Alexandra Paduraru

Software Engineering Team Lead, Bloomberg    

Who are you currently working for and what is your job title?

I am a Software Engineer Team Lead at Bloomberg.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? 

During the final year of my degree at Birmingham, I was fortunate to secure a graduate role at Bloomberg, which I began shortly after graduating. The transition from university to industry was both exciting and challenging. I spent the first few weeks in training before joining a team focused on developing a Portfolio Management application, mainly using TypeScript.

Those early years were a steep learning curve, but also incredibly rewarding. I had the chance to grow not only as a developer but also to understand how technology fits into the bigger picture of the business. Looking back, I can see how the problem-solving mindset and resilience I developed during my time at Birmingham really helped me navigate those challenges.

As our team grew and eventually split into sub-teams, I was given the opportunity to step into a leadership role in the area I had become most experienced in. Today, I manage a team of five Software Developers, and my role involves much more than coding; from shaping the vision of our products and working with stakeholders, to guiding the design and architecture of future projects. It’s been a journey of continuous growth, and I still draw on the foundations I built during my university days.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now? 

The best part of my job is being able to multiply the impact of my team. By guiding and supporting them, I can help drive multiple projects forward at the same time, while also ensuring that each engineer is progressing toward their own career aspirations. It’s especially rewarding to see their growth reflected both in their professional development and in the products we deliver.

Equally, I take pride in the fact that the tools and functionality we build are used by some of the most important roles in the financial industry, making a tangible difference to how our stakeholders work every day.

Why did you originally apply to study Computer Science at Birmingham? 

I chose to study Computer Science at Birmingham because of its strong reputation and high ranking in Computer Science in the country. Beyond academics, I was also drawn to the campus itself, a self-contained, vibrant community set within beautiful grounds that felt like the perfect place to both study and enjoy student life.    

What are your fondest memories of the University?

My fondest memories are without doubt about the people I met and the sense of community we built together. We were all in the same boat, working hard, feeling the pressure at times, but also having fun, celebrating our successes, and missing each other during the holidays. That closeness made the experience truly special.

The campus itself really fostered that community. With excellent study facilities, it was easy to gather and learn together, and the welcoming student accommodation created so many opportunities to connect. I have especially fond memories of evenings spent at the Vale or in the common spaces at my accommodation, where my group of friends would come together to relax, laugh, and make memories that have lasted well beyond graduation.

What did you think of the learning experience within the University/School of Computer Science, and did you use any of the careers services?

The University of Birmingham played an important role in shaping my career. The practical modules such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Java Programming, and Databases were directly applicable when preparing for technical interviews and continue to underpin much of the work I do today. At the same time, the more theoretical modules strengthened my analytical thinking and gave me the foundations to pick up new programming languages more easily by understanding the principles behind software development.

The careers service was also an invaluable resource when I was applying for internships and graduate roles. From workshops on building a CV and preparing for interviews, to one-to-one guidance, the support gave me the confidence and tools I needed as I navigated that process for the first time.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

Choose the modules that genuinely excite you, not just the ones you think will impress employers. Work hard and embrace the challenge, you will be rewarded for it later, but don’t forget that balance is just as important as effort. And don’t wait until the last minute; start looking for jobs early, attend every careers session, and use the fairs to build a network that will set you up for success.