What university did for me – Natasha’s story

Natasha studied Software Engineering at the Moulsecoomb campus and graduated in July 2014. She now works at Capita as a Software Tester, a job that she found after meeting  Craig Chitty, Graduate Recruitment Manager, at The Careers Fair.

During her course, she learnt how to create software, how computers work and how to program. The skills she’s learnt help her every day in her job.

She says: “The course has equipped me for life after university. It helped me learn how to work by myself or in a team and it boosted my confidence.”

In her role at Capita, she tests software sent to her by software developers and gives it the go ahead if it’s all in working order, if not, she’ll report the errors until it’s correct.

Natasha explained that The Careers Fair was a great chance to meet employers and find out about the jobs and graduate schemes that they offer. She says that without the event, she wouldn’t being doing what she’s doing now.

“I found the Careers Fair really useful, I met Craig at the Fair and spoke to him about Capita and then gave him my CV. I was invited for an interview which included a presentation and then I got the job!”

Natasha didn’t do a placement before graduating as she had a part-time software engineering job but she thinks that work experience is crucial.

“It’s important to get the skills you need and put yourself out there. I didn’t do a placement but it’s best to do one, as you’ll be taken more seriously if you have that on your CV.”

Natasha misses being at uni but still stays in touch with her friends. She advises: “Whilst you’re at uni get involved in anything! You’ll miss the opportunities once they’re gone.”

Natasha plans to improve her coding and get more experience in her current job. She says: “I want to progress higher and higher until I can’t go any higher.”

Watch the full interview with Natasha here:

 

Find out more about how The Careers Service can help you here.