Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
After graduating, I worked for 10 months at Global Tech Agency 'AKQA'. From there, I spent 8 months at Tech Startup 'Pusher' as a Product Engineer on their Software as a Service products, and then joined Fintech Startup 'Bink' in February 2017 as iOS Developer on their loyalty card products. I have just started as an iOS Software Engineer at Marks and Spencer.
What does an average day at work involve for you?
Writing clean, reusable code for iOS application products. Liaising with design and product departments to ensure their visions are being realised effectively. Working with project management so that I know what I am working on and towards and that both parties know when the work is expected by. Making development and architectural decisions regarding the iOS products.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Working on projects for clients such as Nike, Dyson and Barclaycard. Other than that, the team I worked with at Bink were second to none. The support, attitude and friendship within the group was amazing and something that I think is rare and not to be underestimated. I was also involved in the relaunch of the globally renowned BlackBerry Messenger.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
Careers advisors were always very helpful. Modules were relevant and current. The support I received when writing my dissertation was exceptional. Also, the freedom given to me to work on something I was passionate about for my dissertation (an iOS application) was a huge part of the reason I received an A grade.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I had been on campus previously and always enjoyed the atmosphere and that was important to me when deciding. I always wanted to attend a campus university and Brunel's felt like a community, and it always did whilst I was there. I lived on campus for 2 of my 4 years of study, and the accommodation was fantastic.
What is your best memory of studying here?
I have many great memories with friends I made for life at Brunel. My first week there was unforgettable. I would say my best memory was moving-in day on campus for my final year. I had become close friends with some of my first year flatmates, and that group became a larger group of friends. After first year, it was amazing to all live together in final year in the same flat.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Going to university is about so many different things. Learning, living, growing, loving, exploring, discovering, excelling. Don't do it for just one reason, and don't just focus on one aspect. As cliché as it sounds, it is absolutely a case of you get out what you put in. Experience university how you want to experience it, not how people tell you you should.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
You might not know what you want to do straight away even after graduating. And if you do know, you might not get it straight away. But when you do know, go get it. And when you do get it, work even harder at it. Don't rest on your laurels. Take on side projects to improve yourself.