College was a character-shaping experience for me: it’s where I learned more about what I wanted to do with my future and find out about the opportunities available in computer science.

One moment I particularly enjoyed was working on my Computer Science NEA project – a project where you are given freedom to develop and create documentation for an app. Creating a fitness app provided an opportunity to engage with computer science in a new way, particularly through its creative and problem-solving aspects. Previous experiences of computer science at school offered less flexibility in project choice compared to this.

Since leaving College, I’ve been studying Computer Science at the University of Reading and have enjoyed it even more. I love the fact that there are opportunities to work on group projects and there’s more coursework. It’s similar to the NEA in that sense, as you have the freedom to develop projects that have a practical application. For example, I’ve developed a social media app as well as a restaurant point-of-sale (POS) system, all while also learning more about the theory side of computer science.

I chose Reading because I didn’t need to have Maths A level – often an entry criterion for Computer Science degree courses. My course less maths-focused and much more to do with coding and building technical skills. In my second year, I applied for an industry placement so that I could apply these skills in a work environment and was successful in securing a Software Engineer position at the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. I’m really looking forward to putting skills I have learned to use to help people and make a real impact.

My advice to College students is to just enjoy the process: Find out what parts of a subject you like or don’t like, because there are often areas you can choose to specialise in and make a career out of.

Jack Tilford-Carey
Reigate College: 2021-2023
Higher education: Computer Science with Placement Year, Reading University