Selina-Tindall

Team Lead Software Developer, Royal Bank of Scotland - Markets & International Banking 
BSc Computer Science (2009)

The tutors and staff are some of the friendliest and most intelligent people I have come across, who you can have a great discussion with and enjoy learning with. The three years I spent studying at the University of Birmingham were some of the best years of my life. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

I joined the RBS Technology graduate scheme in September 2009.  There, I had 2 months of training in financial instruments and basic technology concepts that would be required for the scheme (e.g. programming, documentation, databases).  I then had two 5 month rotations within the company – one in a front line support role, which enabled me to learn a lot about the business, and the other in a programming role where I got to use my degree to its full potential.  I rolled off the graduate scheme in 2010, where I stayed in software development and became a full member of the team. I worked in various roles within the same department and became a team lead for an application towards which I took full responsibility.

What is the best thing about the job you are doing now?
My colleagues are very friendly and willing to help – if ever I have any issues they are there to support me. When I have needed direction for my career, management has supported me and let me try new projects to see where my skills fit best.
The company is large and diverse, which means there are ample opportunities to develop both personally and professionally, and fantastic opportunities to network with others across the business.

Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?
I have a passion for technology and wanted to read Computer Science – I see myself as being an inventor; you write some code and create something new!

What did you think were the best points of your course and the University?
I loved the diversity of the course modules – the main modules were the necessary topics for Computer Science, but you had the option to delve more into other interests such as Artificial Intelligence or Software Engineering. The tutors and staff are some of the friendliest and most intelligent people I have come across, who you can have a great discussion with and enjoy learning with.
The university is a beautiful redbrick university with a stunning campus, yet is only 10 minutes from the city centre. The Vale and Selly Oak are student villages that mean you are always with friends, and Birmingham is renowned for having great student nightlife.

What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?
Make the most of the University’s resources. This is a fantastic opportunity to discuss and debate matters with those with similar interests – both in your peer group and with tutors and professors.
When recruiting, companies like to see a good degree on paper, but they’re even more impressed with a well-rounded, interesting individual who does more than what’s expected in a degree. Get involved with societies, become a student ambassador, represent your university, etc.

How did you grow as a person by studying at University? Did it change your life in any way?
The three years I spent studying at the University of Birmingham were some of the best years of my life.
The help I received during my degree meant I never felt alone and was always pushed to be the best. I met incredible people across the University; from friends on campus to course-mates to lecturers.
I would do it all again in a heartbeat!