Sey Kuyino studies Computer Science with a Year in Industry.
Why did you choose Kent?
I am an international student, from South Africa. My parents have friends who have studied in the UK and, when they were asking around, Kent was mentioned as it has a good reputation. When I was in the UK on holiday, I came to visit and really liked the campus.
How is your course going?
It’s going well. The first couple of years provides a good foundation in computer science, which I realised once I did my year in industry. In your first and second year you do a lot of Java programming, and in the second year we learnt how to use other programs, it was fun to learn something completely new. I’m looking forward to the computer graphics and animation module, it should be fun; it’s something I’ve always been interested in.
How did you enjoy your year in industry?
I worked at Goldman Sachs and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a really good learning experience and I could put everything I’d learnt in my first two years of my course into practise. I also realised that there was so much more to learn. My team was very helpful throughout the whole year. It was also a hardworking environment, I was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, which has helped me a lot.
What kind of career do you hope to follow when you graduate, and why?
The experience I’ve gained during my year in industry is priceless. It has allowed me to understand what I like and what I don’t like, and the skills I need to work on. I enjoy programming but I also have an interest in business and finance, so I’m exploring roles that combine finance and software development, similar to what I did during my year in industry. I now feel confident about what I have done and that I can sell myself at an interview. It has also given me an idea of what my future career could look like.
What is the level of support like in your studies?
The lecturers are always open to you going to see them if you have any questions, for one-on-one support or asking them to explain something you may not have understood in lectures. There is also an element of peer-to-peer support. The second year does get quite busy, we had a lot of deadlines, but there’s a good team spirit, everyone helps each other. You work long hours some days but you’re doing it together, which helps.
What is the accommodation on campus like?
I lived in Park Wood and I loved it! In particular because although it’s still on campus you feel that you get to leave things behind. I shared a house with a nice mix of people who were on different courses to me. I got to learn about different cultures, and made some really good friends.
How would you describe your fellow students?
We are all very different, computer science is so broad, a lot of us have different interests. Everyone’s hardworking and we encourage each other to do better.
What are the facilities like on campus?
They are very good, especially in the first year when you are living on campus – there’s hardly any need to go into the city for the first few weeks. There’s good access to computer rooms and the library has good study spaces. It is open 24/7, which is especially helpful during exam time… it’s good to have that option should you need it! My favourite restaurant on campus is Origins, but they’re all really good!
What do you do in your spare time?
I play netball and have done volunteering work with a church group that puts on activities for children aged from five to 11. Getting involved is a good way to get to know other people. I also work part time, so that keeps me busy.
Any advice to students coming to Kent?
The years will fly by, so make the most of it. Work hard because if you work hard you will do well.