Steven Gray

What are you doing now?

A placement year, as a Digital Marketing Executive at Glass Digital.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

There were two primary reasons I wished to go to Northumbria. The first was the Computer Science course syllabus contained everything I wished to learn, from learning basic programming skills to learning industry used languages. The second reason was because it was close by where I lived. 

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

They are honest and treat the students as adults. They will also go out of their way to help if you have any questions.

How connected is your course with industry?

It taught me valuable practices in programming and taught me the industry standard. Since starting my placement you realise the industry moves at a rapid pace so some of the things you’ve learnt are already changing. However the basic components you learn (i.e. self-learning, the basic programming practices, etc.) are still vital – the industry is built upon those concepts.

How will studying at Northumbria help give your career an edge?

The projects on the courses feel like real world tasks. Therefore making the transition from classroom to workplace was a lot smoother than if we didn’t have those projects.

What’s the best thing about your course?

Getting to work on a variety of devices and creating different programs such as a library system using Java, creating a basic snake game on the ARM Boards, and creating a functioning website with login systems and admin functions that’s actually on the internet.

Which skills did you learn during the first two years of your course that you use most on your professional placement?

The fundamentals of programming have been the most used and useful. Since no matter what language you are using, they all for example use loops and knowing the difference between loops and which one is best for each situation is important in any piece of code.

How would you describe yourself in three words before coming to Northumbria?

Very hopeful dreamer.

How would you describe yourself in three words after completing your first year at Northumbria?

A changed man.

What are you enjoying most about your time at Northumbria University?

Meeting new people and making new friends with the same interests as me.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Do it and you won’t regret it.

To explore upcoming opportunities at Glass Digital visit their work experience and graduate pages.