Double Graduation for American Twins

Media Release
Double Graduation for American Twins

Studying at EIT is a more personal learning experience than at an American university, says Justin Adsett, who lived in Florida before his family moved to Napier five years ago.

EIT’s recent graduation ceremony was a double celebration for the Adsett family. While Justin graduated Bachelor of Computing Systems, twin brother Davron was capped with a Bachelor of Nursing.

The 22-year-olds, who are fraternal rather than identical twins, have a kiwi father originally from Wairoa and a Puerto Rican mother – and with New York as their birthplace, they both have New Zealand and American citizenship.

The family visited this country for the first time in 2000 and again in 2004. The permanent move to Hawke’s Bay was “huge”, Justin recalls. “I think our parents wanted us to finish high school first.”

Looking to his future, he considered studying in Auckland but chose EIT because it was closer to home and living expenses weren’t so high. He says it’s been a good choice.

“It’s not an American college. It’s a bit more laid back than that, as New Zealand generally is. There is more one-on-one and hands-on training compared to bigger places with thousands more students. So the learning is more personal and targeted.”

Students are free to ask any questions they needed answering.

“If you stop learning In IT you fall off the deep end and get left behind. EIT lecturers have an open-door policy so are always there if you need help.”

Within a few weeks of completing his degree mid-last year, Justin was taken on by New Era IT Ltd to work in Napier.

Heavily involved in the education sector, the nationwide company employs five EIT graduates in its Hawke’s Bay offices and another EIT graduate works as a desktop technician in its Auckland team.

“We appreciate that the graduates have been involved in a programme that enables them to quickly develop the skills they have acquired in their courses to meet our requirements,” says spokesman John Phelps.

“We have also been impressed by the work ethic, ability to work in a team and people skills they bring to our company.”

New Era IT’s education sector clients range from small remote primary schools to large tertiary educators – including EIT.

Justin followed up when Head of School for Information Technology Dr Stephen Corich provided contact details for New Era, and that led to an interview and the offer of a position as a desktop technician.

“EIT’s partnership with New Era has been a success story,” says Steve, “with six of our graduates now working for the company.”

Loving his job, Justin is aiming to progress to systems engineer – a position he says requires at least five to 10 years experience in the industry.

“I wanted a job in the industry,” he says, “and EIT gave me the foundation for going into the industry. My learning has skyrocketed since.”

© Scoop Media