Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 38) 38 ADVICE AND INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK MAKING IT WHY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE SIGNING UP TO STUDY I.T. AT KINGSTON UNIVERSITY. AT KINGSTON UNIVERSITY At Kingston University, the Faculty of Computing Information Systems and Mathematics has developed its postgraduate programmes with employment firmly in mind. With over 20 years’ experience, the Faculty is equipping its students with the knowledge and skills to become successful IT professionals. More than ever computers are shaping the world in which we live; mobile phone technology is changing the way we communicate, financial markets depend on software and increasing numbers of people are logging on to shop online. For qualified professionals, this growing dependence on computers can mean just one thing endless career possibilities. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHY KINGSTON GRADUATES ARE SO SUCCESSFUL Mido Idlibi-Wazzan from Jordan is one of many students benefiting from this experience. Mido is studying an MSc in Electronic Commerce with Management Studies. He chose Kingston because of its close connections with industry. As well as receiving a sound knowledge of eCommerce, Mido has been able to develop his practical skills, working on a project for a software company the Faculty has a working partnership with. ‘I have just finished producing a web application-based reporting tool for Applied Network Solutions Ltd,’ explains Mido. ‘Working with the company has given me new skills and provided me with a good reference to show to future employers.’ Mido’s experience has already paid off, as he has secured a part-time job working for a company based in Kingston. ‘I am working as an eCommerce analyst, which I have been able to combine with my study. I am really enjoying my job and am learning new skills all the time.’ Gurpreet Singh from India is also putting his new skills to good use by designing a web-based ‘course-picker’ for the University. Gurpreet, who is studying an MSc in Web Development, says the opportunity to work on a real project is a definite advantage when it comes to presenting yourself to an employer. ‘Working on a project will give me knowledge and skills that I will be able to show potential employers. I am confident the skills I have learnt will help me get a job with one of the major computer firms when I return to India.’ Professor of eCommerce, Jonathan Briggs says Kingston graduates are highly sought after because of the practical training they receive. ‘The courses as a whole are about giving people the knowledge and the practical skills to be successful. Often graduates will go on to become managers or system architects, and we are providing them with a context for the work they do and how it interacts with business,’ explains Jonathan. ‘Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles both in the UK and overseas, working for companies like the British Standards Institute, Sky TV, major banks, and some are running their own businesses. We also have a lot of people working overseas for global companies, such as Cable and Wireless in Jamaica.’ Kingston’s proximity to London and the ‘M4 corridor’, often referred to as London’s ‘Silicon Valley’ because it is home to a number of top companies such as Vodafone and Microsoft, offers excellent employment opportunities, which Kingston graduates will now be able to take advantage of under the new International Graduates Scheme. The Scheme allows non-EU students to stay and work in the UK for up to 12 months once they’ve graduated. Mido is keen to stay and work in the UK and is optimistic about the opportunities available to him. ‘I am not sure if the company I am working for will offer me a full-time position but if not I will certainly look for another job here. London has many opportunities in eCommerce, so I am hoping I will be able to find something.’ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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