Internetworking and Security student profiles at Murdoch University

Theron's story

Reef Turner

"I'd like to inspire future generations of prospective games developers to follow their dreams. It's a very hard industry to get into, but if you have passion and are dedicated, your dream can become a reality!"

- Theron Miles, Graduate, Bachelor of Science - Computer Science, Games Technology


We asked our IT graduate to share some short thoughts on his experiences at Murdoch...

  • What inspired you to become a Murdoch student?

    "I loved the atmosphere of the Murdoch Campus, and the flexibility of the courses on offer."
  • What kind of hands-on experience did you get as part of your studies?

    "As part of the Games Technology major I completed a portfolio of games, which I then used as part of my resume when applying for jobs. The creation of these games covered all aspects of Games Development, and was a fantastic introduction to what the industry was going to show me in the future."
  • What was your first degree-related job after you graduated? How did you apply your Murdoch experience?

    "My first degree-related job was as a Junior Games Programmer at Krome Studios, with my first title being Star Wars - The Force Unleashed. Junior positions are very rare in the Games Industry, and especially so at Krome Studios, so I was very lucky to get the position.

    I was able to use my strong programming theory background straight away at Krome, and was also well equipped with the programming skills necessary to advance my position quickly."
  • What are you passionate about?

    "In the last few years I have become very passionate about many issues. I am very strongly against the introduction of mandatory internet censorship, and have protested about this issue in the past. I am also very passionate about the introduction of an R18+ Rating for Computer Games. I was one of 50,000 who took the opportunity to participate in the Attorney Generals' public consultation on this issue, and am eagerly awaiting the outcome."
  • What are you doing now?

    "I am still working at Krome Studios (4.5 years later!). I am now a Mid-Level Games Programmer, working on a project called Blade Kitten for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC."
  • How does what you learned at Murdoch help you in your current career?

    "I think the strong theory background helps me every day in my job. I was taught to be very particular in my work, and that is one quality which I know is appreciated at my current work place.
    Also, gaining experience in team environments with people from various disciplines was invaluable coming into the Games Industry. Every day requires working with not just Programmers, but Artists, Designers and members of Production as well."
  • What are you most proud of achieving since you left uni?

    "Seeing my first game on a shelf in a Games Store was a very proud moment for me. To this day, the versions of Star Wars - The Force Unleashed I worked on have sold over 3 million copies. Not bad for a first venture into the Gaming Industry!"
  • What is the most useful life lesson you learned at Murdoch that has nothing to do with your degree?

    "I think the most important life lesson I learned at Murdoch was that sometimes you need to fail in order to rise to a challenge and succeed. I remember being very challenged in my very first Games unit by a task, and almost giving up. But with the support of my friends, lecturers and tutors, I was able to overcome the challenge. This is a very important lesson, as now every day I am faced with bigger challenges in the work environment. However, now I am experienced enough to know that most challenges can be overcome with some patience and ingenuity."
  • How do you want to make a difference in the future?

    "I'd like to inspire future generations of prospective games developers to follow their dreams. It's a very hard industry to get into, but if you have passion and are dedicated, your dream can become a reality!"
  • What would be your advice to students choosing where and what to study at uni?

    "Speak to people in the Industry you're trying to get into, and find out what they think you need to learn. Then ensure that the university course you want to enter provides those requirements. This is very important, as you don't want to spend 3 years studying only to find out you aren't qualified to do the job you want to do."