What are you doing now?
I am currently working as a software engineer for Red Gate Software Ltd. in Cambridge and I love it.
What route did you take up to this point?
During my time at DHSB (2002 – 2009), my studies we quite science-centric and concluded with me studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computing and General Studies to A Level.
Whilst at DHSB and for a time after, I worked at City College Plymouth as part of their summer rollout team; swapping old computers for new ones. It was good experience for the CV and, if you can get summer work relevant to your desired future career, then I wholeheartedly recommend it. I continued this work up to and including summer 2011, which was between my second and third year at university.
As reflected by my A Level choices, I had already decided upon entering sixth form that I wanted to pursue either Computer Science or, more likely, Mathematics (with some Physics aspect, if possible) at university. I ended up focussing on Mathematics as I believed this would be a smart choice in terms of career opportunities.
Between my third and fourth year at university (in the summer of 2012) I took up an internship at a software engineering company called Red Gate in Cambridge and took up a job offer from them to start after graduation.
What have you learnt most about yourself?
At the risk of sounding terribly big-headed, I’d always considered myself very clever. A few years at university and starting work quickly teaches you that there are a lot of people out there that are smarter.
What words of wisdom would you give to a student joining DHSB in Year 7?
Work hard and enjoy yourself. Be careful what you say and do online; it is not easily undone.
And for a Sixth Former leaving DHSB?
Make whatever you do next count, be it travelling or studying or working or serving, as you are laying the foundation for your future. If you ever find yourself struggling, talk to someone about it; “a problem shared is a problem halved”.
Do you have a message for any of your teachers?
Mr Coombes, Mr Martin and Mrs Ellis – Thank you for providing me with the knowledge, interest and drive to pursue Mathematics at university.
Mrs Corboy – Thank you for all your support during A Level.
Mr Hardie – your passion for English is second-to-none, thank you for making English interesting.
Mr Procter – thank you for being an excellent form tutor during KS3 and always having something to get me thinking about an aspect of Physics.