Tell us a little bit about you.
我来自中国山西省，2016年来到新西兰。在2018年开始了在MDS本科的学业，所学专业是3D Animation & VFX.
I am from ShanXi Province in China. I came to New Zealand in 2016, and started Bachelors of 3D Animation & VFX at MDS in 2018.
And when did you study at MDS?
我从2018年2月开始课程，2020年11月结束。
My study started from February 2018 and finished in November 2020.
What made you decide to study with us?
在决定出国留学前，我搜索了新西兰关于3D的专业以及学校，从中第一次知道了MDS。
我从学校的官网以及宣传得知，MDS是新西兰创意技术领域嘉奖最多的一所学校(MDS is currently the most awarded private tertiary provider in New Zealand for digital and creative technology qualifications.)，学生制作作品短片均获得多种国际奖项。我观看了一些MDS的学生所完成的短片，其制作精美的程度使我印象深刻。尤其吸引我的是许多MDS的毕业生参与了国际热门影片的后期制作，这同时也是我从小的梦想。这些使得我最终选择了MDS。
When I first decided to study abroad, I researched a lot of intuitions offering 3D courses and found out about MDS then.
I found out during my research online that MDS is the most awarded private tertiary provider in New Zealand for digital and creative technology qualifications. Students received numerous awards internationally for their amazing work and I was really impressed by the sophistication of MDS students’ portfolio. I was particularly drawn to MDS also because a lot of its graduates went on to be part of global blockbusters’ postproduction team, which has always been my dream. These reasons made me determined to study at MDS.
What was your favourite part about studying at MDS?
优秀的学习氛围是我最喜欢的。在学习时，老师们会耐心地为我们讲解专业知识，解决我们所提出的问题。同学之间也会互相帮助，互相鼓励，同时也在互相竞争。在此氛围下，我不断努力提升自己的专业能力，更认识了一群志同道合的朋友。
My favourite thing about studying at MDS is the great learning atmosphere. Faculties are really patient teaching us all the professional knowledge and answering any questions that we have. Fellow students help, encourage each other and at the same time maintain a healthy competition, which really helped me grow my skills and develop great friendships.
What was it like studying through COVID19?
是的，那时是我本科学业的最后一年。我们刚开始了团队项目的制作，便接到了奥克兰封城的通知，所有学生都必须待在家里，同时学校开始了线上课程的准备。我们的团队项目被推迟，提前在线上进行了本因是最后才开始的理论课程。在理论课程结束后，疫情有所缓解，我们得以回到教室，跟着老师继续制作团队项目。但由于疫情反复出现，我们基本是在一半在教室，一半远程工作中完成了最后的两个团队项目。
Yes, Covid affected my last year of study. When we first started our group project, Auckland went to lockdown, and everyone had to stay at home. MDS very quickly started online classes, our group project was postponed, but we started theoretical model online first. We eventually returned to campus when Covid situation improves and we finished our group project with our teacher. Due to on&off of Covid, I pretty much finished my last two group projects half on campus, half online.
What are you currently doing now that you've graduated from MDS?
我现在就职于维塔数码（Weta Digital），职位是Junior Virtual Art Department Artist
I am currently a Junior Visual Art Department Artist at Weta Digital.
What have you learned from your course at MDS?
影视后期的理论专业知识，如何使用各种3D软件，如何在团队中参与项目的制作。
Film postproduction knowledge, how to use 3D software, as well as how to work as part of a team in postproduction work.
Do you feel that your degree has contributed to your current career success?
当我获得这个学位时，我感觉我已经正式迈入了这个行业。我获得了专业所需的知识，技能以及项目经验，这些是我生涯开始时对我帮助最大的元素。
When I received my degree, I already felt ready to embark on a career in the industry. Not only did I learned all the knowledge and skills, but also and real project experience. Those are key elements to the success of starting my career
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
我非常热爱现在所从事的工作，所以10年后，我希望在这个角色中有所进步，更深刻的了解影视行业，参与更多项目的制作。并且我希望自己能够指导该领域的其他人，将我的经验用于帮助行业内的新人。
I am really passionate about my current work. I hope to grow in my current role, have a real understanding of filming industry and be part of many projects. Moreover, I would like to become a leader in the field and inspire more people who want to work in this industry.
What are your thoughts of studying and living in New Zealand?
新西兰是一个很美丽的国家，有着迷人的风景，独特的野生动物。生活在这里，可以感受到新西兰的多元文化，人民友好、热情，是一个极富活力的并且多种文化并存的国家。在新西兰学习时，老师鼓励我们大胆创新，培养我们的开创性思维，不局限于单纯的知识。而在工作方面，我可以感受到新西兰很注重工作与生活的平衡。雇主们也普遍尊重这一点，所以在新西兰工作，员工们有着足够的工作之外的时间去享受他们感兴趣的活动，或者陪伴家人。
New Zealand is a very beautiful country with stunning sceneries and unique wildlife. Living here I feel immersed in the multi-cultural, energetic environment and its friendly welcoming people. During my study in NZ, teachers encourage us to be bold, innovative and creative, not to be limited to theoretical knowledge. Work wise, I noticed that people really value work and life balance in NZ and most employers respect that too. Therefore, employees here usually can have more time for their hobbies and families
What advice do you have for students currently studying or looking to study at MDS?
也算不上是什么建议，因为每个人的情况都有所不同，所以可以算是我分享一些学习以及毕业后找工作时的经验。对于我们艺术与设计类的学生来说，作品集在找工作时特别重要，这个将会是雇主对于候选人的第一印象。如果想有一个令人印象深刻的作品集，除了在学校学习时完成的作品外，还应该多准备一些自己的个人作品，或者是与其他人合作的小项目、实习工作时的成果等。
如果想要有超越其他同学的能力和技能，就要在课后的时间多进行一些自学以及练习，比如观看一些视频教程或者从其他艺术家的作品中找一些灵感。在假期或者刚毕业时，可以找一些实习机会，去公司或者工作室参与一些商业项目的制作，这个会是提升自己专业技能以及各项能力的一个绝佳的途径，并且实习经验也会对之后找工作提供很大的帮助。
Everyone’s situation is different, so this is not quite advice, but more of sharing my own experience.
For Arts/Design graduates, portfolio is very important when looking for jobs. It’s the first impression the employer gets about you. To create an impressive portfolio, I would suggest preparing as many personal projects as possible, in addition to work from your course. You can also showcase group projects and work from internships etc.
If you want to stand out from peers, it’s important to spend more time learning and practicing during spare time. You can also get inspiration from watching tutorial videos and work from other artists. I would also highly recommend doing some internships and commercial projects during holidays and after graduation. This is a great way to improve your professional skills and add value during job search.
