Third-year BSc Computer Science student Sophie Pearce talks to us about her experience of studying at Goldsmiths, her work placements, and why she chose Computer Science.
What made you choose BSc Computer Science at Goldsmiths?
For me it was about employability and practicalities.
I wanted to focus on practical skills and choose something that would be challenging and interesting. Also I’ve always enjoyed using computers.
At school I’d studied Economics, English, Drama and Maths, but for my degree I wanted to acquire new skills, not just expand on what I’d been taught before (which was how to write essays, etc).
I came along to an Open Day at Goldsmiths, and I really liked the ethos on campus and the creativity. But most importantly I liked the way the course was set out and thought I could thrive in that kind of environment. There are few universities like Goldsmiths that allow you to be creative with a technical subject.
I started my degree in 2010. Originally, I studied BSc Creative Computing, but I quickly changed to BSc Computer Science, which matches what I want to do with my career – hopefully something in computer security.
What have you done in your three years at Goldsmiths?
I have learned a lot. I’ve acquired lots of programming languages, an understanding of algorithms, knowledge of discrete mathematics, databases, clients and servers, computer architecture… the list is endless.
With support from my tutors and lecturers, I’ve also added achievements to my CV such as work placements. Every year after exams, I’ve been encouraged to have some sort of placement during the summer break.
In the first year I worked at the 2012 Olympics. When I went along to the interview I found my course was my best asset. I was placed in a security team. I loved working with X ray machines and met lots of people who worked in IT and other backgrounds, which helped me build a contacts base.
In the second year I worked in India during the summer on an IT development project funded by the UK Department for International Development. This was incredibly challenging. I studied the digital divide between the rich and the poor, and assessed the IT infrastructure in the state I was working in. This meant using the skills and knowledge that I’d learned on my course: understanding data analysis, how the internet works, and how to store vast amounts of data.
In September I was accepted onto the Microsoft Student Partners programme. As an MSP my role is help people program software, acquire skills and attend events.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on my dissertation, which is about malware, social understanding and perceptions. Although it’s essentially a research project, I’ve still had to program and use skills I’ve learned from all the courses I have done throughout my time at Goldsmiths. It is without a doubt the most challenging project I have done to date!
You are finishing your degree in the summer. What are your plans, and how have Goldsmiths helped you prepare?
Goldsmiths have been brilliant in helping me prepare, there have been talks held by previous graduates, people in industry etc. The careers service have helped me put a CV together and given me lots of useful advice.
Like a lot of people, I am not sure exactly what I want to do next. I have such a wide variety of interests that I can see myself doing lots of things. I certainly intend to continue with programming, so I’m hoping to find work with a company that has real potential.