Ace Cebedo
BE Computer Systems Engineering, 2023
After graduating in 2023 with my engineering degree, I returned to London in hopes of securing a graduate job. It was a difficult search, coming out of COVID times, and it took me exactly 1 year (June 2024) from my graduation date (June 2023) to land my role as a SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) Engineer. During my gap year, I embarked on personal growth, exploring my interests by doing activities such as completing a Microsoft Azure cloud engineering bootcamp with Generation UK and working as a part-time Commis Chef.
After countless applications and perseverance, along with the help of a wonderful work coach (Shanade), I was able to secure a role within Vanderlande's solutions engineering team as a graduate SCADA Engineer.
My work day usually involves a variety of problem-solving collaboration tasks. I usually start my day checking emails and drinking multiple cups of coffee. This is followed with me checking my to-do list, that I prepare the day before, to help me plan my day.
Most of what I've been doing are shadowing and learning from colleagues, then applying what I've learnt to various tasks within my role. An example is how I've created various input files (i.e. project definition files defining an area (a section) within the project site) in order to generate 'Mimics' (visual representation of the system in SCADA). These 'mimics' allow operators to visualize the system and monitor the system through data received from low level control components (i.e. sensors).
Occasionally, I also shadow colleagues when it comes to troubleshooting live system problems. These can vary from Network connection, GUI (Graphical User Interface), to Deployment problems. These have been great learning opportunities for me; seeing how other engineers tackle problems
I also spend time within 1:1s with my manager and colleagues as well as our weekly team meetings to help with my continuous professional development.
Having the opportunity to work on airports has definitely been one of the most exciting aspects of my early career. Our site visits to Heathrow has definitely been the highlight of my career. Being able to go behind the scenes to see the baggage handling system that Vanderlande has implemented on Terminals 3, 4 and 5 was a surreal experience. Seeing the scale of the system from schematics to physical, was definitely exciting.
Also, being able to see the SCADA software product that my team has been working on, as well as being able to operate and use it from within Heathrow's baggage central control room was amazing, as it gave me understanding of why and how important our product is to helping Heathrow operate seamlessly.
Kent definitely provided me with a good foundation in the area of computer systems. Understanding the fundamentals of digital and analogue systems as well as being able to apply them to projects I undertook gave me the understanding I needed to become curious in this field. This curiosity has fuelled my motivation to continuously learn and pursue a role within this field. I particularly enjoyed the time I undertook working on my projects throughout each year in Kent. Programming microcontrollers, designing GUIs, as well as manufacturing my schematic designs provided me with so much transferable skills that not only helped me understand my role better but also stay curious and passionate through my gap year.
My time in Kent also developed much of my soft skills. Participating in group projects, societies as well as discussions were valuable in providing me with interpersonal, collaboration, as well as organizational skills which have all been so helpful in and outside of my career.
Always focus on the fundamentals. Keep asking 'why' until you understand the topic; never settle for just knowledge. Keep being curious about the area you're interested in and be proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to continuous learning. Learn to adapt to this mindset so that you can keep yourself motivated and your drive high for what it is you're passionate about.
Research the role, and the company you are going into making sure that it's what you want to do and the industry you want to be a part of.
Last but not least, actively prepare yourself. Look to practice your skills (hard or soft) that you need for the role as well as to pass those interviews or assessments you may go through during application. Look for experience opportunities when you can, so that you can gain exposure to the environment allowing you to learn whether the role is right for you. (It's also a bonus on your CV; employers love relevant experience).
Yes, I was involved in badminton, socials with friends as well as gym / rock climbing with other students.
Definitely the food nights, activities, and hangouts with my friends in societies such as FilSoc and ABACUS. Those times definitely helped me build my character as well as meet the lifelong friends I currently have.