Software Engineering

Jennifer Wallace 

Programme: MSci in Software Engineering.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

I graduated in June 2011 and, after a month-long break, began working as a graduate systems designer with a Glasgow-based IT company.  During my degree studies I completed two summer interships with the company and was lucky enough to receive a job offer from them.  Whilst at University, particularly my final year, I developed an interest in research and am considering attempting to return to complete a PhD at some point in the future - after gaining some industry experience.

Where do you come from?

I grew up in Falkirk, Scotland.  It's located in between Glasgow and Edinburgh, about 30 miles away from each city.

What attracted you to Glasgow?

Growing up close by, I spent a lot of time in Glasgow and found the city to be very welcoming, exciting and vibrant.  There is a fantastic mixture of bars, clubs, theatres, cinemas, music venues and sports venues throughout the city and there is always something new and interesting to see or do. 

What do you like about Glasgow and/or Scotland?

I love the mixture of city and country life being located close to one another.  Glasgow itself is full of exciting activities, and only 30 minutes away you can have peace and tranquillity at the seaside or up in the hills.

What do you like about the University?

I love the reputation Glasgow University has for great teaching which lends itself to your degree and is respected by employers.  I also enjoyed the numerous goings-on and social events which take place throughout the year.

What do you like about the School of Computing Science and your course?

My absolute favourite thing about SOCS is the feeling of community which develops as your course progresses.  As you pass through the years, you get to know your classmates, lecturers and other staff really well, making Uni a fun and pleasant place to be as well as providing you with a nice support net during your studies.  I am also thankful for the compulsory summer work placement which is part of the Software Engineering degree as it provided me with a stable job after graduation.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done while at the University?

One of the most interesting things I have done is to become involved with the Computing Science Student Society (COMPSOC).  This included helping out at department open days, giving presentations to prospective students and demonstrating my final year project.

What advice do you have for potential applicants?

Get involved in as much as you can: COMPSOC, open days, coding challenges, special guest lectures.  As long as you don't go overboard it'll make your time at University all the more fun and can even help you with your studies.

Mateusz Kowalski 

Programme: MSci in Software Engineering.
I graduated in 2005 from the Warsaw School of Economics (ranked number one among Polish higher education and economic research institutions) with a Master's degree in Quantitative Methods and Information Systems. Just a few months later I started the undergraduate Software Engineering course in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow.

What do you hope to do when you graduate?
Firstly get a graduate job as Information Developer, Software Developer or IT Specialist. Possibly progress in a few years to an IT Architecture role or similar.

Where do you come from?
Warsaw, Poland. 

What attracted you to Glasgow?
Fantastic University with great reputation and Scottish outdoors. 

What do you like about Glasgow and/or Scotland?
The friendliest people on the planet, great history of the country and the nation, amazing outdoors not so far away from Glasgow.

Glasgow is a vibrant and multicultural city where everybody can fit in with their own interests or passions. 

What do you like about the University?
Interesting courses, great atmosphere, beautiful and historic campus, many clubs and societies, students from very different countries, great sport facilities, etc. 

What do you like about the Department and your course?
The best, always helpful, passionate and friendly academics. From the course I have learned not only about all aspects of software engineering and computing science but also I have developed many 'soft skills' such as communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills, motivation, etc. Very important in my course are ethical and professional practice issues. In our course we are not only involved in the core curriculum but we also get student work experience and an opportunity to undertake various extracurricular activities such as field trips, visits to industry, participating in student clubs and activities, visits of professionals and graduates to the department, etc. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done while at the University?
Two summer placements with IBM, individual level 4 software development project for IBM and current part time job for IBM as Software Developer. To give something back to society, last year I joined the Strathclyde Police as Special Constable, which gives me a real feeling of contributing to the lives of others in Glasgow and having a really exciting life experience. 

What advice do you have for potential applicants?
If you decide to do a course in the Department of Computing Science you will never regret it. You will become a professional and really have a great time while studying. However, I need to warn you that computing science courses are challenging and sometimes you will have to postpone other activities for a day or two until you complete your assignments or pass the exams, but at the end the feeling of gratification is really great. While studying remember to plan your time wisely so you will not have to spend nights in the lab days before the deadline like some undergraduates do