Samira Abedikelahroodi is an alumni of MSc Information and Technology, graduating in 2023. Here, she explains how her course helped her get work experience at Sky and talks through her plans for the future. 

Course: MSc Information and Technology

My name is Samira Abedikelahroodi. I have completed my master’s in Information and Technology degree with Merit.

I have been working at Sky as an IT Support Engineer and this has been a great stepping stone towards working in industry on advanced technologies. My path to working in Sky started when I was in the final stages of my dissertation. Leeds Beckett University had organised a technology showcase for successful, outstanding projects and dissertations. The event was attended by professionals from industry. At the event, my Course Director, Kiran Voderhobli introduced me to the Head of Technology at Sky and made a strong recommendation for me. 

My educational journey at Leeds Beckett University has given me the confidence and the skills to embark on working in the Technology sector. I appreciate my Course Director’s guidance and motivation throughout my degree, which has been a major factor for my success. I am confident that my recent work experience at Sky and my MSc degree in Information and Technology will help me progress into more challenging roles in the industry. 

Initially, when I applied for this course, I was not sure about which modules I should choose. Kiran Voderhobli, my Course Director, explained each of the modules in detail and helped me to find the best modules that can fit my interests and capabilities. Also, whilst studying, Dr. Pooneh Bagheri Zadeh helped me in my research practice module which prepares students to think critically for research. Dr Pooneh taught it so well, and provided lots of inspiration, that any fears of doing new research for the dissertation completely disappeared.  

My dissertation topic was: ‘The role of AI and analytics in social inclusion/exclusion and educational (in)equality’. Professor Tony Bryant was my supervisor, he helped me progress through my dissertation stages well; this included some good guides on boosting my research techniques, narrowing my research to the topic, integrating different parts of the dissertation, editing, etc.  The modules in this course are current and can be tailored to your future aspirations. The course has modules on cloud computing, network management, databases like Oracle Apex, and AI.

Honestly, at the beginning of the course, I never thought I could’ve achieved what I have achieved today. I was so worried. But along with those feelings, I told myself that I must carry on and not give up. The support given to students on the course is top-notch. The Course Director and the course team are always there to offer genuine help. They always have confidence in you – and if you are willing to work hard, your degree will open exciting new doors for you.