Aisha A.
About me
| Aisha A. | |
| Computer Science | |
| Computer science | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Langwith | |
| 2016 |
My employment
| Software Engineer | |
| JP Morgan Chase & Co. | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Finance and consultancy | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2016 |
More about Aisha
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A day in the life of a Software Engineer in the United Kingdom
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Global financial services firm
What do you do?
I build applications that enable the firm meet regulatory requirements. This is done through collaboration with various teams to develop requirements, design, build and test systems.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I have always loved the idea of working in an establishment, and I enjoyed modules at university that required designing/building solutions for real life problem statements. My past employment choices have generally had these characteristics, and reinforced how much I enjoy being part of a structured environment and engineering business solutions, so I decided to search for employment that would provide such satisfaction.
I took advantage of the graduate program adverts I saw posted around the university, and applied for an internship at my current firm; I secured a spring internship, then a summer internship, which finally led to me being awarded a place on the technology graduate scheme.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
No, it isn't
Describe your most memorable day at work
The day my manager told me the intern I had been mentoring in my team told him I was her role model
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Yes. There is constant learning needed and putting yourself out there - technically, as well as soft skills
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I wasn't consistently participating in extra curricular activities. I held a position in the UY Makeup society and also assisted with Young Enterprise, I also attended some Hackathons. To be honest, apart from being able to list them on my CV, and the confidence that comes with not struggling to think of/ make up extracurricular activities for your CV/interviews (this is pretty important), I can't say I developed any specific skills from them per se. However, I'm very glad I did them.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Do what you have to do (within reason) to secure your first job. For example, go for career fairs/networking events even if you don't like them, and speak with people even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Put yourself out there. Use LinkedIn and any other resources at your fingertips. Get comfortable with speaking about yourself wisely.
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