Louis
Bliss

What led you to choose NTU for your university studies?

I chose NTU because I wanted a university and course that felt practical, modern, and closely connected to industry. The placement opportunities and strong focus on employability were key factors in my decision, as I was keen to gain real industry experience alongside my degree.

How did you first discover your course, and what made it the right choice for you?

I was drawn to Computing because it offered a strong balance between technical problem-solving and practical, real-world application. Compared to more theoretical courses, it felt aligned with the skills used across modern businesses. Developing expertise in areas such as systems, software, and data, alongside analytical and logical thinking, was important to me, particularly in terms of career prospects and the value of my degree.

Did you visit NTU before applying? What stood out to you?

Yes, I visited NTU and explored both the City Campus and Nottingham. I initially attended business-related sessions before realising Computing was a better fit for me. The university felt welcoming and somewhere I could see myself studying, and Nottingham stood out as a great student city.

What aspects of your course did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed my final year the most, as it offered greater independence and flexibility to focus on areas that genuinely interested me. I valued having ownership over projects and applying the skills I had developed in a practical and creative way.

Looking back, I also really appreciated the first year. It provided the foundation for everything that followed. Although it was challenging at the time, it was rewarding to build a much stronger understanding of computing and problem-solving over the course of the degree.

What were the biggest strengths of your course?

The course structure was a major strength, offering a balance between technical challenge and practical, industry-relevant skills. What we learned felt closely aligned with real-world applications, making it easier to stay motivated and see the long-term value.

The teaching was also excellent. Lecturers and tutors were approachable, supportive, and passionate, which made complex topics engaging and accessible. Many assignments encouraged creativity and problem-solving rather than purely theoretical learning.

Can you share a memorable project or piece of work?

A standout project for me was in a Data Visualisation module, where I developed a website containing a database of over 400 smartwatches. Users could compare specifications and explore the data through interactive visualisations and filtering tools.

Which facilities or experiences were most valuable to your learning?

My placement year was the most valuable experience, as it allowed me to apply my learning in a real working environment and understand how those skills translate into industry.

The ISTeC building also provided a great environment to study, and being surrounded by different areas of technology and engineering made it feel like a modern and inspiring place to learn.

What skills did you develop that you still use today?

I developed skills in systems thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving, all of which are highly relevant in my current role. Modules covering CRM and enterprise systems proved particularly valuable, as I now work closely with CRM data and business systems.

I also regularly use data visualisation principles, such as presenting data clearly and selecting effective chart types.

Most importantly, the course built my confidence in learning new technologies, working logically with data, and improving processes through automation.

Tell us about your placement or industry experience

I completed a placement year at Volkswagen Group UK within Finance, where I gained my first experience of applying my academic skills in a professional environment.

My role involved reporting, process improvement, and working with data, as well as presenting insights. I also had the opportunity to build automations and improve existing processes, demonstrating how computing skills can be applied beyond traditional technical roles.

The placement had a significant impact on my confidence and career direction. Since graduating, I joined Aurora Energy Research in a systems and data-focused role, and I’ve recently accepted an offer to return to Volkswagen Group UK in September 2026 on their Reporting & Analytics graduate scheme.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of receiving academic awards from the Department of Computer Science in each year of my degree.

In my first year, I received the Ryland Consulting Award for Exceptional Performance, which boosted my confidence early on. I then went on to receive the Department of Computer Science Award for Outstanding Performance in both my second and third years.

More than the awards themselves, I’m proud of the consistency, effort, and personal development they represent.

Life at NTU

How did staff support you during your studies?

My lecturers and tutors played a key role in supporting me throughout my degree. My personal tutor, Robert Ranson, supported me across all three years and had a particularly positive impact on my experience.

In my final year, I had regular meetings to discuss coursework, my final project, and areas for improvement. That level of guidance and accountability made a significant difference to my confidence and results.

What did you value most about life at NTU?

I valued the balance between academic development and student life. Academically, I enjoyed being challenged while having the freedom to explore my interests. Socially, Nottingham is a great student city, and I made friendships that I still value today.

Your career journey

What has your career path looked like since graduating?

I graduated from NTU in July 2025 and joined Aurora Energy Research as a Commercial Systems Coordinator. In this role, I worked with CRM systems, reporting, data, and process improvement, applying many of the skills I developed during my degree.

This experience further strengthened my interest in systems and data-focused work. In September 2026, I will be returning to Volkswagen Group UK to begin their Reporting & Analytics graduate scheme.

How did your course prepare you for your career?

The course taught me how to approach problems logically, work independently, and adapt to new challenges and technologies.

It also developed key professional skills such as analytical thinking, communication, and self-management. The practical nature of the course gave me the confidence to transition into industry and apply my learning in real-world settings.

Have your career ambitions changed?

Yes, my placement year and professional experience helped me refine my career direction. I discovered a strong interest in roles focused on systems, data, and problem-solving, which has shaped my career path.

Final thoughts

How has NTU impacted your life or career?

Studying at NTU had a major impact on both my confidence and career direction. It provided practical skills, valuable industry experience through my placement year, and strong foundations for my career.

It also helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident in approaching new challenges—qualities I continue to use every day.

What would you say to someone considering this course?

Make the most of every opportunity, especially placements, projects, and the support available from lecturers and tutors. From my experience, the teaching staff are always willing to help when you need guidance or support.

Computing is a broad field, and the course offers exposure to a wide range of practical and transferable skills that can lead to many different career paths. Most importantly, enjoy your time at university—it goes quickly!