What Did Students Say About Us?

What Did Students Say About Us?
BSc Students

Mantas Andriekus

Buying Team Leader at Chevron, Aberdeen, Scotland

  • BSc Computing Science, University of Aberdeen
  • MSc E-commerce Technologies, University of Aberdeen
Mantas Andriekus University of Aberdeen

"I was always fond of the latest technologies, so I chose to study Computing Science BSc (Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Aberdeen. As well as computing science, the degree also shed substantial light on mathematics as well as psychology. Mathematics and psychology allowed me to explore subjects other than computing and to augment my knowledge that could then be used in conjunction with computing. I found that both of these subjects provided variety and were also a good accompaniment to my core degree. Exploring various depths of programming as well as utilising psychology for machine learning were fascinating. Upon completion of my BSc, I felt the need for further study – my thirst for knowledge led me to Electronic Commerce MSc and still drives me today. E-Commerce degree was very hands on and explored the foundations of the current business world. I would not be where I am today without both of these degrees.

Computing science gave me the foundations and taught me a great many things such as programming that then became the basis for my first career step. My career initiated with web design in Mike McConnell’s web design team at the University - Mike’s inspirational leadership is gift that University of Aberdeen gave me that still defines the essence of my character today. I continued working for the web team for a number of years throughout my studies and upon completion of my E-Commerce MSc I moved on to SAP to become a SAP Consultant. Here as well as computing science, psychology also came in useful especially when interacting with clients from all over the world. I then took on other IT related roles and finally transitioned to supply chain. Supply chain is where e-commerce became invaluable – having learnt a combination of electronic commerce technologies and their principles in business I could then apply this knowledge to contracting, logistics, warehousing and procurement. And finally leadership – my current role – solid foundations, varied experience and humility are all fruit of my journey that has only begun.

If I was to pick one single thing that the University gave me then it was a gift for never ending thirst for knowledge. This thirst expanded my mind and continues to challenge me on a daily basis – what new will I learn tomorrow? How will I use that knowledge?"

Hossein Ghodsi

Technical Team Leader at The Fifth Business, Houston, US

  • BSc Internet Information Systems, University of Aberdeen
  • MSc E-commerce Technologies, University of Aberdeen
Hossein Ghodsi
"I studied both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the computing science department. Both programs provided me with strong technical and analytical skills and very much shaped my thought process. The topics covered were related to the needs of the job market and what employers are looking for. By the end of the third year I felt competent to take a gap year to work for industry as a web developer to broaden my experience and to evaluate my knowledge. Professional, inspiring, accessible and very much encouraging lecturers undoubtedly played a significant role in building the confidence to face the real world challenges."
 

Nan Cheng

Senior IT/DT Technical Consultant at Shell, Aberdeen, Scotland

  • BSc Computing Science, University of Aberdeen
  • MSc E-commerce Technologies, University of Aberdeen
Nan Cheng University of Aberdeen
"Before the university, I was confused about computers. After the study I was still confused, BUT on a much higher level. How to learn to solve problems is the skill I have obtained the most, which helps me tremendously (e.g. developed the world first deep sea smart pipeline; the big data work flow solutions for biggest oil companies; take the challenge for my own start-ups). I will continually use the same way of learning which I obtained from my university study to find the solution for my next problem."
   
   
MSc Students

Gustavo Kolugnyecz

Head of IT Infrastructure and Services at ANCAP, Uruguay

  • MSc Oil and Gas Computing, University of Aberdeen
Gustavo Kolugnyecz, University of Aberdeen
"My aim was to find the best possible institution where I could study and develop new expertise from professionals and companies of the UK oil industry. After a deep research I found out that Aberdeen was the European oil and gas centre and therefore I decided that the University of Aberdeen, with its significant history and background, was certainly the best option for me.

I am happy and proud of myself for all the things I have learnt and for the magnificent experience I have had here. Not only because the University has entirely filled my expectations but also because I was also thrilled to find out that Scottish people are very kind and have nicely welcomed me from the very first moment I got here"

Rajammal Veerappan

Business Analysis/PMO Professional at Excelian Inc.

  • MSc in Advanced Computer Science, University of Aberdeen
Rajammal Veerappan

"From day one I knew it was a start of a special journey and correct investment of time for my future. I was enrolled in Fall 2009 to MSc in Advanced Computer Science and specialised in Artificial Intelligence. The intuitive teaching method enforces the foundation for learning and acquiring knowledge. Due to the constant motivation and encouragement from the staff, I pushed myself to excel further and eventually graduated with a Commendation.

The wholesome learning journey was laid upon to enable even soft skills to be picked up from presentations, and projects. I wanted to acquire some leadership skills and became Masters Computing Science Level Representative and Student Leader during the period of my MSc. I was also working as an E-Learning Assistant with the Centre for Academic Development in the university. Being able to multitask between studying, working, and student leadership, it really benefitted me and looked very good on my resume. Due to the efforts of multitasking, I was awarded with the Institutional Best Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) [Runner-up]. I was nominated by my employer University of Aberdeen’s Centre for Academic Development, and National Association of Student Employment Services UK. All of these gave me the important grounding to pursue my career after my post graduate studies in Aberdeen University.

Even before starting to write my dissertation at the end of semester two, I already had a job offer waiting. I was selected through graduate recruitment for a financial institution in Edinburgh called Standard Life. Not only in United Kingdom the education is recognised it is transferable. When I moved to New York, I had a job offer with Excelian Inc. It in a London headquartered company who branched out to New York City. Excelian is a technology consultancy specialising in the Financial Services and Commodities industries. That MSc allowed me a golden opportunity to bridge between working life and what was taught in finance domain. These are the skills necessary for working across countries, cultures and borders.

Having had worked in United Kingdom as well as United States of America, all these outcomes and wealth of knowledge from the teaching staff have moulded me into what I am and what I will be in the future. I am very proud and privileged to be an Aberdeen University computing science alumni and I definitely gained a special advantage through the education path I wanted to pursue."

Noah Altunian

  • MSc Information Technology, University of Aberdeen

"I chose the University of Aberdeen for Computing because the research done here is considered relevant and reliable; I knew that the teachers and the courses would be of a quality standard, and that I’d learn from reliable, knowledgeable sources.

I enjoyed the community feel of the University; I walk to and from classes, and I always run into friends. The campus is small, and welcomes a friendly feeling. Plus, the University is very old, and it implores you to be in awe of the buildings, both outside and within.

Regarding my degree, I enjoyed the communal feel of studying with all of the other Computing Science students, both within my course and year, and from outside. Also, the teachers and the courses are all welcoming; the teachers are welcoming to questions, and encourage them, and the courses are welcoming to your curiosity. You really get all that you put into it; the more you put in, the more things you really do get out of it.

Aberdeen has enabled me to realise that my career goals are truly achievable. The course has taught me so much, and has given me a rounded set of skills that I can advertise myself with pride. I’ve ultimately come to realise that everything can be achieved, it just depends on your determination."

PhD Students

Feikje Hielkema

Medical Terminology Expert at Nictiz

  • PhD Computing Science, University of Aberdeen
Feikje Hielkema University of Aberdeen

"Aberdeen has the largest research group on natural language generation in Europe, so when I had the opportunity to do a PhD here I jumped at it.

In this period I obtained a PhD in Computing Science, specialisation Natural Language Generation (NLG). The research was part of the PolicyGrid project (http://www.policygrid.org) in the domain of e-social science, investigating issues involved in using NLG techniques to supply easy access to RDF for social scientists."

Edoardo Pignotti

Researcher at Nominet UK

  • MSc E-commerce Technologies, University of Aberdeen
  • PhD Computing Science, University of Aberdeen
Edoardo Pignotti University of aberdeen
"I received my Bachelors degree in Computing Science from the University of Aberdeen in 2002, after transferring from Padua University in Italy. I then went on to receive an MSc in E-Commerce Technologies in 2003. I got excited about research after completing my Masters’ project as I had the opportunity to get my work published in the Proceedings of the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence in 2004. When the chance came to work as a research assistant on an ESRC-funded eScience pilot project, I took it.

Imtiaz Khan

  • PhD Computing Science, University of Aberdeen

"The city of Aberdeen is relatively small, but it is full of academic, social and cultural activities. So, after almost four years in Aberdeen and at the end of my PhD, I am very happy to have chosen this university to study in.”

Imtiaz Khan University of Aberdeen