TIS alumni are scattered all over the world; many are attending university, but others, like Miles Dillon, have already graduated and are developing their careers. Miles was in TIS’ first graduating class in 2009 and attended the University of Sydney, where he received a Bachelor of Computer Science in November 2013. Recently, he started an exciting career as a junior software engineer working remotely in Tennessee for a software company based in Las Vegas. We caught up with Miles and talked to him about his new life in the United States and the role TIS has played in his journey.
What has been your biggest challenge since graduating from university?
Getting my first job was a huge challenge. It came about through my job searching with various job boards (Monster.com). The company contacted me about an opportunity and happened to be able to offer the opportunity of working from home. I cannot stress enough how important getting an intern position or some introductory work in a relevant field is. It has been my experience that universities offer ample opportunity for you to do such things throughout the course of getting your degree. Without the small side projects I did during university, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity I have now.
What is it like living in Tennessee?
The immediate difference between the U.S. and other places I’ve visited or lived in is the size and transportation. Unless you are in a very busy city, walking from place to place is simply not an option. Everything is very spread out so a car is almost a necessity.
What are your best memories of TIS?
My best memories probably stem from the friends and how close-knit the school is. My class size allowed me to know everyone within my graduating class and connect with the teachers one on one. Going from that kind of environment to a university where an average class size is 500 or more was a bit of a shock. TIS’ experience week was also a pretty great chance to spend some time with friends while learning more than you’d think. I went on a trip to Vietnam where I saw a lot of families who are far worse off than I would’ve thought. We also got to help them while we were there. It was something I would never have ordinarily experienced on a typical trip.
How do you think TIS prepared you for university and for life after university?
TIS gave me an international experience I would never have gained elsewhere. I got into the universities I wanted to go to due in no small part to the experience that international schooling brings and the Canadian curriculum which, initially, was a huge challenge coming from a U.S. background. TIS helped give me exposure to international cultures as well with its mixed student base. My familiarity and knowledge of them has given me an edge even with my current job as they have departments located within Macau and Manilla.
What are your plans going forward?
I plan on getting more experience within the company I work for. It’s a little hectic with decisions on my job and where I want to be location-wise for better opportunities in the future. Me and some friends from TIS (Luis Ribeiro, Daniel Ricardo, Paulo Ribeiro) are planning to go to Japan together sometime next year as well to meet up.
Miles’ girlfriend, Samantha Zarb, is also a TIS graduate from the class of 2009. She is currently in the Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Sydney and will be joining Miles in Tennessee soon. Best of luck to Miles and Samantha as they start their careers and their lives together in Tennessee!