Liyana Saleem

Platform Engineer, IBM

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day.

I currently work as a Platform Engineer in the Client Engineering team at IBM in London. My role involves building Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and Proofs of Concept for clients, typically delivered in fast-paced 4–6 week sprints using agile methodologies. On a day-to-day basis, I work across the full stack, combining software engineering with cloud, data, and AI-driven solutions to solve real business problems. I primarily work with clients in the financial services sector, helping organisations such as banks improve their systems and processes. My role is both technical and client-facing so I contribute to development, participate in daily stand-ups and sprint retrospectives, and regularly present our solutions to clients. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the work, as each project is different and allows me to continuously learn and adapt.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

One of the most valuable aspects of my degree was the wide range of modules, which I now draw on daily in my role. Foundational topics such as object-oriented programming, software engineering, and systems programming underpin much of my technical work. Modules like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and AI-related courses (such as Intelligent Systems) have also been particularly useful, especially when designing user-focused and innovative solutions.

A key highlight was my final year project, which closely mirrored a real-world development environment. It strengthened my ability to independently design and build full-stack applications which is something I now do regularly at work. Additionally, my teaching experience during university significantly improved my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly. This has been invaluable in my current role, where I often need to explain complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders and clients.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?

Since graduating from the University of Birmingham, my career has developed significantly both technically and professionally. Having completed my placement year at IBM as well as continuing as a Platform Engineer at IBM, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of client-facing projects, building MVPs and solutions across cloud, data, and AI.

While my degree provided a strong foundation in computer science, much of my continued learning has taken place on the job. I’ve been able to upskill through hands-on project experience, internal training, and collaboration with experienced colleagues. This has helped me deepen my technical expertise while also building confidence in areas such as client communication and presenting complex ideas in a clear, accessible way. Overall, my career progression has been shaped by a combination of the solid academic grounding from my degree and continuous learning in a fast-paced, real-world environment.

What would you recommend students should do at University, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

I would strongly recommend gaining as much practical experience as possible alongside your degree. This could include placement years, internships, part-time roles, or even unpaid experience - anything that helps you apply your knowledge in real-world settings. A placement year in particular helped me a lot in being able to secure a job after my graduation.

In today’s competitive job market, a degree alone is often not enough. Building a strong CV through experience, personal projects, and technical certifications can really help you stand out. Taking initiative is key, whether that’s developing your own projects, contributing to student societies, or upskilling independently, all of these experiences make a significant difference when applying for graduate roles.

Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University, for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so what impact did they have on you?

Yes, I made use of both the Careers Network and Wellbeing services during my time at university. As an international student, adjusting to a new environment was initially challenging. However, the University provided a strong support system that made me feel understood and not alone, particularly during times when I experienced extenuating circumstances. The Careers Network was also very helpful during my placement search. It supported me in applying for roles and securing interviews, which ultimately contributed to me obtaining my placement at IBM.

What are your fondest memories of the University, and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

My fondest memories are the friendships I built and the time I spent playing volleyball. Being involved in sports and extracurricular activities added so much balance and enjoyment to my university experience. To anyone considering studying at Birmingham, I would say: don’t worry if everything feels overwhelming at first, it’s completely normal. Give yourself time to settle in, make the most of the opportunities around you, and trust that everything will fall into place.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

Birmingham exceeded my expectations. It’s a vibrant and diverse city with so much to offer. I especially enjoyed spending time at the Bullring and exploring different food spots and cafés. The city has a great balance of student life, culture, and entertainment, which made my overall experience even more enjoyable.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

I was actively involved in volleyball and badminton, which became a big part of my university experience. I also engaged with cultural and social societies, including South Asian events and the Computer Science Society, which helped me build connections and enjoy student life beyond academics.

Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home.

Moving away from home as an international student was initially quite challenging, as it was my first time living independently. I missed my family and had to adjust quickly to a completely new environment. However, this experience helped me grow immensely. I became more independent, learned essential life skills like cooking and managing my time, and developed confidence in navigating challenges on my own. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

I was drawn to the University of Birmingham because of its unique presence in both Dubai and the UK, which gave me the opportunity to begin my studies closer to home before transitioning to the UK campus. This made the move feel much more manageable. Alongside this, Birmingham’s strong academic reputation as part of the Russell Group, its beautiful campus, and vibrant student life made it an easy choice. It offered the perfect balance of academic excellence and a supportive, engaging environment.