Laura McAvoy - Student
More about me
Background:
Laura McAvoy – Newtownards. 3rd Year Student at Ulster University Jordanstown.
Schools attended – Regent House Grammar School, N’ards (1997-2004) James Watt College, Kilwinning Scotland (2005-2006) University of Ulster, Jordanstown (2006-present)
A-levels Taken: Theatre Studies, English Literature, Home Economics.
(Also obtained a Diploma in Holistic Therapies at James Watt College).
Degree Title:
BSc Information and communication Technologies – Ulster University Jordanstown
What you study:
Yr1: Systems Analysis, Programming 1, Computer Technologies, Databases, Information systems in organisations.
Yr2: Networks and Data Communications, Professional Issues and entrepreneurship, Systems software, E-Commerce, Multimedia, Web Programming.
Yr3: Placement year. I’m currently on placement at the University of Ulster as a Software Developer.
Skills Developed: Skills developed throughout the course and on placement include various types of programming and software development. Object Orientated programming. How systems work within organisations. Research of various software and technologies. Communication and interaction with other people whether face to face or using an upcoming or newly designed technology or piece of work (could be anything from software designed by the student to a forum and website created by the student).
Yr4: Mainly consists of a final year project, but also contains many modules which are optional for the students to choose between.
What you learn:
I have learned and developed a lot of new skills and techniques whilst out on placement and have found it to be very valuable to me.
In terms of the course itself, I have learned how to look at the world around us in a new light. Nearly everything contains technology which has research, development, testing and finally the launch going into it. I’ve also learned how to program, how to set up networks and also how to develop websites amongst many other things such as multimedia design and e-commerce. Finally I have learned a lot about the business aspects related to the IT industry.
Career goals:
After I graduate I hope to go on to study a PhD at the University of Ulster and end up in the field of research. Once I complete my PhD I aim to have a successful, long and enjoyable career within the IT industry.
