International Graduate Story: Gowry Lakshmi

Posted on: 1 April 2025 by Olga Chatzidaki in Graduate stories

Gowry Lakshmi, a BSc Computer Science graduate from the University of Liverpool, shares how moving abroad at 17, tackling rejection, and building her coding skills helped her land a Software Engineer role at Amazon.

What do you like the most about Liverpool? 

I moved to Liverpool at 17 to pursue my bachelor’s in computer science. It was my first time flying to a new country, and the thought of managing everything on my own was overwhelming. In the beginning, I felt incredibly alone, homesick, and uncertain about how I would adjust. Leaving behind my family, my friends, and everything familiar was harder than I had imagined. The unfamiliar streets, the different accents, and even the changing weather made me feel out of place. But Liverpool has a warmth to it—both in its people and its energy. Over time, I found comfort in the kindness of those around me. The friends I made here were incredibly welcoming, and slowly, the loneliness faded. Liverpool didn’t just become a place where I studied—it became a place where I grew, adapted, and found a new version of home. 
 
One of the best decisions I made was attending social events at the University of Liverpool. Through these, I met amazing people from different backgrounds, each with their own unique stories. Those connections turned Liverpool from just a new city into a place I could truly call home. 
 
Beyond the university, Liverpool itself is a city that never stands still. There’s always something happening—concerts, festivals, cultural events—and that vibrancy kept me going. The sheer variety of restaurants and cuisines was something I had never experienced before, and trying out new foods became one of my favorite ways to explore the city's diversity. Liverpool gave me more than just an education; it gave me a second home filled with memories, experiences, and people who shaped my journey. 

What is your graduate journey and how did you land on your current job or Postgraduate degree? 

From the very beginning of my university journey, I knew I wanted to challenge myself beyond the classroom. I actively participated in events hosted by the Computer Science Society, attended hackathons in London and online, and always kept an eye out for new opportunities to learn and grow. These experiences not only helped me build technical skills but also exposed me to problem-solving in real-world scenarios. 
 
In my second year, I took a more structured approach to improving my technical skills. I started doing competitive coding on platforms like LeetCode and InterviewBit, dedicating hours each day to solving problems, understanding patterns, and refining my problem-solving speed. Initially, it was frustrating—I would struggle with certain topics and fail to see progress. But I kept pushing myself, learning from my mistakes, and building a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. This persistence paid off when I landed my first internship at a fintech company in London. 
 
After my internship, I shifted my focus entirely to securing a full-time graduate role. The job application process was intense—I applied to countless positions, faced multiple rejections, and realized that acing interviews required more than just technical knowledge. I dedicated months to refining my approach, mock interviews, and behavioral questions. I broke down my weaknesses, reviewed my mistakes, and constantly improved. It was a mentally exhausting process, but I never let setbacks discourage me. 
 
Eventually, my efforts paid off, and I secured a graduate role at a fintech company in London. But my journey didn’t stop there. Just two months into the job, I received an opportunity at Amazon as a Software Dev Engineer in Cambridge. Interestingly, I applied six times, treated each rejection as a lesson, leveled up, and on my seventh attempt, I finally cracked the code! The preparation process for this was even more rigorous—I spent weeks deep-diving into solving high-level coding problems, and the moment I received the offer felt surreal. 
 
Looking back, my graduate journey wasn’t easy—it was filled with endless applications and moments of self-doubt. But every challenge, rejection, and hour of preparation led me to where I am today. More than just technical skills, this journey taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of continuous learning. 

 
How did the University of Liverpool help you in terms of transition? 

The University of Liverpool played a huge role in my transition, both academically and professionally. One of the biggest highlights for me was the depth and challenge of the modules. Every module introduced something new—whether it was AI, robotics, data structures, or design patterns. The coursework wasn’t just about learning concepts; it pushed me to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply my knowledge in creative ways. The assignments were tough, but in the best way possible—they forced me to go beyond surface-level understanding and truly grasp the subject. My AI module, for example, gave me insights into neural networks and robotics, sparking an interest that I never expected to have. The programming modules helped me strengthen my understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles, which later became crucial for technical interviews. 
 
Beyond academics, the Career Studio was a game changer. I made it a habit to visit at least once a month, and every time I walked in, I walked out with something valuable. They helped me refine my resume to the point where I could confidently say I became a pro at it. They introduced me to platforms like Gradcracker, Handshake, and Student Circus to find graduate roles, as well as tools like Resume Worded to fine-tune my CV. But it didn’t stop there—whenever I had an interview lined up, they set up mock interviews to help me prepare. Their advice wasn’t just generic tips; it was tailored, actionable guidance that made a real difference. Each visit gave me a fresh perspective and new strategies to try, and I owe a huge part of my job search success to the incredible career coaches there. 
 
Looking back, the combination of challenging academics and top-tier career support made my transition smoother and more rewarding. The University of Liverpool didn’t just prepare me for a degree—it prepared me for the real world. 

What are your advice for current students and graduate? 

As an international student, it’s natural to face rejections—sometimes due to visa restrictions, other times because we’re still learning the industry standards here. But that just makes us part of the small group of people who push through and actually make it. Every rejection, every setback, is just another step towards something better. Keep going. 
 
Take full advantage of the university's facilities and programs—they are here to help you succeed. Use every resource available, whether it’s career services, networking events, or student societies. If something you need doesn’t exist, create it. That’s the beauty of being at the University of Liverpool—you have the freedom and support to make things happen. 
 
Moving to a new country alone is challenging, but the key is to seek out opportunities and surround yourself with good people. Make friends, build your support system, and say yes to experiences outside your comfort zone. It makes all the difference. Reach out, ask for advice, and learn from those who’ve been where you are. You’re never alone in this journey—there’s always someone willing to help.