Nadine
BEng (Hons) Software Engineering
Nadine's journey has taken her across the globe, from London to the UAE, USA, and France, before landing at the University of Bradford.
Now in her final year of our BEng (Hons) Software Engineering course, she's a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) who is ready to start her career and make her mark on the world.
This is her story.
My journey to Bradford was unconventional.
Looking for something different
"Having spent my childhood in various countries, including the UAE, USA, and France, I was looking for a university experience that would offer something different."
"When it came to applying for universities, I knew I didn’t want to stay in France or head back to the US. I wanted to experience the UK again, as I hadn’t visited in a long time.
"I received offers from other British universities, but when I contacted the admissions team at Bradford they were very helpful. This personal touch made all the difference, and I knew it was the right choice for me.
"Growing up I enjoyed maths and science, so pursuing a degree in engineering felt like a natural fit.
"My father also works in petrol engineering, so I’ve had an interest from a young age. I initially applied for electrical engineering, but I soon realised that software fit more with my skills and interests. The field offers incredible opportunities and career prospects."
As a woman in STEM, I’ve found both challenges and support.
21st century STEMinist
"It’s definitely a male-dominated field and you do notice that."
"During my first week the imbalance was clear, but it helped me forge strong friendships with the other women on my course.
"I also found a wider community through the university’s STEMinism society, which was great for the social side of things.
Choose STEM
"To anyone considering a STEM subject or career, especially women and minority groups, I’d say just do it. People might try to discourage you, but ultimately, you’re the one who has to live with your choices.
"If you let others dictate your path and you end up in a field you don’t enjoy, you’ll always wonder what could have happened if you’d chosen something you love. University gives you a lot more freedom to explore your interests, and there are lots of ways to succeed if you’re passionate about something."
Course highlights
"The lecturers are really supportive and always willing to help."
"They’re quick to respond to any questions, and you can tell they genuinely care about their students and the subjects they teach.
"The course structure has been good, and I’ve had the chance to develop a wide range of skills.
"The Enterprise Pro module in my second year was a highlight. It gave us a taste of the real world, working in groups to deliver a product for a client. It was invaluable to experience what it’s like to work on a real project to industry standards.
"My third-year dissertation was also a key part of my degree, as it allowed me to choose a topic I was passionate about and delve into it deeply. It was a great opportunity to build my research and technical skills.
"I’ve developed strong coding skills in Java and Python through various projects, and I’ve also honed my report-writing abilities which are crucial in the tech industry. Teamwork and time management are also key skills I’ve developed, as effective communication and collaboration are essential."
My future
"Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future."
"I’m currently exploring my options and hoping to find a job in the UK. I’m open to various opportunities in software engineering, and I’m also considering roles in the public sector or government, as my IT skills are easily transferable. Ultimately, I’m looking for a role that will allow me to grow and develop my skills.
"In the long term, I would love to have the opportunity to travel for work. My father’s work often took him abroad and that’s something that really appeals to me. I don’t see myself staying in one place for too long and I’m particularly interested in working in places like Germany or Scandinavia."
My time at Bradford has been a positive experience overall – teaching me the importance of connection and getting involved.
A supportive network
"When you first come to university it’s easy to feel lonely."
"Even though you’re surrounded by people, it can be a very isolating experience. I’m used to starting over and rebuilding my support network but for many people, it’s a completely new experience.
"It’s important to get comfortable with being alone as that helps you develop as a person, but you also have to make the choice to seek out connections. My advice to new students is to go out of your way to find as many connections as possible.
"For me, that meant becoming a student representative which taught me how to communicate my needs and make my voice heard. I also served as the president of the Pi Society for three years where I organised our first hackathon, and held roles in other societies like the Crochet Society and the Activities Committee."
My advice to others
"Networking is one of the most important things you can do at university."
"Learning how to connect with people and relate to them is a vital skill, and the more people you know, the more doors will open for you."