College of Informatics and Electronics
Computer Engineering
BEng
How does the pursuit of higher learning in one of the most renowned universities in the world sound to you? To Stephen Childs it was the next step after graduating from the degree in Computer Engineering at UL. In doing so, Stephen has entered the hallowed halls of academia and is on his way to a Doctorate at the University of Cambridge.
Stephen chose Computer Engineering at UL because it suited his interests and the course was well regarded both in industry and academia. The blend of different elements including hardware, software and traditional engineering was attractive, and the possibility of language and specialist electives allowed him to pursue broader interests. While studying at UL, Stephen completed his work experience with Crouzet Automatismes in France, a manufacturer of Programmable Logic Controllers. Stephen was involved in testing and measuring their products and producing documentation for new applications. Although Stephen has decided to pursue a career in research, he says that the decision-making, testing and documentation skills he developed during his placement have been put to very practical use in his current research role.
Having submitted a resume and summary of his research interests, Stephen was offered a place in Cambridge. Working towards a Ph.D. gives him a chance to build on the knowledge and experience gained during his degree, and an opportunity to deepen his understanding of his subject. His future plans will probably involve work as a post-doctoral researcher in academia or working in industry in research and development. Somewhere in the future an academic position and a return to Ireland may be an option for Stephen. For the next few years however, he is anxious to gain some more experience abroad.
"Decide what you really want to do and don't worry about the points. Even if someone expects to get high points, it doesn't mean they have to apply for a course with high points that they are not interested in. I chose Computer Engineering because it was what I wanted to do, and not because of the points".