Double degree – double opportunity

Lee Fernandes is studying a double degree in Computer Science and Politics & International Relations, combining analytical problem-solving with an interest in how global forces shape society.

From a young age, he taught himself HTML and CSS to build webpages, later moving into user interface design in Java. While his interest in politics developed during the final years of high school, shaped by a rapidly shifting global landscape.

His somewhat unusual combination of disciplines has allowed him to continue to pursue both his interests.

What’s been the most rewarding part of studying two disciplines at once?

Studying two disciplines at once has allowed me to balance out the work of both disciplines. When I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with Computer Science, I take a break by focusing more on Politics & International Relations, and vice versa.

Computer Science and Politics & International Relations are quite different. In Computer Science, I am primarily locked onto a computer, programming and working with math, with little socialisation required.  In Politics & International Relations, I am reading, writing and engaging with those around me, having political discussions and hearing perspectives.

While vastly different, together, they build a strong foundation for my future career as not only am I building many technical skills, but I am also building many skills necessary for engaging with those around me and abroad, potentially putting me in a strong position career-wise.

What are your post-graduation plans?

Post-graduation is a scary thought! I cannot believe everything has gone so quickly. There are many roles I would love to take up as a future career.

Firstly, I want to point out that the roles I have taken on at UNSW – Student Ambassador in both ADA and Engineering, Peer Mentoring and office roles – have expanded my interests in future jobs.

Taking that into account, I would love to do hybrid work, perhaps a mix between a project management and web designer role, or maybe even bring in my Politics & International Relations major, bringing a wide array of expertise into government.

This seems uncommon from what I have gathered; however, one thing about me is that I am determined to focus on more than one area. I really value roles that challenge me and allow me to use more than one skillset.

How do you balance the workload and mindset shifts between the two fields?

At times, it can be challenging to balance the workload and mindset shifts. Computer Science, naturally, is a heavier discipline.

As someone who did not complete mathematics in Year 10, 11 or 12, I have had to work independently to bring my mathematics up to scratch with that of a Year 12 Advanced Math student.

This has required a lot of finding my own materials and studying in my free time. Naturally, this can be very mentally draining.

This is where Politics & International Relations come in, as I am able to use those tutorials and seminars to socialise more with those around me, and engage in constructive conversations, taking my mind off the mathematics. 

The one thing I do struggle with the most is sometimes preferring or prioritising coursework from one degree over the other, leaving the other coursework to a later date. This mindset shift is quite difficult, and sometimes, difficult to break out of, particularly if I am really enjoying the area I am focusing on in that current moment over the other degree.

What advice do you have for someone considering a double degree?

If you are considering a double degree, first of all, look at all the options that UNSW offers – there may be one more suitable than what you have decided on so far.

For me, I wanted to pick one where both degrees are vastly different focus areas, as I feel like that gives me a more flexible future where, if I ever want a refresh, I have the opportunity to do just that.

Obviously, Computer Science and Politics & International Relations have little overlap; it is that lack of overlap that makes it exciting for me – I can switch from a more mathematical area of work to a more diplomatic one. 

On the flip side, you may want your double degree to provide additional flexibility on top of your main degree – for example, perhaps you do Computer Science, but also want to focus on some of the design aspects of programming; a double degree in Computer Science / Fine Arts or Computer Science / Design could be really helpful here, as while both different disciplines, have a lot more overlap.

Can you share a highlight of your time at UNSW?

A highlight of my time at UNSW would have to be all the opportunities I have gotten to build on my skills and experience.

In my third year, I received an offer to become an ADA Student Experience Ambassador. On the first shift of the job, I was thrown straight into the ADA Term 1 Orientation Week, which was honestly quite intimidating, but most importantly, taught me so many necessary skills that set me up for the future. These fundamental skills – communication, teamwork, time management, and social skills – set the tone for the future work I will do at UNSW.

Later that same year, I also became an Engineering Student Ambassador, continuing that work I was doing, but this time in the Engineering faculty, which also allowed me to work in the Engineering Dean’s Unit as an Office Administrator and Assistant, an experience that I may have never gotten until after graduation. 

Moving forward to my fourth year, I got some mentoring roles, which include Start@UNSW Peer Mentoring and Cultural Mentor, a volunteering role. Through these roles, I learnt how to deal with and communicate with students on a more personal level. I also got the opportunity to become a facilitator for the Let’s CommUNIcate program, an initiative designed to help new international students build essential English-speaking skills.

All these opportunities to work have greatly increased my confidence and employability, and for that, I am forever grateful.