Michael

Why did you decide to study Computing at Leeds?
I have always been interested in information, communication and technology. I studied ICT at GCSE and A level and found it to be my strongest subject. However I wanted a course that covered both the applied aspects of computing- the skills that employers are actively looking for, and the theoretical aspects of computing which is traditionally taught in Computer Science degrees. I felt the Computing degree at Leeds balanced this very well. Leeds also came up high in the league tables for computing. The city itself and the social life in Leeds was also a major attraction.

What was the best aspect of the course?
I really enjoyed the programming modules, as well as enjoying the content of the module, I think that the lecturers who delivered the module were innovative and helped keep things fresh and interesting.

Another great aspect of the course was the final year project. My project involved developing an open-source application for data-mining community. As well as being fun and teaching you many of the important transferable skills that employers are so keen on, what I found most satisfying about the project was the opportunity to actually develop something real. In fact my application was so successful it is now being used as the primary tool for course work on a module on data mining and knowledge discovery at Leeds! I got a 1st for the project and was also nominated for a Microsoft award, something I am very proud of.

Bring us up to date with what you have been doing since graduation?
After my final year exams I went travelling to America, I flew to Reno and drove all around California. From Reno I went to Yosemite, then San Francisco, and then down the coast to LA and San Diego and finally I popped over to Mexico before heading back inland to Phoenix, Death Valley and Las Vegas. It was a great experience and has really helped me adjust from University life to working life. Although I do sometimes wish I was still there!

I believe you have recently begun working at BT.
Yes, I have recently started on a Graduate Training Programme with BT. Every six months I move into a new role, at a different location if I wish. Currently I am working in the Head Office in Central London as a Business Analyst on a priority project involving the redesign of the BT consumer website. I am really enjoying the job and I feel very lucky to have achieved so much at an early age- a good degree from a high reputable University has certainly helped!