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Placement year experience opens graduate level opportunity for alumna

Placement year experience opens graduate level opportunity for alumna

Published: 13 Mar 2023

Anjali Desai

The whole experience at Brunel was designed to prepare us for the world outside, from the multidisciplinary project in year one to the final year project. Brunel has truly helped to build the soft skills needed for the working world.

Anjali, Undergraduate, Alumni

CRM Consultant, Pythagoras Communications Ltd.

Computer Systems Engineering BEng - 2017

From India

Previous Institution

Rajkot - 12th ISC (A Level equivalent)

Where do you currently live?

UK

Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…

I applied for a graduate program at Pythagoras Communications Ltd. as a Functional CRM Consultant. Since my placement year was in the CRM area, I thought the job would be a good fit. This is my first job since graduation and in the last three years, Pythagoras has given me a lot of opportunities to work on different projects in different sectors.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

My workday starts with checking my diary to see what project I am allocated to for the day. Projects can last from a week to a couple of months. For the last 9 months, I have been working with a Finance company. There is a lot of onsite travel within the UK which keeps things interesting. My work includes designing solutions for the CRM system along with integration designs, building the system as well as supporting testing. It also includes a small element of managing the project with estimations and managing delivery dates with key stakeholders.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

I have worked with a variety of sectors including higher education, not for profit and corporate sectors. It’s so interesting how the companies manage their data and business processes. Software systems are essential to the key working of businesses, especially given the current situation. The highlight of my journey was definitely attending London Fashion Week.

How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?

The whole experience at Brunel was designed to prepare us for the world outside. From the multidisciplinary project in year one which showed how different teams come together to innovate and build something new, to the final year project which encourages you to deliver something independently; Brunel has truly helped to build the soft skills needed for the working world. The course covered all the modules that I need for my job currently and much more.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I chose to study at Brunel as I wanted to go to a university with a campus. The Engineering department at Brunel is very well respected. For an international student, I wanted to stay in London, so Brunel was the perfect choice.

What is your best memory of studying here?

I have made lifelong friends at Brunel whom I regularly meet. I remember our study sessions in the Towers before the exams where we made so many memories that I will cherish forever.

If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?

University is very different from school as there is more independence and freedom. It may seem a lot to take in at times but enjoy the experience, have patience, make lots of friends and get involved in everything you are interested in. This is the best time to enjoy the freedom and make memories without responsibilities.

What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?

Go for a job that you will enjoy rather than the money. If you are doing what you like, money will follow. I was very lucky that my first job is really a place I enjoy working and I have learnt so much. Don't be afraid to take risks and keep learning.

#IamBrunel