BSc Computer Science with Software Development with a year in industry, 2018

Current role - Development manager for Livepoint, which specializes in workflow management software for businesses / Co-founder of LAB6a, a startup software company

 

Why the University of Liverpool? Growing up in Dubai I didn't know much about UK universities other than what was shown in the rankings. As it was a reputable university I decided to visit it shortly before applying. I really liked the campus and I found that the city of Liverpool was progressing rapidly which is something that I wanted to be involved in as I felt that there would be opportunities opening up around me.

What was your best experience while studying your course? I would really enjoy when our lecturers would share insight into the professional world and how what they were teaching us applied to it.  It made me more interested in the module and made me research what they were discussing to look for potential business opportunities.

Can you tell us about your current role? Currently, I have two jobs. My first is as a development manager for a company called Livepoint, which specializes in workflow management software for businesses. I also co-founded a startup software company called LAB6a. My time at university played a vital role in both these positions. Excluding what the modules taught me, my year in industry, provided by the university, gave me the necessary experience to walk out of university straight into a senior development position but as well as that I also met my business partner studying at the university and together we co-founded LAB6a.

What are your plans for the future? I plan to grow with both companies I work at and eventually make my company self sufficient. I do have plans for starting other businesses but for the short-term future, I would like to pursue the high-tech projects we have planned at LAB6a. Such as some very revolutionary app ideas. I also plan on expanding our current live app 'GIFT KADIA' (currently based in the US) into the European markets.

Any top tips to share with future and current students? A degree is never enough to get you the job you want, especially in the software industry. Employers want to see someone who is passionate and is interested in the field. This means that you spend at least some of your free time building projects for your portfolio, researching and learning new skills and techniques or even freelancing on the side.