The new big thing is ‘artificial intelligence’ and as a natural consequence of which, machines like automotive cars might soon be going on roads. “But it is crucial at the same time to remember -- when we talk of an automatic machine, it is not just one equipment that is in focus. It is about hundred or thousand such cars as a single person would be able control/monitor so many of them. The danger is ‘what if he is a terrorist’?” asks Richard Buckland, Associate Professor of Cyber Security, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, explaining the threats of advanced technology. Buckland was in Bengaluru with his other colleagues as part of the UNSW’s student outreach programme.
The professor of Cybercrime feels that as human society is going to get more complex in the future, we need not just technically sound engineers but engineers who would value and ensure safety and security. “Cyber experts are now working to secure operations and devices that are built without inherent safety features. But it’s time that our engineers think of safety from the stage of design itself,” adds Buckland, who regularly holds workshops for Australian judges, to equip them to handle cybercrimes.
The master’s in Cyber Security at UNSW is open to graduates from any discipline, provided they are keen on the field. However, a computer science/ electronics engineer would be given a preference.
Taking the attention from Engineering to Business, Richard Dunford, Associate Dean, International Relations observes: “Apart from IT, Bengaluru is also an entrepreneurial hub. An MBA from a University such as UNSW that provides a work-integrated learning, will give graduates an edge over their competitors.” MBA at UNSW is for 18 months with an extension of six months and so are all masters’ at the University. During the extension period students can either do internships with top global companies and experts in Australia or go back to their respective countries if they are clear about making a career there.”
Although MBA is open to all graduates, a large number of engineers have taken it world-over. "Tackling quantitative aspects of Business and Management might be attracting them,” he adds.
Two current students, one from Delhi and another from Bengaluru were also present at the programme. If Osama Khursheed, a mechanical engineer by training has chosen to study Environmental Engineering at UNSW, Nikita Bathla, an MBBS graduate is doing her master’s in Public Health there. Osama is looking for opportunities in management of waste water, flood and other related fields abroad, whereas Nikita wants to return to India and work in the areas where healthcare, government and society intersect.
But unfortunately, India has not yet created required number of interdisciplinary positions in its government and civil society sectors. Therefore, searching for appropriate positions in the initial years is going to be tough. To face this challenge, Blair from career placement cell advises UNSW graduates to make employers understand their area and nature of work. “UNSW is committed to ensuring its students life-long careers and not just what the market demands currently,” he adds.
In the background of attacks on Indian students in Australia a decade ago, Pro Vice-chancellor, Laurie Pearcey clarifies: “Soon after that shocking incident, Australian government took immediate measures to ensure safety of not just Indian but all foreign students studying in Australia. Moreover, UNSW is influenced by peace and non-violence philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Therefore, we are extremely delighted to welcome Indian students in particular.”
“Also, the geographical location of Australia and the common colonial history the two countries share, makes it easier for Indian students to adjust and learn in the Australian environment,” he adds.
