Class of 2018: Andrew Burton

All this week we are celebrating the achievements of some of our students who are graduating in the class of 2018.

Andrew Burton (BSc Computer Science with one year in industry) has built an impressive portfolio of volunteering and work placements and has even interned for technology giant Hewlett-Packard. Making his way as a proficient technician, he has even more exciting plans after graduation.

One of the key factors that influenced Andrew’s decision to study at Essex was the impressive Colchester Campus and the many activities available for students.

He said: “From the various SU venues to the squares and other events on campus, there always seems to be something happening!”

As well as the student experience on campus, Andrew found the resources and expertise available for his Computer Science course meant he developed vital skills for future employment in the technology sector.

“I have had a fantastic time studying at Essex over the last four years. I’ve gained a huge amount of technical knowledge from my course and placement and been able to develop my skills, which I will end up using for the rest of my career.”

Outside his course, Andrew has been involved in several societies, including the Politics Society and the Student Scouting & Guiding Organisation (SSAGO) through which he has many people who he ‘hopes will remain friends for life.’

Working as an accommodation rep in his first year, Andrew decided to apply to the Student Ambassador Scheme in his second year of studies. Using his knowledge and experience of the University, he was able to provide assistance and support to prospective students during open days.

Thanks to the support of staff from his department and the Employability and Careers Centre, Andrew secured a placement year as a technical consultant with Hewlett-Packard Software, the multinational technology innovation enterprise.

Andrew worked at the company’s London office as Technology Consulting Intern. During his 13-month placement, he worked alongside a team of experienced consultants to implement solutions using enterprise software.

He said: “The skills that I had picked up from my degree proved invaluable and having worked on live projects during my placement helped me hugely with my Final Year project.”

Andrew’s hard work and dedication to his studies, volunteering and work placements has paved the way for some fantastic opportunities, and he has recently been accepted to work at Boeing, the world’s leading aerospace company.

Boeing is the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft and employs more than 2,200 people across the UK. In September Andrew will join the company in Bristol as a Technical Graduate. He says he is ‘looking forward’ to starting this amazing role after his graduation this summer.