More about our graduates: "I persevered through the challenges and found myself drawn to the field"

Posted on: 29 April 2024 in Meet our Team

A member of IT staff sat working at her desk at home

We asked our graduates to share a bit about themselves and offer advice to aspiring app developers based on their experience so far:

Interview with Jaskirat Kaur aka Jas

Degree:

Anatomy and Human Biology

Focus of studies:

My studies have immersed me in the intricacies of anatomy and human biology. Notable modules include "Abdomen and Pelvis," where I gained hands-on experience dissecting anatomical structures. Additionally, I undertook an MA internship module, during which I worked at a health tech company in Cambridge. There, I contributed to the development of a mobile app for a hospital, providing me with invaluable insights and prompting reflection on my work.

Specialty/Technical interests:

My technical prowess lies in web development, encompassing both front-end and back-end aspects of producing web applications and websites.

Favourite project so far:

Vets Personal Formulary is my favourite project thus far. I've enjoyed problem-solving in different areas, designing practical and creative solutions for the front-end while also tackling complicated relationships in the back-end. It's been satisfying overcoming these obstacles!

Favourite app:

Wordle and Duolingo top my list of favourite apps. Wordle is a go-to activity during commutes, offering a delightful challenge while traveling. Meanwhile, Duolingo's meticulously designed interface, complete with its captivating mascot Duo, makes language learning a fun and engaging experience. Currently, I'm on a 378-day streak of learning Spanish through Duolingo's gamified approach.

Most used emojis:

πŸ˜­πŸ€£πŸ˜‚ (Weeping face, stress laugh, laughing face)

Career journey:

My career aspirations initially leaned towards lab-based research and medical writing, or perhaps NHS management roles. However, my perspective shifted during my internship, where I was exposed to the business and management aspects of app development. Despite initial doubts about coding, I persevered through the challenges and found myself drawn to the field.

Advice for aspiring app developers:

I advise aspiring app developers to embark on a personal project and commit to seeing it through. It's important to create learning opportunities and stick to one thing to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Building a portfolio is key to showcasing skills during interviews, and I encourage others to highlight their progress through tangible projects.

Learn more about Jas' recent work on the Catch It app.