Success Story: Kona Chen

Information Technology graduate Kona Chen came to OPAIC to “reboot” himself.

Kona was working as an IT developer back home in China but felt his knowledge was a bit limited.

He decided the time was right to go to a new country, get some more knowledge about his field, learn about a different culture, and try to “reboot” or “recharge” himself.

He looked into study options in a number of countries including Canada, Australia, and America. After doing some research, he decided New Zealand was the right place for him.

Kona says New Zealand had a number of good schools he could apply to, and it was also an affordable destination.

Another factor drawing him to New Zealand was the fact that his mum had spent six months here years ago.

Kona says he enjoyed his Graduate Diploma in Information Technology here at OPAIC.

“We had some cool projects related to VR – virtual reality.”

He also liked the OPAIC staff, who later became his colleagues. He was hired to work for OPAIC’s ICT and Facilities Department for a period after he finished his study.

Now Kona is working as a service consultant for Vista, a big IT company in New Zealand, which provides software solutions for cinemas.

He’s been in the job nine months and enjoys the work.

Kona also loves life in New Zealand. He especially likes the culture and he’s made some good friends here.