Steve Workman
Name: Steve
From: Lancaster
Degree: MComp Computer Science
Status: Steve was interviewed at the end of his fourth year
Why did you choose Sheffield?
I picked Computer Sciences at Sheffield quite simply because of Genesys. Sheffield is the only University in the world to offer a degree like this. It´s so much more valuable than a standard degree course and has helped me get a well paid job on graduation. I chose Computer Science, rather than Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence because I wanted experience of every aspect of computing to open up the widest range of opportunities.
Can you tell me more about your role in Genesys?
For Genesys, I chose to have a Marketing role, as it reflected the type of career that I eventually saw myself in. I didn´t want a purely developmental position and marketing offered more of a consultancy based role. My position in Genesys involved contract negotiations, finding clients and managing the software development teams. I´ve enjoyed the fact that the work has been business based, but needing a comprehensive technical knowledge in order to manage all the different project teams.
Was Genesys a valuable experience?
Genesys really helped me to get a job, and was fantastic when it came to interviews. There are always challenges, problems and awkward clients, which gives you a lot to talk about at interview, and a lot of ways to demonstrate your competencies. It counts as work experience – like doing a sandwich year only you get the responsibility of actually running the company.
Did you do any project work?
Yes - my third year research project was about computer graphics. I developed a way of making 3D objects explode realistically in computer games. The standard method of making a 3D object explode is to assemble it graphically out of several different components which then split apart. My method was to wrap the surface of an object in virtual mesh grid so the object fractured along the grid lines to a set pattern. The fractured pieces are then sealed up to create an individual 3D object which is then exploded.
What are your future plans?
I graduate this summer then start work for PA Consulting as an analyst in their Information Systems division. I was also offered a job with Hewlett Packard but chose PA because of its reputation as one of the best consultancy firms in the world. You can be consulting on literally any project, anywhere in the world so the work is going to be extremely varied.