Designing for technology: Meet Charlie
Charlie Rosanove made the move from Sydney last year to study the Bachelor of Design at The University of Melbourne. He sat down with us to share his first year experience.
What major have you chosen within the Bachelor of Design?
I’m majoring in Digital Technologies as I really like how it gives you skills in coding but it mostly focuses on the design of technology. Initially I thought the Bachelor of Design was primarily architecture, but I was glad when someone explained to me that there were many other options.
What was the highlight of your first year at university?
The highlight of the year for me was when bands would come and play at North Court at Union House. When that happens the campus really comes to life as people come out for the music and the sausage sizzles. It was a great place to meet new people and just chill out.
What was your favourite first year Bachelor of Design subject and why?
Foundations of Algorithms – although it is incredibly challenging subject it is also the subject I learnt the most in. In one semester you essentially learn how to code in C, undertaking complex projects that I never thought I would be able to complete. Whilst each project and exam pushed me to my limit, I also thought they were fair and the subject gives you enough help to allow you to complete it with a good foundation to learn almost any programming language from there on.
What are some of the skills you have learnt while studying the Bachelor of Design?
I have learned technical skills such as coding in both Python and C, and the ability to use Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. These have made me learn how to adapt quickly to learning new software in a short period of time.
Importantly I have also learned soft skills. I have had to be organised in completing hard architectural projects in the span of four weeks, and I have gained presentation skills to help me convey the ideas of my artworks/projects.
What advice do you have for other students thinking of studying the Bachelor of Design? Is there anything you wish you had known and would like to share with students weighing up their options?
The degree really fast tracks your knowledge and gives you skills that can be applied to almost everything you do. There is never a boring moment, one second I’m making a model for the Foundations of Design, the next I’m coding a computer assignment for Foundation of Algorithms then I’m writing an essay for Global Foundation of Design and making a poster for Graphic Design Studio. I wish someone illustrated this to me because if you are someone who wants the option to do a little bit of everything then this is the degree for you!
What are some of the challenges you have found daunting at University and how have you faced them?
I found getting good grades initially really daunting but I think the University rewards you a lot better for your hard work more so than the HSC/VCE system. If you get organised and put in the work you will perform much better than you think you will!
I’m also fortunate to attend one of the colleges on campus which makes finding friends a lot easier. With that being said, just like the workload, if you put in the effort it is easy to make friends in class.
What would be your dream project in your future career?
To create a world changing app/website. As we have seen with social media websites like Facebook and apps that allow us to check the weather/listen to infinite amounts of music, inventions can change the way we perceive and live in the world. My dream would be to create something that similarity changes the way people go about their daily life.
Why did you decide to move to the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne’s reputation helps get you that first interview for your internship or your first job. What’s equally important are the amazing alumni who give back and help new students, this really helps you find your dream career and place you in a place to succeed.