Country of Residence: UK
Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
I started in technical support for an ISP and moved on to a project-based role at Kingston University. I then moved to a system admin position at UCL and then into pre-sales engineering. I also completed a part-time MSc in Advanced Computing Technologies at the University of London.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I work remotely and cover our customer base within EMEA, so traveling is a big part of my job. I get involved in pre-sales architecture discussions, technical enablement, running workshops, public speaking at conferences and help with blog posts.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I thoroughly enjoyed the transition to pre-sales engineering; I find the role challenging, exciting and rewarding.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
By graduating with an Engineering degree from Brunel, I developed the foundation to build up my career. I am grateful for the opportunities that opened up to me due to my educational background.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose Brunel because it was one of the very few universities offering the Computer Systems Engineering degree at the time and I was also aware of Brunel's reputation in the engineering field. I would recommend Brunel and the degree program; it was a well-structured degree and helped keep my options open when it came to choose my career path.
What is your best memory of studying here?
It's been a long time since I attended this programme, so my memory is faded, but what is still present with me is the deep friendships I made while I was studying there. I always remember Brunel as a happy, sunny, leafy campus with fond memories of my undergraduate life.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Don't just learn for the sake of passing the exams, think about what you are learning and how you can apply it in real life situations. Ask questions, be curious and start everyday by believing learning is fun, learning is exciting, learning is what gives meaning to life. I believe living stops when we stop learning.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Have a plan! I really wish someone had told me this when I graduated. Learn how to set goals, write them down and learn how to plan how to achieve them. Do not just wonder into the world and leave it to chance. Believe in yourself and your abilities; we are all here to make a difference, make it happen.
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