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Big Ant poses big opportunity for Shehan
28 January 2009
Big Ant Studios’ plans to establish a gaming development studio at the University of the Sunshine Coast this year has thrilled St John’s College Year 12 graduate Shehan Fernando.
Shehan, 17, scored an OP2 and has enrolled to study a Bachelor of Software Engineering degree at USC.
He said it was “awesome” that Big Ant was setting up a studio at the University’s Innovation Centre and that it planned to offer work placements for USC students.
Big Ant Studios is one of Australia’s largest game developers. The Melbourne-based company specialises in developing premium character action and racing content for platforms that include the Sony PlayStation2, PlayStation3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox360, and PC.
Company CEO Ross Symons said the studio would initially employ 30 staff and would expand to about 84 staff over the next four years.
“Being located on the University of the Sunshine Coast campus means we can also tap into the talent of the students studying here,” Mr Symons said.
“We are already talking to the University about developing a work integrated learning program for design students as well as some course content particularly for students wanting to work in the gaming industry.”
Shehan’s keen interest in technology and computer programming makes him a likely candidate for this exciting work experience opportunity.
He said studying Software Engineering at USC would provide him with a wide range of career options and give him the opportunity to network with like-minded computer enthusiasts.
“I just love to work with computers and all that electronic stuff,” he said. “When you’re at school, there are not that many people who are really into computers. I’m looking forward to working with people who share the same interests.”
Shehan said he chose USC as his first preference because it was located on the Sunshine Coast and because the University has a strong reputation for its student support services.
“There also seems to be good interaction between lecturers and students at USC which should make starting there a lot easier,” he said.
Orientation activities for new students will be held at USC from 16-20 February, before Semester 1 classes begin on 23 February.
The University is still accepting applications to study in 2009. Contact Tania Halliday at USC on 5430 2876 for more details, or visit the University’s website at <www.usc.edu.au>.
— Terry Walsh