Imshal Idrees

What motivated you to pursue studies at university?

I particularly enjoyed studying Mathematics and Physics, especially because of their intricate and challenging concepts. There’s a real satisfaction in grappling with something that initially seems difficult, then gradually making sense of it through attention to detail and perseverance. I’ve always been drawn to a career in technology, largely due to its constant evolution and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge developments. I'm naturally curious and have always enjoyed learning, as a result, I wanted a career that would allow me to keep growing and developing new skills. Pursuing a degree in Computer Science felt like the ideal first step towards that path.

What knowledge and skills have your course helped you develop?

My course has equipped me with a broad range of technical skills essential for a career in computer science. I’ve developed strong programming abilities in two languages, gained a solid understanding of the mathematics underpinning computing, and worked extensively with data structures and algorithms. Additionally, I’ve explored core topics such as operating systems, language processing, and compilation. These areas form the technical foundation required for a future in the tech industry. What I particularly value is that we don’t just learn the theory, we apply it through practical exercises, tutorials, group projects, and our final year project. Beyond technical knowledge, the course also places emphasis on developing soft skills, which are highly valued by employers. One of the career-focused modules was especially helpful as it guided me in improving my CV and cover letter, prepared me for interviews, and gave me a clearer understanding of what makes a candidate stand out. It’s been a crucial part of making me more confident and employable overall.

What services within the School of Science & Technology or the university in general, have you used during your studies?

I’ve been genuinely grateful for the wide range of support services offered by the university and the School of Science & Technology. One of the most valuable resources for me has been the Careers Hub. It played a key role when I was applying for internships, providing access to opportunities such as volunteering, becoming a student ambassador, and attending career development workshops, all of which have helped me strengthen my CV. Working as a student ambassador for both my course and the wider university has been particularly rewarding. It’s boosted my confidence by allowing me to speak about my experience studying Computer Science, while also helping me develop key soft skills like leadership and communication through open days and school outreach events. These roles have also given me the opportunity to build relationships with academic staff, as we often work together to present the course from both a teaching and student perspective. Visiting schools and sixth forms has improved my ability to explain complex ideas clearly, which is something that’s been incredibly valuable. What I appreciate most about the Career Hub is the ability to book mock interviews with career advisors, which I found incredibly useful when preparing for real interviews. I’ve also taken advantage of their CV review services, where I received tailored feedback that helped me improve my applications.

Have you undertaken a placement or secured one for your course?

Yes, I completed a year-long internship after my penultimate year at university, working as a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. The support provided by the university played a significant role in helping me secure this opportunity. I first found out about the role through the weekly internship emails sent by the university, which made it much easier to discover and apply for relevant positions without having to spend hours searching independently. The university also hosted several networking events that gave us the chance to engage directly with employers. These sessions were incredibly insightful, as they provided practical advice on how to stand out in applications and interviews, and gave us a clearer picture of what companies are really looking for in a candidate. The placement itself was an invaluable experience. It allowed me to put the technical knowledge I’d gained from my course into practice by working on real-world client projects. It was rewarding to see the tangible impact of my work and to gain a deeper understanding of how the skills we learn at university translate into the professional world.

What are your career plans and how has City St George’s, University of London prepared you for them?

After completing my year-long internship at Microsoft, I’ve secured a 12-week summer internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where I’ll be working as a Technical Business Developer. Once that’s complete, I’ll return to City St George’s, to finish my final year and work on my final project.
My goal is to join either Microsoft or AWS as a graduate or apply to other graduate schemes within the tech industry. I’m particularly interested in continuing to work in cloud computing, with a strong focus on apps and AI, areas I’ve been exposed to during my placements and really enjoyed. City St George’s has played a key role in preparing me for this next step. The Careers Hub has been especially helpful, particularly the graduate attributes framework. It has encouraged me to reflect on the skills I’ve built over the years and how they align with what employers are looking for. Being able to map my experiences to these attributes has helped me better articulate my strengths and has made my CV more impactful.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree in your subject?

My main advice to anyone considering a degree in Computer Science is to do your research, especially if you haven’t studied anything similar before. It really helps to familiarise yourself with the course content and try to get a head start where you can. For example, practising coding in a language like Java can give you a solid foundation. It’s also worth exploring other tools and languages depending on your interests. It’s also important to start understanding the theory behind data structures and algorithms, as this underpins much of what you’ll study and apply later. Another key advice is to gain as much industry experience as possible. The tech industry is highly competitive, so even a short-term internship can make a real difference. It not only strengthens your CV but also helps you build confidence and clarity about the kind of roles you might want to pursue in the future.