Part of the Etc.
It’s amazing how finding the right subject can put you on the road to success. Just ask IT graduate, Amar Akram.
He’s first to admit he was never the most dedicated student at school, but the 23-year-old found his niche when it came to studying Computing and IT at Stockton Riverside College.
“I just really enjoyed it and that seemed to make all the difference,” he said. “Everything just fell into place and I realised this was something I was good at and enjoyed.”
While Amar had never previously considered the idea of university, he said successfully completing his BTEC Level 3 spurred him on to progress to a foundation degree at the college.
And the former Thornaby Academy student said: “That really set me up for work in the industry and also offered the opportunity for me to top up to a full degree.”
By offering loads of hands-on practical experience, he said, the courses at Stockton Riverside College helped put him a step ahead at university.
This summer Amar graduated from Teesside University with a first class BSc Honours degree in Computer Science.
He said: “Graduation was fantastic. To come out with a first class degree, having previously finished my foundation degree with distinctions, you really couldn’t ask for more.”
Now, having launched his own company, installing security and home automation systems, Amar said: “I really can’t sing the praises of the teachers and staff enough. The practical experience we got was fantastic and the technology we were using every day prepares you for working life.”
He’s first to admit he was never the most dedicated student at school, but the 23-year-old found his niche when it came to studying Computing and IT at Stockton Riverside College.“I just really enjoyed it and that seemed to make all the difference,” he said. “Everything just fell into place and I realised this was something I was good at and enjoyed.”
While Amar had never previously considered the idea of university, he said successfully completing his BTEC Level 3 spurred him on to progress to a foundation degree at the college.
And the former Thornaby Academy student said: “That really set me up for work in the industry and also offered the opportunity for me to top up to a full degree.”
By offering loads of hands-on practical experience, he said, the courses at Stockton Riverside College helped put him a step ahead at university.
This summer Amar graduated from Teesside University with a first class BSc Honours degree in Computer Science.
He said: “Graduation was fantastic. To come out with a first class degree, having previously finished my foundation degree with distinctions, you really couldn’t ask for more.”
Now, having launched his own company, installing security and home automation systems, Amar said: “I really can’t sing the praises of the teachers and staff enough. The practical experience we got was fantastic and the technology we were using every day prepares you for working life.”
