Turning Insight into Inspiration Derek Joy

What's it like doing CompSci without any coding experience? Find out how James obtained offers from two companies after losing his initial one due to COVID. Why did Cyber security catch his eyes?  

What do you do if you don't know what exactly to study? What do you need to consider when choosing a university? What is it like to be part of a small cohort of 20 people? What's harder Chemistry or Physics? All these questions AND more in this episode with Jack. 

We talk with Walid. He did Engineering in France, did a phD in England and then went on to do a post-doc at Oxford Uni... so a pretty smart guy. He talks about why he DISLIKED his internship at Toyota which led him to pursue research. But is there any money in research? Lets find out!   

Today, we speak with Vinny. He was set on a path to become a DOCTOR. Find out how he had a change of heart. He switched to Economics in Texas, USA. He now works for Baker Hughes in the finance department. 



Show Notes 

01:23; Doing Economics after trying Biology.
04:03; What do you like in your course?
06:10; Course structure in the US.
07:24; How much of your degree do you use in your job?
08:40; What's your future plan?
09:45; Work in the US v the UK.
11:46; Investment banking/Consulting/Corporate banking.
14:05; How was the job hunt after your studies?
17:02; Interview Advice.
18:14; Advice when choosing a degree to study?
19:38; Changing subjects at uni.

We uncover the perils of not having mentors or guidance when you are young. Wanna find out how to have a LIFE when studying a difficult degree?  He holds a Masters in Aerospace Engineering. Currently he is doing a PhD in Advanced Composites (sounds fancy). Nuhaadh, gifts us with some great gems.  



Show Notes

00:35; What did you do in school?

05:55; Why Engineering?

08:50; What was first year like? 

10:40; What did you dislike?

12:55; What's the future for you? Why?

19:55; Words of wisdom for when you are in uni. 

23:48; Importance of finding balance.

Sinko candidly shares his torturous journey through Aerospace Engineering. He shares some of the pitfalls people experience at uni. Find out what led him to fail 2nd year. As fate would have it, Sinko happens to be one of the first ones to be employed in our cohort. He now works as a software engineer at Capita.    



Show Notes

00:40; Why did you choose Aerospace Engineering?
05:26; When did you figure out you didn't like the course?
09:20; Did you consider switching your degree?
16:39; Resitting a year at university.
19:57; When did you discover you liked programming?
25:29; What does the future entail for you?
27:15; What is an important quality to have?
35:37; Identifying personal strengths and monetizing them.