Amina's a Computer Science student from Liverpool John Moore University. She secured a Software Engineering Placement (CE-Software) at ARM in Manchester, through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“Growing up, I loved playing video games and with my friends we created small mods to see our favourite things come to life in our favourite video games.
I continued to explore other sectors of technology, such as embedded programming and games programming.
I think naturally, I decided I wanted to explore a career in technology, more specifically software engineering.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I’ve always enjoyed using languages like C/C++ and also grew fond of making small projects with Arduino. From that, I decided to apply to ARM to further explore where my skills and enjoyment of embedded programming could take me.
I’ve also attended an event a year prior with ARM engineers and had really enjoyed learning about the work they were doing and the culture at ARM, so when I saw an opening, I jumped to apply.”
What was the application process like?
“I think what I found most surprising was how friendly and welcoming the ARM engineers were during the interview.
I felt they truly wanted to teach me during the interview and it felt like a collaborative process.
I was most nervous for the technical interview. Luckily I had a mentor who was willing to complete some mock programming technical interviews with me and provide feedback.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I attended Women in TEC, in my first year of university, which was my first insight into a tech career. It gave me valuable insights, such as what’s required to succeed in making tech applications and what opportunities are available.
Additionally, I discovered ARM’s opportunities through Bright Network.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I think the biggest challenge throughout my journey to securing a placement has been handling rejection gracefully.
You always hear that rejection is a redirection and it can be hard to take on, but it’s true. The perfect opportunity is coming as long as you persevere.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“I think the best advice is to be proactive. Make projects, find a mentor, attend Bright Network events to gain insight, look for different opportunities to learn and most importantly network!”
What have you learnt from going through the process?
“I’ve learned a lot about myself about going through the process of looking for an industrial placement. I learned about what I value in a company and where I would possibly like to take my career.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m looking forward to starting my placement at ARM, learning lots and meeting other people! I am looking forward to further defining what I would like in a SWE career. I also hope to support other people starting university or college, who I was once in the position of by providing guidance.”
Find insight schemes, graduate jobs, training contracts and more at Bright Network.
