Emma Galliano

IT Consultant, Xceed Group
BSc Computer Science with Business Management (2009)

After graduating, I joined the Metropolitan Police IT graduate programme, which involved placements in a range of areas within the IT function - from customer facing requirements gathering roles to more technically challenging data analysis. Following successful completion of this scheme, I took on a role as a business analyst for a further two years, after which I made the transition to consultancy and started working for Xceed Group. In my time as a consultant I have worked as both a business analyst and a technical project manager in a range of roles for various blue chip clients including Thomson Reuters, Lloyds Bank and National Grid.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
I really enjoy the variety of work that I do in consultancy and the fact that my skillset is so transferable across a range of projects and industries.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?
My desire to move away from London and live in a different city, as well as the excellent reputation of the University and the Computer Science department. As the UK's second largest city, Birmingham has loads to offer in terms of entertainment, nightlife and shopping too which makes it a very attractive city to study, and live in.

What are your fondest memories of the University?
There are many! For starters I know that the friends I made at University will be friends for life. Also, the level of support for learning and any coursework provided by the staff in the department throughout my course was outstanding. To top it off, the first-class sports facilities within a beautiful campus with redbrick buildings made the University a wonderful place to study.

What did you think of your learning experience within the University? 
The combination of Computer Science with Business prepared me well for my career - while providing me an excellent depth of technical knowledge, this combined with the business modules added a breadth to my skillset which has been invaluable in my consultancy role.

The standard of teaching is excellent and the teaching staff are the most intelligent people I have ever met. The quality teaching is fully supported by the facilities available in the Computer Science department - 24/7 access to labs means students are free to work at a time that suits them (or pull an all-nighter for that assignment which you have been putting off for weeks...).

Did you find your degree programme at Birmingham challenging?
I found it very challenging as I started out with no programming experience at all, whereas most of the students in my year had some level of previous experience. However, there was bags of support available from lecturers, teaching assistants and my fellow students whenever I needed.

What inspired you most during your time as a student?
The range of opportunities that were available at University - the societies, sports programmes, social activities, as well as the diverse range of people you meet; there will never be another time in my life where all of this is available in one place.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?
Make the most of all the opportunities on offer, both internally within the department and as part of the wider University. And most importantly - enjoy yourself!