Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology Management student profiles at Murdoch University

Reef's story

Reef Turner

"The Games Technology course at Murdoch University fuelled my interest in the subject and provided necessary guidance to achieve the knowledge needed to work in the field."

- Reef Turner, 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?

    "A keen interest in programming, and a curiosity towards Games Technology. I was aware that Murdoch University had the longest running Games Technology course in WA."
  • What kind of hands-on experience did you get as part of your studies?

    "Plenty of programming projects. The projects included physics and AI simulations through to full game engine development, web applications, and command line shells. You are given opportunities to work in teams, and cover many aspects of project development from team management to presenting projects."
  • What was your first degree-related job after you graduated? How did you apply your Murdoch experience?

    "I was employed by the university shortly after finishing my studies in order to design and build a web based application to help with the data analysis for a research project. I used my knowledge of project development to help me to design the system in an interactive way, allowing my client to see the changes and new features as soon as they were added. Having studied the languages and technologies involved (PHP, Javascript, mySQL, AJAX) I had a great starting point and was able to successfully complete the requirements and publish the application."
  • What are you passionate about?

    "I am particularly passionate about games and simulations technology. The Games Technology course at Murdoch University fuelled my interest in the subject and provided necessary guidance to achieve the knowledge needed to work in the field. I am also a passionate surfer and keen musician."
  • What are you doing now?

    "I am currently employed as a software engineer for Immersive Technologies."
  • How does what you learned at Murdoch help you in your current career?

    "At Immersive Technologies we develop advanced training simulators, for operators of heavy machinery used on mining sites. This involves much of what I learnt in both the Games Technology course and the Computer Science course at Murdoch University. Studying object orientation and languages such as C++ in detail as well as software development methodologies has proven to be highly relevant in my day to day working process. Everything I can remember studying at Murdoch university has or will be applicable in my current position."
  • What are you most proud of achieving since you left uni?

    "Getting the job at Immersive Techologies was a huge achievement for me, as the position was very competitive and the company has only the highest standards."
  • What is the most useful life lesson you learned at Murdoch that has nothing to do with your degree?

    "I discovered the importance of keeping life balanced between each of my interests (including my studies) and other demands on my time. Its important to take time out to recharge."
  • How do you want to make a difference in the future?

    "I want to develop new techniques and standards to remain at the forefront of game and simulation technologies."
  • What would be your advice to students choosing where and what to study at uni?

    "Do something that you want to do, not that you feel you should do. Select a subject that you are interested in and excited about and can see yourself doing in the future whether it be research based or industry based. Study somewhere that will encourage and nurture your interests, and surrounds you with like minded people."