Murtaza Asgarally
Age: 23
Country: Sri Lanka
NMIT course: Advanced Diploma in Arts (Furniture Design)

Tell us about yourself.
While I was at school I was involved in my fathers business and I still am. After finishing High School with excellent results I wanted to study Furniture Design since furniture Hardware is our main line of trade in Sri Lanka. I worked in California for a year to collect enough money to sponsor myself to study in Australia. I have been here since 2003 and I’m loving it, mate

What influenced you to study hospitality and cookery at NMIT?
NMIT was one of the few Institutes that offered this course. From all of them NMIT was on the ball from day one. Miss Pauline gave me all the information I needed about the course within 24 hours; she was very helpful and knew how it was for an International student in a foreign country. NMIT’s fast information about the school, course and paper work were very impressive. That led me to an instant decision. Also I did my own research on the Internet about Furniture Design.

How did you find out about NMIT?
There was a seminar in Sri Lanka where all the top TAFE and universities took part. I went in and NMIT looked the most impressive from all of them, a very good first impression that lasted.

What advice would you give to students considering studying hospitality and cookery at NMIT?
As a designer being out there is something you must be willing, able, and wanting to do. The only way I think an international student can achieve this is by being independent really fast. The course is very simple and easy to pass with good grades, just like anything in life – what you put in is what you get out. Furniture Design is an obsession, just like falling in love. If you get hooked you won’t to let go. The teachers are great; they have the knowledge and wisdom of years of experience in Furniture Design. Trust me this is very helpful when designing.

What is next for you?
Well there are many avenues for me, I could go back to Sri Lanka and start my own business, which was my primary goal, or move further into design. I could study Industrial Design and get a degree, which would be a dream come true. The point is when there is nothing stopping you everything is possible in life.

What's been the most valuable lesson you've learnt along the way?
Discipline is something that I never had. I have achieved so much in the last one and a half years. I won an “Encouragement” award at the Fringe Furniture Festival 2003 and also “Top Achievers” Award in 2003 in Furniture Design from NMIT. There was an article about me and my furniture piece in the local newspaper. The Age newspaper also wanted to have an article on my Award winning piece but I missed out because of bad timing. I took part in three exhibitions in 2003. Never in my wildest dreams could I have achieved this without discipline and commitment.