Jonathan

Bachelor of
Computer Science

Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science

Who or what made you choose to study this?

I chose Computer Science for the logical challenge and constant evolution. I enjoy the technical discipline required to turn abstract ideas into functional tools.

How did you find out about UQ?

As a Queenslander, I’ve always known UQ as the top choice for technology. Its strong research focus and deep industry ties made it the clear path for a serious career in technology.

What kinds of things did you want to know when you were choosing what university to go to?

My main priority was ensuring that the curriculum was genuinely rigorous and industry aligned. I believe there is very little point in choosing a "super chill" or easy degree; if you aren't being challenged, you aren't learning the depth of logic needed to stand out in a competitive market. I wanted to be sure that the university I chose would push me to my limits and provide the technical foundation required to solve real-world engineering problems.

Why did you choose to study at UQ?

I chose UQ for its academic reputation and high-calibre peers. I wanted an environment that challenges my thinking and prepares me for the rigors of a technical career.

What’s been your favourite course so far and why?

COMP3506 (Algorithms and Data Structures) has been my favourite course so far. Although the content is quite demanding, the lecturer and tutor were excellent at breaking down abstract concepts into manageable, logical steps. It is a foundational course that provides the core logic needed to navigate any new technology or language, and the skills you learn are exactly what you need to handle those pesky technical job interviews and coding assessments.

Highlights of your past year at UQ

The highlight of my past year has been working on more advanced group projects with highly intelligent and motivated peers. Engaging in challenging coursework alongside people who share a high standard for their work has been incredibly rewarding. It’s in these collaborative settings where you really learn how to manage complex codebases and integrate different technical components effectively.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering studying at UQ, what would that be?

My biggest piece of advice is to make a conscious effort to meet as many people as possible and work with those who are smarter than you. It can be easy to stay in your comfort zone, but being surrounded by high-achieving peers is the fastest way to pull your own standard up. Meeting people with more experience or different perspectives forces you to improve your own skills and think more critically about how you solve problems.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

I’m staying open to evolving roles, using my UQ foundation to adapt as the tech landscape shifts.