Bachelor of Software and Information Technology

Technical Services Specialist, Trimble Navigation
Bachelor of Software and Information Technology graduate Michael Trengrove wanted a qualification that taught practical skills he could apply in the workplace. “Lincoln University seemed to be the only university with the ‘hands-on’ approach I was after.”

As Technical Services Specialist at Trimble Navigation he is part of a software team creating cutting edge mobile GPS applications. Trimble turns over $1.3 billion USD in revenue annually and employs 230 in the Christchurch office. In his spare time he works for his own company, Software Without Borders, creating software to teach literacy and numeracy skills to illiterate children and adults. For this project, he works out of the Canterbury Innovation Incubator, of which Lincoln University is a founding partner.

During his studies he says he learnt how to work in a team, communicate effectively, keep to deadlines and manage his time efficiently. “The supervisors at Trimble want people who can hit the ground running and I believe the degree at Lincoln has enabled me to do this.”

Adding to this he says that the style of teaching matched his learning style, lectures followed by hands-on time during tutorials in the labs. “I enjoyed the practical projects which involved real world situations. Also, after the first year class sizes are generally small which means lots of one-on-one time with lecturers and time to ask questions. The lectures are all recorded which really enhances study time for tests and exams and if you can’t make a lecture you can watch it later.”

ICT is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s biggest exports and Michael wanted to be a part of it.  “The pay rates are great and the industry provides opportunities to work worldwide.”

“The in-depth technical knowledge I learnt at Lincoln I use every day in my job!”

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