Student Profile - Nicola O'Shea

BSc (Hons) in Computing Solutions

Nicola O’Shea joined Colchester Institute in 2005 to study for a Foundation Degree in Computing Solutions and, on completion, stayed on to study for the BSc (Hons) in Computing Solutions specialising in the Internet. Nicola had originally signed up to study for a BTEC introductory course, however, her tutors recognised her potential and recommended that she change to the Foundation degree programme instead.

Nicola chose Colchester Institute due to the courses on offer and she could travel to the College every day from her home in Jaywick, Clacton-On-Sea. She has found the lecturers to be extremely helpful and willing to help students fully understand the course modules. She said, “There are always computers available to work on and there are great facilities in the library.”

Nicola has continually enjoyed the different modules and said that she becomes increasingly more interested in the module which she is studying at the time.

She has completed Programming, Web Development and Networking, but most enjoyed the Web Technologies and Production of Web Pages and feels she would like to progress further in these areas.

Throughout her time on the course, Nicola has been required to complete projects for real businesses. These have involved producing a product and writing a report, which has given her valuable experience in interacting with clients.

Before deciding to embark on a career in computing, Nicola gained qualifications in hairdressing and still cuts hair on a part-time basis. In her spare time she enjoys socialising with her hairdressing colleagues and those who are also studying for qualifications at Colchester Institute, as well as spending time with her two nephews Harry and George.