Allan MacIntyre, Albasoft Ltd
What is your background?
I am from a small village in the Highlands called Ballachulish and I go to the University of Strathclyde where I study BSc (Hons) Computer Science and will be graduating in the summer of 2012.
On my course I study many different aspects of software engineering including modules in software analysis and design, programming techniques, web application engineering, communications and databases.
What did you like most about your placement?
There were many aspects of my placement at Albasoft ltd that I enjoyed. I particularly enjoyed learning new programming languages which I would not have learnt while at university (C#, ASP.NET and SQL), the people at Albasoft gave me the opportunity to learn these languages in a commercial environment and develop a system using them for their company.
The people at Albasoft were brilliant and made me feel as part of the team from day one. It was an interesting experience which I thoroughly enjoyed.
What project were you involved in?
I developed a web-based system that allowed individual NHS practices access to their financial claim submissions held on a database on their behalf. I wrote software which would process their submission and then display the detailed information to them. I then also developed an edited version for the Finance Department of the NHS which listed all the practices and whether they had submitted. This project is Live and being used in over 170 NHS Practices in Scotland. Feedback has been positive.
What did you learn and what skills have you gained from your placement?
In developing the system I gained valuable experience using C#, ASP.NET and SQL, which I am now using in my final year project and may even be using once I get a job after graduating. I have also gained valuable presentation and organizational skills. These are all skills that will help me get a job after university.
What have you taken away from the training course you attended as part of the Placement Programme?
The training course helped me realise that my placement was a lot more than just a job. It was a stepping stone towards a career after university and my future in general. The skills I was learning were indispensable to my development as a student and as a person. It also gave me experience doing presentations and team building exercises which I had previously not had much experience in.
What advice would you give to other students?
My advice to other students is to keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things. Widening your horizons and opening yourself up to new opportunities could be the best thing that could happen to you.
A simple motto to live by would be “Work Hard, Play Harder”.