Adrian Finnegan, Graduate Engineer, Asidua Ltd

Degree subject BSc Computing Science (2006)
Job title Graduate Engineer
Employer Asidua Ltd

Software engineering particularly appealed to me because there is a constant challenge to create new ideas. I applied for my job after seeing it advertised in a local careers magazine. The interview lasted about an hour and a half and the questions were mostly technical and scenario-based.

I work as a Software Engineer for the Business Services Division in my company where I am involved in application and data integration for several large government systems. This should last about two years and entails transforming complex systems so that information can be automatically shared between them rather than all the data having to be entered manually.

I recently began studying to become a Microsoft Certified Application Developer. This can take anywhere from three months to a year to complete. There are lots of big text books to read but it is quite easy to fit in around work and I am often reading about things that I carry out on a day-to-day basis.

The hardest thing about working after being a student is the early mornings and the shorter holidays. On the plus side, you earn a lot more money! At university I was under the impression that a career in IT would be a bit nerdy but it is not like that at all. I turned up on my first day in a suit and tie to discover that everyone else was wearing jeans and a T-shirt!

Tips for graduates

When you start your job, relax and be yourself – it is never as daunting as you might imagine and everyone has been in your position at some time or other. There is always someone around to help so don't be afraid to ask questions.