Lisa Ng set out on her postgraduate journey with Whitireia and WelTec knowing they would have the care and consideration to enable her success. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder just two years before enrolling, Lisa was on a journey with her mental health too. Throughout her studies, Lisa was supported by her tutors to prioritise her mental health. In early 2024, she crossed the stage at Lower Hutt Event’s Centre to accept her Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology.
Lisa had previously completed undergraduate IT study, but after several years in the workforce, she wanted to learn more. When Lisa set out on this journey, her goal was to explore how technology could support mental health, but over the course of her study, her interests turned toward information security. Lisa credits the practical skills she gained during the postgrad programme in helping her land her current position as a Senior Security Analyst.
Gaining relevant skills
The internal assessments and practical applications appealed to Lisa’s learning style, so she took the leap and enrolled to study at Whitireia and WelTec.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology is made up of two compulsory papers, Advanced Project Management for IT and Research in IT, as well as a number of electives that allow students to tailor their learning experience to match their career goals.
Her favourite courses were cloud computing using AWS, cyber ethics and cryptography. She found she could apply what she was learning practically in her daily job and eventually moved into her current role.
Managing mental health while studying
Lisa was very grateful to her tutors for their ongoing support and encouragement. “There were times when I had to pause part-way through a trimester, because of my mental health, but I was able to pick up and continue my studies when I was able, rather than going backwards. The team were very accommodating with that.”
To anyone in a similar position, Lisa’s advice is to look after yourself and ask for support – even before you need it. “It can be scary and hard but reaching out and asking is the best way to advocate for yourself.”
“Throughout my studies, I have gained invaluable insights into self-care, building a supportive network, fostering self-love, and advocating for my mental health—both my own and others'. This experience has significantly enhanced my resilience and strengthened my determination to fight for what I care about."
Next steps
Now she’s completed her studies, Lisa plans to revisit her original project, exploring how technology can be used to manage mental health. Using wearable tech to track her own heart rate and sleep gave Lisa a more accurate picture of her mental health, and in turn meant she was able to manage it better. She’s also curious about the security behind popular mental health management apps.
To anyone interested in studying Postgraduate Information Technology at Whitireia and WelTec, Lisa says: “It’s incredibly relevant to the current working landscape. The qualifications have been helpful in practical applications in my job now. It’s a great steppingstone for moving up in your career, being able to apply concepts in real-life settings.”
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