An Aberdeen graduate is preparing to jet off to New Zealand after using his degree to land his dream job as a software engineer.
Stuart Whitehead, from Cove, graduated at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday with a computer science degree.
The former Kincorth Academy pupil is also currently in the running for the trade body ScotlandIS’ Young Software Engineer of the Year award, as well as other top prizes for his profession.
The 23-year-old said his time at RGU has been a rewarding one which has helped to set up the foundations for the rest of his career.
Mr Whitehead said: “I’ve now got a refined understanding of the fundamentals of computer science, allowing me to broaden my knowledge of the industry.
“I feel confident enough to pitch myself as a competent, professional software engineer. More personally, my degree has opened doors further afield and will help me to obtain a work visa abroad.”
Through the university’s placements for his course, Mr Whitehead has gained valuable real-world experience at Aberdeen-based design agency EQ Design and the digital agency Edenspiekermann in Berlin.
Mr Whitehead said: “I worked on some large projects for clients like Red Bull and a regional newspaper re-brand.
“Making the most of my time there, I had the privilege of meeting the inventor of the world wide web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and world-renowned designer and typographer Erik Spiekermann.”
Thanks to his experience at the university and the firm, Mr Whitehead is now preparing to travel across the globe to Wellington, New Zealand with his fiancee.
He said: “Thanks to a combination of my degree, placement and experience in Berlin, I’ve been able to apply for and be offered my ideal job on the other side of the world.
“I’ll be working as a full-stack developer at a design-led technology company called Springload.
“I’m looking forward to an adventure and to new experiences which wouldn’t be possible without my degree.
“Over the last few years I’ve learnt that I like to help people – either clients, colleagues or friends – solve challenging problems.”