Nikkolas Diehl

Intermediate Software Developer, Masterspec
Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Software Development

Every day is a fun learning experience, says Nikkolas Diehl who is now an intermediate software developer at Masterspec, New Zealand's leading provider of digital construction information and tools for the construction industry.

“In this role, I’m responsible for full stack development in .NET; working with ancient monolithic systems in .NET Framework 2.8, all the way to modern API stacks working in .NET 8 and 9. A lot of my work involves developing backend database infrastructure, front end design, and lots and lots of API middleware.

“Programming to me is like digital Lego, and once you understand that you realise that it’s almost like spending all day putting a cool model of the Eiffel tower or the London Bridge together. You get to learn how all the little blocks work and why they work, and then you get to link them together in fascinating ways. So every day I get paid to play!”

Having graduated from AUT at the end of 2019, he says he is proud of what he has already achieved in his career so far.

“I had an internship right out of the gate after university for six months. This gave me the headstart I could put on my CV as experience. Unfortunately, right after, COVID hit but eventually I landed on my feet at Masterspec. On the day I got the job, my nan was the first person I called. Her pride in me at forging ahead in my career was my greatest achievement in my career thus far.”

The path to software development
Nikkolas says when he was in high school he initially wanted to do 3D modelling but because his high school didn’t offer it, he found his way to web development and eventually software development.

“One of my favourite classes while I was at AUT was my game development class. The lecturer at the time was extremely good, and I was able to push myself in my skills and develop my own mini physics engine. The many late evenings in the labs led to something I was very proud of! I was also particularly proud when I managed to get an A+ for my essay for the Computer Human Interaction class, which I took a year early, and I heard that the following year my essay was used as a gold standard example.

“Another highlight for me was making a lot of friends while I was at university. I absolutely adored how open and free university was, and how it helped me grow into an outgoing and extroverted person who loves making friends.”

Graduation day was a special occasion, he says.

“I was very proud to be graduating and was super happy that my grandmother was able to make it and see me take my next step in life. She passed a few years ago now, but I’m glad she could see me then. Most of my family has graduated or will soon graduate from AUT. My mother graduated from AUT for her second degree, learning sign language. My sister-in-law started early childhood education at AUT last year and my brother is currently doing a mechanical engineering degree. Best uni in New Zealand, I'd say.”

Advice for other students
Nikkolas has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“My advice is to never give up, never give in and just keep swimming. There are always better days ahead, no matter how far you fall.”

His other piece of advice is simple: university is not a race; it’s a marathon.

“Don’t burn yourself out studying until 3am every night. Take time to yourself – sleep, play games and hang out with friends. A well-rested mind is your greatest strength while you’re at university.”