Before starting my Computer Science degree at the University of Surrey, I had very little exposure to the field, despite being passionate about it. I had no programming experience whatsoever, as I had never tried it before. As a result, I felt extremely nervous—almost like an imposter—thinking that you had to be a programming genius from the age of five to pursue such a course. However, despite my fears, I proudly made the decision to study Computer Science. Very quickly, I realised that this stereotype was entirely false and that no prior knowledge was required. The course was designed to teach the basics in a progressive and thorough way, making it accessible to anyone willing to learn. This experience taught me that no one is born a computer scientist or programmer—even some of the best professionals in the field started out in completely different areas.
In the beginning, during the adjustment phase, I understood that a little extra effort was needed—just like when learning to ride a bike. The more time and energy I invested, the clearer the path became. I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment when I completed my very first assignment, with all the tests passed successfully. The support from the lecturers was outstanding, and I truly appreciated the way the course was structured—it made learning both challenging and rewarding.
Out of the four years of the programme, my first year was relatively straightforward but extremely eye-opening. It mainly involved learning how to code, understanding how applications work, and getting a broad overview of the vast field of computer science. We explored various areas: writing code, building websites, developing mobile apps, all while learning to think algorithmically. The programme was built on a strong foundation, introducing the core principles of computer science.
In the second year, the intensity of the course increased significantly, with several assignments due at the same time, requiring greater organisation and commitment. This phase was meant to boost our productivity and deepen our understanding. The pace accelerated. It was the most decisive period in my university journey, as it allowed me to delve deeper into subjects and face various challenges—particularly those related to time management and the complexity of the topics.
During this period, we explored exciting topics such as artificial intelligence and parallel computing, which gave us an early glimpse into potential career specializations. In addition, having chosen to take a professional placement year, I dedicated a significant amount of time to searching for my first job. Nevertheless, the training had well prepared me to face these challenges and had provided me with valuable knowledge about job hunting on an international scale.
Landing my very first job after my studies was, without a doubt, one of the most defining moments of my academic journey. Seeing the result of all that hard work was incredibly rewarding—especially when I remembered that less than two years earlier, I couldn’t even understand a single line of code. That year in industry was a captivating experience: I had the opportunity to work at a multinational company with global reach. Even though it was called a “placement,” it was, in reality, a full-time position that allowed me to expand my professional network. This experience gave me a concrete understanding of how businesses operate, how projects are managed, and how teams are organized—skills that are impossible to fully grasp in a classroom setting alone. Working at a leading software development company enabled me to apply the knowledge I had gained at university. I also had the chance to explore fields like DevOps and artificial intelligence, which made the experience even more enriching and fulfilling. Collaborating with experts from around the world not only nurtured my professional growth but also influenced the direction of my final-year project and future career goals.
The final year of my studies was truly the cherry on top. After spending a year working in the field while continuing my studies, I developed a deep passion for artificial intelligence, to the point that I chose it as the focus of my final-year project. Given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to apply my skills to a project that had real meaning. After some thought, I decided to work on using artificial intelligence to detect COVID-19 in medical images—a topic that was still relatively unexplored at the time. Thanks to the skills I had gained during my previous job, I was well prepared to carry out the project. My entire year revolved around this initiative, and I selected AI-focused modules to deepen my understanding in this area. Working on a subject I was passionate about became a key highlight of my academic path, and, surprisingly, this final year felt smoother than my second year.
The real challenge during this last year was figuring out what to do next after graduation. I began looking for job opportunities—this time with much more confidence, thanks to the experience I had gained during past interviews with major companies throughout my placement year. I now had a clear understanding of what recruiters were looking for and which roles best matched my skills and interests.
I developed a clear plan: identify the sector I wanted to target, choose the ideal work environment, find the type of company culture that suits me, and most importantly, specialize in a specific field — artificial intelligence. As an extrovert, I wanted to fully experience life in London after having worked in a nearby small town. Incredible but true: I managed to land a position in one of the largest consulting firms in the world, within their artificial intelligence department. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I wish the same success — or even greater — to each and every one of you, whether you’re reading this or not. In my view, the key is to never compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own path, their own story. By staying focused on our own journey, we can manifest what we’re truly meant for — an inner battle we all fight, day by day.
My journey studying Computer Science at the University of Surrey has been truly extraordinary. I owe my story to my family, to the people who supported me, to CAESA MENA, to the program itself, and to the entire environment I grew in. No one can truly write their own destiny — only God has that power, and I thank Him for everything. From the start, the program was carefully designed to teach us key concepts at the right time, striking a perfect balance: neither too light nor overwhelming. The teaching staff supported us at every step, preparing each of us to become leaders in our respective fields: software development, systems architecture, hardware engineering, research, artificial intelligence, or consultancy.
The degree is highly respected, and the teaching approach was designed to prepare us concretely for our professional future. The program went beyond theory: it exposed us to real-world challenges, offering an authentic perspective of what our careers could look like. Additionally, we were taught how to learn, how to search for jobs effectively, and how to continuously improve ourselves. What I particularly appreciated was that we were given the autonomy to find a job on our own, while also being trained to understand how the industry works and what recruiters expect from future leaders.
If you’re considering studying Computer Science, I strongly encourage you to go for it. Thank you for reading my story, and I wish you all the best in your own journey. If you ever need support or advice, feel free to reach out.
– Louai SADRAOUI
