Kangan Institute ICT graduate joins top ranks

With passion, determination and great educational support, the sky is truly the limit on your learning journey. For former Kangan Institute student Ranko Cosic, it was precisely these factors that led him on his pathway to success.

From starting out with a Certificate II in Information Technology at Kangan Institute's Broadmeadows campus, Ranko is currently undertaking a PhD in information systems under the auspices of Professor Graeme Shanks at the University of Melbourne and has recently been named on the Melbourne School of Engineering Dean's Honours List.

The list recognises excellent academic performance of students in the top five percent across the school and Ranko is one of three students from the Information Systems department to make it onto this list as a result of graduating at the top of his class in the Master of Information Systems.

The high achieving student is also a recipient of the prestigious Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship and was selected to assist with the running of the Master of Information Systems database systems and information modelling laboratory sessions.

"My favourite subjects at Kangan Institute were data modelling and computer programming in the C++ and Java languages, and my passion for them today is greater than ever before," he said.

"The guidance and support of my Kangan Institute teachers helped lay the foundation for my achievements, something for which I am very grateful," he said.

Ranko's journey at Kangan Institute began with the Certificate II and IV in Information Technology before progressing on to the Diploma of Software Development. These qualifications offered him a pathway through to tertiary study at the Australian Catholic University, followed by the Master of Information Systems at the University of Melbourne.

"I am no spring chicken as I am just shy of 37 years of age - some would even say I am a late bloomer," he said.

"I hope my journey inspires other students by showing that it is never too late to hit the books and anything is possible with hard work and good support," he said.

Ranko hopes to further expand his horizons in the field of information systems, with a focus on the education and training sector.

Recently invited to participate in a working party at the Australian Catholic University, Ranko will be helping to shape the university's information systems offerings on a national scale. He is also the training course manager of the training arm of Solid Software.

Along with his Kangan Institute teachers, Ranko credits his professors at university as well as his parents for his successes throughout his learning journey.

While he is still not certain which direction he will take in the future, we've no doubt that Ranko will excel in whichever path he chooses and Kangan Institute wishes him the very best!

Postscript: Ranko was recently nominated for the 2012 GSA Graduate Student of the Year Award and awarded a highly commended citation presented by The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria.