In the past, getting a foreign degree in Nepal was a pipe dream for Nepali students. But now, many colleges such as Islington College in Kathmandu, provide foreign degrees to students. But what do the graduates to after finishing college? It’s a question many students interested in getting a foreign degree ask. We caught up with some of the graduates of Islington College to ask them these questions.
We talked to Angkit Thapa Magar (AM), Web Developer at Monash University (Batch of 2012, BSc Hons Computing), Tridev Gurung (TG) ,Vice President of Configuration Management at the Bank of New York Mellon (Batch of 2012, BSc Hons Computing), Raman Pradhananga (RP), System & Network Engineer at Verscend Technologies (Batch of 2016) Anushka Baral, Data Analyst at Barclaycard US (Batch of 2016, BSc Hons Computing) and Vijay Limbu Senihang (VL), Co-Founder and CTO of Rigo Technology.
- What are the benefits of getting an International degree? What has been your experience like in the job market?
AM:
At most renowned universities, international degrees tend to keep their modules updated as per current trends and experiences. In order to be labelled as a ‘ready to work graduate’, one needs to have practical knowledge. Only international degrees can provide you this. Having said that students must also be equally competent to grab opportunities. As per my experiences in the job market, I believe it’s a combination of technical skills (50%), communication skills (40%) and a good degree (10%) can lead you towards success. A graduate from reputed university is always well recognised everywhere.
TG:
First and foremost, I would like to say that a degree is not just about getting a job. The international degree I received from Islington helped me see a whole new world. Today, after overcoming many hurdles, I believe I have the skills to compete in this market. The international degree provided a unique blend of opportunity and flexibility to shape and frame skills according to my strengths and interests.
RP:
An international degree prepares you for an international workplace, develop valuable life skills, strengthen leadership, widen your perception, advance your career and grow as a person. These skills prepare you as an industry-ready graduate.
AB:
The major asset of having an international degree is its global recognition. It is an eye candy for many recruiters and interviewers.
VG:
The benefits of getting an international degree is that you will be unique in the Nepal market. An international degree will help you to boost your CV.
2. Do you think the course you took prepared you for the job market in Nepal and abroad?
AM:
Yes, to some extent. As a student, while I was trying to figure out my interest, it certainly helped to carve my pathway to where I am now. After graduating from Islington, I worked for two years before applying for my Master’s. This certainly helped to boost my confidence to compete for jobs in international arena.
TG:
The London Metropolitan University’s course structure helped me hone my skills. No idea was ever too big, and that turned out to be the foundation on which I am able to live my life today.
RP:
Several classes, case studies, projects, extracurricular and social activities based on the real world have provided me the ability to accomplish things efficiently.
AB:
Yes, it definitely did. The degree focused on practical learning and skill development. Along with academics, platforms such as Battle Brainstorm, The Idea, Internship in Business Development Department, among others, shaped me well to be confident enough to take upon any challenges and opportunities in the job market worldwide.
VG:
Yes, since the course was updated and was as per the market demand, it has helped me to work in the real world.
3. Do you think you received more opportunities for career growth because you had an international degree?
AM:
I don’t think one would excel in life and career wise just by pursuing an international degree. As I mentioned earlier, various other factors play a vital role. For me, the degree provided a platform from where I could strengthen my knowledge and skills.
TG:
For me it was always Computer Science. I knew I wanted to major in software engineering/project management, so I set my sights on London Metropolitan University’s course structure. I still remember landing my first internship job within no time at Cloud Factory.
RP:
An international degree has helped me stand out from the crowd and face challenges of the market.
AB:
I believe your career growth depends on your, knowledge and dedication.
I received an overwhelming response to my internship and full-time applications. Having worked for three major companies in the US, I must say that along with my graduate degree, the experience and skills I built from my undergraduate program were the ingredients of my success.
VG:
Definitely, being a graduate from international university and having an international degree is a plus point. Being in Nepal, I received a a job offer from Amazon, Sydney, and other various international companies.
4. Did you face any problem enrolling in a Nepali University after completing your international degree?
AM:
Yes, I faced compatibility issues when pursuing a degree at a Nepali university. I’m not sure what’s the current situation. But I believe one would definitely prefer to continue their higher education at a globally-recognised university.
TG:
I’m looking forward to do a PhD in Computer Science. I haven’t tried, but I believe the degree already has been recognised by Nepali universities such as TU.
RP:
In-fact, I am studying EMBA at WhiteHouse College, which is affiliated to Purbanchal University. They were really happy to welcome students with international degrees.
AB:
I directly applied for master’s degree in the US after graduating from Islington. Hence, I do not have an experience involving enrollment in a Nepali university.
VG:
Yes, Nepali universities discriminate against grads with international degrees. But that is not an issue,
5. Do you think your investment in an international degree is giving you satisfactory returns in monetary terms?
AM:
Yes, definitely. Considering the time and money’s worth, I’m glad that I joined Islington College to pursue an international degree.
TG:
Just like I’ve been mentioning before, having an international degree has it perks. Quality education makes us capable of interpreting things better. Education has its price everywhere—but the only thing more expensive than investing in education is not investing in education.
RP:
The best investment anyone can make in their life is to invest in their education because it helps you develop valuable life skills.
AB:
Personally, in the present context, it is more than just satisfactory. I agree that investment in an international degree is comparatively higher. However, it unwrapped a wider career platform for me.
VG:
Having an international degree is more than an investment. It is a golden opportunity to boost your career.
