lecturers and your tutors, they will help you to learn a lot."

Jessica says it is her teachers at Monash University she wants to thank the most - for giving her the knowledge and the international qualification to help her build a successful career at one of the world's largest computer companies.