Abdullah Al Asif (BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience, 2024)

Why did you choose to study your programme?

I chose to study Computer Science because I have always been curious about how digital systems are built, broken and improved. I wanted to learn and understand the core logic and programming syntax that drive software, to high-level concepts like Machine Learning and how they can be applied in innovative ways, as I demonstrated in my final year project! Having this ‘under the hood’ knowledge gives me a much deeper appreciation for the technology we use every day and drives me to solve more complex problems in my career.

Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?

I chose Queen Mary because I wanted a university that aligned with my personal and professional goals. My research showed that QMUL alumni are highly regarded across industries, which I directly experienced when interviewing and working in leading firms across the UK. Beyond rankings, the diverse community and the opportunity to learn in such an inclusive and peaceful (yet in central London!) environment made it a perfect match. It was my first choice, even after receiving offers from higher ranked universities in the UK and North America, because I knew QMUL was the right fit for my career.

What did you most enjoy about your course?

I most enjoyed the structured lineage of the curriculum! The foundations built in the first-year labs (which were very practical and enjoyable, and that’s where I made most of my friends from QMUL, and they all are extremely smart!) flowed perfectly into the more complex logic and problem-solving and building approach over the years. This made the increase in difficulty feel natural and enjoyable rather than overwhelming. It was incredibly satisfying to see how each project and module knowledge built upon the last, providing a clear path from academic theory for a beginner to industry-ready skills!

Can you share an example of a project, assignment, or activity that stood out to you?

The Software Engineering Project was a major highlight for me. It felt like a long duration ‘Professional Hackathon’ where we weren’t just working within our own teams, but networking across the entire cohort. It was a brilliant way to see how others approached the same challenge and applied different logic to solve problems in their own unique ways. The project helped me build lasting friendships and professional connections that I still value today, perfectly bridging the gap between university and the working world.

Which modules did you enjoy the most and were there any academics that had a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?

I especially valued modules like Web Programming, Operating Systems and Security Engineering. They offered a deep dive into how the digital world runs and how to build robust, secure systems. While the entire faculty made my time at QMUL welcoming, Dr. Tassos, Dr. Mustafa, and Ms. Claire were instrumental in linking academic theory to what’s valued in the industry. I must give a special mention to my advisor, Dr. Anne, whose guidance was invaluable in navigating the challenges of my university life, particularly during the early stages and the pandemic.

Did you make use of QMUL's Careers and Enterprise service during your studies, and if so, how did they support you in finding your current role at iMMERSIVE Cloud Solutions Group?

The Careers and Enterprise team provided excellent support, starting from QTaster Sessions, Careers sessions, Student Consultancy Projects, Interview Prep, and many more. A particular highlight was a placement year webinar I attended in first year, where one finalist
shared her experience interning at IBM. Interestingly, I eventually secured my placement year at IBM, and that speaker became my mentor during my time there. I also secured my current role at iMMERSIVE after connecting with my future manager at a QMUL Virtual
Careers fair, proving just how strong their industry links are!

Describe your career path since graduating.

Since graduating, I have been working as a Consultant at iMMERSIVE, where I work on Salesforce (a global leading CRM Software) implementation projects within the Professional Services and Built Environment sector. My role is currently semi-technical. While I spend less time on pure coding now, I rely daily on the logical foundations and ‘under the hood’ knowledge I gained during my degree to maintain an extremely high standard of work. This background allows me to build efficient processes and approach new and  complex business challenges with a technical mindset, which is highly valued in the consulting world.

How has your degree remained relevant throughout your career and are there any particular areas of your degree that you use in your day-to-day job?

My degree was directly relevant during my placement year, as the foundations from my first and second years translated directly into the workplace. Even today in my Salesforce consulting role, essentials like version control (Git), collaborative programming, and  programming foundations from Java and JavaScript are vital. Beyond specific languages, the logic-building, problem solving skills and software development best practices I learned at QMUL come in handy every day. Most importantly, the university’s community spirit taught me a ‘non-silo’ mindset: the importance of sharing knowledge, learning from others, and collaborating across teams to build great things!

What's one piece of advice you'd offer to someone considering studying your programme at Queen Mary, from your international student prospective?

Utilise your professors and your community, and build strong friendships with people you trust along the way. The network you build here will support you through your academic years and remain a vital asset as you move into professional life or beyond! Studying as an international student is a journey of growth, and my biggest advice is to lean into the community spirit at QMUL. Stay curious and
collaborative. The technical skills are essential, but the friendships and the support system you build are what truly makes the experience at Queen Mary something to cherish!