Meet Lauren

What I love most about Newcastle

One of the things I love most about Newcastle University is the sense of belonging. I enjoyed my undergraduate degree so much that I decided to stay on and complete my MSc in Advanced Computer Science, which probably says a lot about how much I enjoyed my time here! 
 
I also love the city itself. Newcastle is a great student city, with plenty going on, but it's also compact and easy to get around. Being so close to nature is another big bonus for me, as I love spending time outdoors.  

What I enjoy most about my degree

What I enjoy most about the MSc is being able to explore topics that genuinely interest me and being given the independence to work out how I want to approach a problem. I’ve particularly enjoyed the research and project-based parts of the course, where there isn’t always one straightforward answer and you must think creatively about how to solve a problem. 

Describing my degree to a future student

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science has given me the opportunity to build on what I learnt during my undergraduate degree and explore areas of computing in much more depth. One of the things I like about the course is the freedom to choose your own modules, so you can shape the degree around your interests. I chose modules covering everything from Advanced Programming in Java and Machine Learning to Systems Security, Data Visualisation and Human-AI Interaction and Futures. 

Supporting my university journey

I’ve made use of the Careers Service throughout my time at Newcastle, particularly for support with my CV and applications. Having my CV checked helped me secure my placement year at Siemens, and I’ve since used the service again when applying for graduate roles. This support has helped me secure two graduate job offers, including from Waterston’s, where I’ll be starting as a Graduate Software Developer this September. 
 
I was also fortunate to receive a £5,000 Postgraduate Opportunity Scholarship for Women in Computing towards my MSc fees. This made a huge difference financially and significantly reduced the financial stress of studying for a Master’s.  

Opportunities outside my studies

Alongside my studies, I’ve made the most of opportunities to develop both professionally and personally. My undergraduate placement at Siemens, where I worked as a Data Scientist and Digital Solutions Developer, allowed me to apply my skills in industry, explore my career interests and build my independence and communication skills, including through a hackathon in Prague. 

At university, I’ve also worked as a Student Ambassador and Assistant Exam Invigilator, strengthening my communication and organisational skills while getting involved in university life beyond my course. 

I’ve also embraced global opportunities by learning Japanese through the University-Wide Language Programme and joining a study trip to HOSEI University in Tokyo. Experiencing Japan’s blend of traditional culture and technological innovation, practising my Japanese and meeting students from around the world made it one of the highlights of my time at Newcastle.

Socialising in the city of Newcastle

I’m not much of a partier, but don’t worry, that’s not the only option for socialising (although Newcastle is great for a night out if that’s your scene!). I’ve taken part in a few of the University’s Give It A Go activities, including making bath bombs, climbing Grey’s Monument and getting a backstage tour of Tyne Theatre & Opera House. I’ve liked that there are lots of different ways to socialise and get involved without having to commit to something every week. 

My future after Newcastle

In the short term, I’m looking forward to starting my career as a Graduate Software Developer at Waterston’s this September. I’m excited to keep developing my technical skills, gain more experience working on real-world software projects and tackle problems where technology can make a genuine difference. 
 
Longer term, I’d like to combine the technical side of my career with something I discovered during my placement: I really enjoy sharing knowledge and helping other people understand technology.