Grading up

After a lacklustre experience with high school education, Richard Horne discovered his passion and now has a promising career ahead.

Richard Horne

Study

The best thing was that my lecturer really enjoyed teaching. That takes learning to the next level.

Richard Horne’s always had an interest in computers but, by his own admission, he wasn’t great at school, “I had pretty average grades.”

However, he was determined to follow his passion and soon realised the interactive teaching style at Otago Polytechnic suited him.

“I found something I was interested in and that was it, I was sold.” He shyly explains that nearly all of his grades were A’s and A pluses.

Initially, Richard studied a Certificate in IT Service and Support*. From that he got a job at a help desk. But he found that he just wanted to keep learning, so returned to Otago Polytechnic to study for a Bachelor of Information Technology.

“The best thing was my lecturer really enjoyed teaching. That takes learning to the next level”

Richard shines at programming, and was chosen to help develop open source gaze control software – a programme where users can operate a Windows computer using only their eyes.

“It was amazing what we could do with off-the-shelf technology. We hacked it to make it useful and effective - to make people’s lives better.”

Richard graduated in November 2016, then promptly got a job with the Dunedin City Council in the role of Application Support Analyst Developer.

Richard’s boss, Helen Hanson, says Richard’s doing a great job. “In his first weeks of working here, he was already giving real benefit to departments” she says.

Richard Horne’s always had an interest in computers. Now, thanks to his studies and determination, he’s forging a successful career in IT.

→ Bachelor of Information Technology

Develop high-level technical and problem-solving skills and a solid theoretical understanding of Information Technology concepts in this hands-on degree. If you have existing skills and knowledge due to practical experience in this area, you could study this programme via distance through Capable NZ (our recognition of prior learning centre). You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.

→ New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User) (Level 3)

Learn about a variety of topics within the computer field, develop your IT skills, and gain knowledge of the industry. This programme is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to enter the New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) or other equivalent qualifications.

→ New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)

Want to develop great IT foundation skills and gain valuable practical experience? How about doing that and getting guaranteed entry into our IT degree? This programme is your first step to gaining great introductory skills across a range of IT areas. You’ll study in a creative, innovative and supportive environment and, with small class sizes, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your experienced teachers. Courses include Web Development, Programming, Computer Essentials and IT Industry Skills. When you finish and graduate, you'll have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Information Technology! Plus, study in 2022 for this programme is free for domestic students due to the Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) (although you'll need to pay for any living costs).

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