AlumniJulia Kolano
Julia Kolano graduated with a First in BSc Computer Science from the University of Brighton!
Julia, who studied A Levels in Mathematics, Physics, and Creative Digital Media with us at the Academy, is now looking forward to a career in software development.
What were your Sixth Form highlights?
I think the biggest Sixth Form highlight for me must’ve been the Creative Digital Media trip to the Warner Bros. Studios in London. Even though this subject is not directly related to my university studies, movies have always been my hobby, and being able to see all the props used for the movie set was truly an unforgettable experience.
Can you tell us more about the degree you studied?
The degree I chose to do at Brighton University was the BSc in Computer Science. In my first year, I chose to study game development specifically, which helped me to learn how simple 2D games could be made using the C++ programming language, as well as how to utilise game engines, such as Unity, to aid in the development of 3D games. For the remaining two years, I decided to take a broader path to computer science and branched out into different programming principles than just game development. For example, I learned how to use JavaScript and its React framework to make highly performant websites, how to use Python to integrate AI into code through developing an A* algorithm for pathfinding, and how to make mobile applications in Java using the Android Studio platform.
What is your current role or what do you hope to do next following uni?
I am currently seeking a role in software development, and so I’m in the stage of applying for various roles in the field and participating in interviews (I could update this answer after I secure such a role).
How did All Saints’ Academy help you pursue your career path?
My love for programming was sparked when I was in Year 9 at All Saints’ Academy and attended my first computer science lesson. The teacher at the time was extremely enthusiastic about the subject and always strived to share her abundant knowledge with us in the most entertaining way possible, and was always willing to stay after the school day finished to answer all our curious questions. She was the one who taught me the basics of algorithms and the ways to communicate with computers to achieve amazing results.
What is your biggest achievement since leaving Sixth Form?
I think the two achievements that I am the proudest of when I was at university were securing a summer internship at a company in London and working with a startup company for my final year project. During the summer internship, I learned how to work in an agile team and improved my presentation skills by showcasing my team’s software product to all the other interns and employees at the company. As for my final year project, I developed a social media application for grassroots musicians to connect with each other and find live music spaces to perform at, which was extremely rewarding because there is a chance that this app could impact the musicians’ careers if it is well-received.
Interview conducted in 2024.