Software engineer Mike McQuaid talks about how Edinburgh stimulated an appetite for learning that has led to a career he loves. Name Mike McQuaid Degree Course Computer Science and Management Science Year of Graduation 2007 Your time at the University Image I initially applied to Edinburgh because it had a good joint degree programme in Computer Science and Business Studies, my favourite subjects at school. While I was there I was lucky enough to help run societies, play in bands, meet some of my best friends, and learn skills and knowledge that have led me into a fantastic career. Your experiences since leaving the University I currently work as a software engineer for GitHub. Since leaving university I've worked for BT, at the time the largest employer in the UK, and been the first employee of a now successful startup (Mendeley). I have also worked as a consultant and trainer, spoken at conferences, travelled around the world, and built a variety of software. Studying at Edinburgh equipped me with a foundation of knowledge and an appetite for learning that has given me a career that I genuinely love, and which provides challenge, fun and fulfilment in equal measure. Alumni wisdom Play hard, work harder and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Think about the career trajectory required for you to get your dream job; chances are that if you plan for it, you'll be working there in a few years. Don't take the first job offer you receive, you might be able to do better than you think! This article was first published in 2015. For updates on what Mike is doing now, find his LinkedIn below. Related links Mike McQuaid on LinkedIn This article was published on 2024-03-18
