Meet Muhammad from Pakistan, studying IT in Australia

Hi, my name is Muhammad Salman Mushtaq and I’m studying a Master of Information Technology at The University of Queensland.

Why did you choose to study at UQ?

I came to UQ because of its international recognition and global ranking. I also Googled Brisbane before coming here and found that it is a beautiful and peaceful city.

What do you like most about living in Australia?

I’ve made a lot of friends. I have so many friends from every continent of the world. I get lots of exposure to so many different languages and cultures and I just love learning about them. That’s the best thing about Australia: it’s so friendly and multicultural.

What are the best things about your program at UQ?

I really like the practical approach of the courses at UQ because it has taken my learning beyond theoretical frameworks. I have learned to apply my knowledge through experiences like delivering seminars, teamwork, and active involvement in our practicals and tutorials. Now I feel more confident and better prepared to get into the workforce.

Have you undertaken any internships or volunteer work?

I volunteered with the Brisbane City Council for their student placement program at the Information Service Branch. At the end of my student placement, I was offered an industry project in the same department. After my practical experience with the council, I started doing an internship at Lawcadia, a legal procurement web-based platform, as a front-end developer and designer.

I have learned a great deal of professional and technical skills at both BCC and Lawcadia. This was made possible by UQ.

Have you been involved in social activities at UQ?

I’ve had some amazing experiences. I was a member of the UQ Acoustic Society, which is a platform for acoustic musicians to improve their musical and instrumental skills in a friendly social environment. I was also elected as general secretary of the Pakistani Student Association. Being in such a position enabled me to learn about different cultures and countries even more, and help people in Brisbane learn about the culture of Pakistan.

What advice would you give people from other countries about studying at UQ?

I would encourage them to expose themselves to different cultures, amazing learning experiences and the endless opportunities for professional development.