Job title

Digital Audio Software Architect.

What are your academic qualifications?

BSc (Hons) Combined Studies in Science (Maths and Physics) from Nottingham Trent University and a PhD Physics from Nottingham Trent University.

What are your main duties of work?

My main area of work is with a bulk audio recording server. I design and code various components, architect database designs and provide customer support. We have a few select customers so maintaining a working relationship with them is very important. I also provide assistance in the field of test and measurement writing software for our digital audio analyser.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

For me, writing software is creating something original - this is what I enjoy most. I like to see the job get done by something I have designed and built.

What kind of salary can a graduate expect to earn in this job?

It depends on exactly what you do so the range is quite large starting out at £17,000 and rising to £25,000 per year. Don't be afraid to start out as a tester or support engineer with a larger company, provided they can offer you prospects of moving into a software role. The salary can raise to £45,000+ per year depending on your role and responsibilities.

How has your degree helped you?

The physics side of my degree included digital electronics and analysis of data sampling, which is essential to what I do. The mathematical side of it has helped when analysing problems - yes, Laplace and Z-Transforms do come in useful! When I started out in software my PhD was not essential, but meant I had more developed problem solving skills and systematic ways of working.