During my time at college, I really appreciated how approachable and supportive the staff were, even outside of scheduled lectures. Whether I needed guidance on a personal learning project or extra help with topics covered in the curriculum, they were always willing to offer their time and support.
Why did you choose to come to Uxbridge College?
I was an international student exploring options for higher education. After conducting thorough research on various colleges, I found that Uxbridge College ranked highly for the course I wanted to pursue and offered excellent facilities along with a supportive and knowledgeable staff. Coincidentally, a friend of mine had also applied to the same college and confirmed the positive impressions I gathered during my research.
What did you enjoy most about your subjects?
I had a keen interest in cloud computing and SQL database management during my time at college.
I particularly enjoyed these subjects because they involved working with the latest technologies and addressing real-world scenarios.
Even though it’s been almost six years since I graduated, these are among the few subjects that truly stand out in my memory. The knowledge and practical experience I gained from them played a significant role in helping me start my career in the tech industry.
What support did you receive at college and how this has helped you?
As part of the course, I was fortunate to be selected for an IT work placement.
This opportunity provided me with first-hand exposure to how the industry operates from understanding real-world workflows to collaborating with professionals in the field. It was an eye-opening experience that helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice, strengthened my technical and problem-solving skills, and boosted my confidence to pursue a career in technology
What are your aspirations and plans for the future?
After completing my HND at Uxbridge College, I went on to the University of Hertfordshire, where I earned a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science.
To this day, I continue to upskill and develop my knowledge to meet the evolving demands of my role and the wider tech industry.
During my time in college, I was always motivated to contribute to innovation in the tech industry. After graduation, I began applying for entry-level positions and graduate schemes, which I saw as a solid starting point for my career. I also attended job fairs and networking events to gain insights into the application process and understand which tech roles were in high demand.
What are your career plans?
As of today, I work at Nationwide Building Society (NBS) as a SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing) Engineer in the core banking team. My team is responsible for configuring and managing the backend systems that support the deposits and savings accounts offered to the Society’s members.
I began my tech career at Nationwide through a graduate scheme in Cyber Security before transitioning to SAP. I am passionate about continuing to work on the SAP tech stack, expanding my expertise, and progressing into a more senior role over time.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying at college?
College and university were some of the best days of my life, so it’s important to make the most of the experience. I would say that finding a balance in your time at college is key. Striking this balance helps you grow both academically and personally, and creates memories that last a lifetime.