Yashmitha Ramesh

Graduate Software Engineer, Sage

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

I am currently working as a Full-Stack Developer, where I use React for the frontend and C# for the backend. Although I joined as a graduate developer, my progression plan is slightly different because I already have two years of backend experience. For the first three months I am in a dedicated learning phase, as the frontend technologies used by my team are new to me. During this time, I have been shadowing senior developers, understanding the system architecture, and familiarising myself with team workflows, coding standards, and best practices. After this period, I will begin taking on tasks independently and contributing fully to the team's delivery. On a typical day, my work involves analysing requirements, writing and reviewing code, and collaborating with my team on new features. We start the day with a stand-up meeting to discuss progress and blockers. The rest of the day usually includes development, debugging, attending planning or refinement sessions, and coordinating with product or QA teams. Every day brings a new challenge, which keeps the role exciting and helps me grow both technically and professionally.

What were the best things about your course?

The best aspects of my course were the blend of theoretical and practical learning, which gave me a strong understanding of both concepts and real-world application. I appreciate the supportive lecturers and the access to well-structured labs, which made it easier to experiment, learn, and apply new skills. Working on group projects was especially valuable as it gave me hands-on experience collaborating with others in a way that closely mirrors professional industry environments.

How do you feel your degree helped you get a job after graduation?

My degree provided me with a solid foundation in key technical concepts, which made my transition into industry much smoother. Courses like ISE played an important role in building my confidence by introducing me to tools, technologies, and methodologies commonly used in professional software development. This exposure also helped me select a dissertation topic that became highly valuable, as my project focused on supporting software developers in bug triaging, directly aligning with industry needs. Additionally, the strong reputation of the University of Birmingham and the guidance offered by the Careers Network were significant advantages. They helped me present myself more effectively to employers and stand out in a highly competitive job market.

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

I rely on the problem-solving mindset, programming fundamentals, and methodical approach to analysing requirements that I developed during my studies and from my own personal experience. Leadership experiences from hackathons, as well as the teamwork, communication, and time management skills strengthened through group projects and strict deadlines, are equally important in my day-to-day work.

What are your top tips for securing a job in the United Kingdom or your home country?

• Tailor your CV and cover letter for each role, focus on impact, not just responsibilities.

• Build a strong portfolio or GitHub showcasing meaningful projects.

• Use LinkedIn actively and connect with alumni.

• Practise both technical and behavioural interviews.

• Apply early and consistently, persistence matters.

• Understand UK recruitment cycles and visa requirements early if you are an international student.

For international students like me, I strongly recommend gaining UK work experience. I completed two technical internships and two part-time non-technical roles at the University. The technical roles helped me upskill, while the part-time work significantly improved my soft skills.

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, I’ve been gaining hands-on experience with real-world software systems and am gradually taking on more responsibility from completing individual tasks to getting involved in planning and architectural discussions. I’ve also completed additional training through online certifications, internal workshops, and self-paced courses. These have helped me stay up to date with new tools, technologies, and industry practices.

What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?

Start gaining practical experience early whether through internships, personal projects, hackathons or volunteering. Employers value real examples of how you apply your knowledge. Stay curious: technology evolves quickly, and continuous learning is essential. Apply for both graduate and experienced roles (if eligible), and make the most of every opportunity at university, including hackathons and networking events.

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

I would suggest that students start applying for graduate roles as soon as possible. For international students, I recommend upskilling, gaining relevant experience, and networking wherever possible. Academically, focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than just aiming to pass modules. Make full use of lab hours, lecturer support, and project opportunities. And remember, soft skills like communication and collaboration are just as important as technical ability.

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

Get involved in extracurriculars: societies, volunteering, part-time work, or competitions like coding challenges or hackathons. These experiences make your CV stronger and help you build confidence. Networking with peers, alumni, and industry professionals can also open doors you might not expect.

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, the Careers Network was extremely helpful. They reviewed my CV, helped me prepare for interviews, and guided me on job-hunting strategies tailored to the UK market. Their support made the application process less overwhelming and helped me secure opportunities. Wellbeing services also provided reassurance during stressful periods of study.

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

My fondest memories include the beautiful campus, long study sessions in the library, and spending time with friends from all over the world. Studying at Birmingham gives you not only a strong academic foundation but also a vibrant multicultural environment. I would say go for it. The opportunities, support, and community are truly exceptional.

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

I loved how diverse, friendly, and well-connected Birmingham is. From food to culture to events, there’s always something happening. It exceeded my expectations, especially in terms of affordability and access to opportunities for students.

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

I took part in tech societies, workshops, hackathons, volunteering activities, part-time roles, and career fairs. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally and expanded my network significantly.

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

Living away from home was initially a big adjustment, but it helped me become independent and resilient. I learned to manage my time, finances, and responsibilities while experiencing new cultures and making lifelong friends. It’s one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

I applied to Birmingham because of its strong academic reputation, high rankings for my programme, and the impressive campus environment. I was also drawn to the international community and the support available for students. It felt like the right place to grow academically and personally.