Meet Vasilena, graduate of Applied Computer Science

Read this interview with Vasilena in which she tells you:

• How she found and decided upon her current role.
• The progress she has made  - her growing confidence and courage.
• Her advice for future Applied Computer Science students.

And hear from Vasilena's employer.

Tell us about your Employer, AG Solution.

AG Solution is a European business specializing in data management, automation, process improvement, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. They partner with some of the biggest names in large-scale industry and manufacturing. Achieving excellence for their clients is central to their success.

How did you find this job?

I was fortunate to find out about AG Solution through my network of contacts at KdG. Before graduating I started applying for work and quickly received job offers from three companies. I attended two interviews at AG Solution and decided they were the best fit for me.

So why did you choose AG Solution?

With offices based in Antwerp, additional locations around Europe and plans for international growth, I felt that this company would have the right culture and perspective as well as exciting opportunities for development.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

What I love about working here is the variety. Already after 5 months I’ve been working on a number of different tasks and am soon to start a brand new project. I work with colleagues both locally and across Europe. And I get to speak to clients daily. I’m a people person so I love this interaction.

In only my second week I was already invited to my first client meeting. Pretty scary! But that’s another aspect I love about AG. I’m challenged and motivated to learn quickly: in at the deep end but always with someone to support me.

What’s next for you?

I’m still new here but if I think of what lies ahead, I’d say that I’m happy to have found work in Belgium. Having studied here and invested time in making friends and work-related contacts, I plan to make the most of that for sure. But could this job lead to other opportunities internationally? Definitely! And I’m certainly open to new possibilities, and travel.

What advice do you have for new students?

If you’re thinking of studying to find a career in the world of ICT, here are some tips from me:

• Start building a network from your first year. Your teachers and classmates will help you with this. And for me this definitely paid off.
• Attend events. As a student I joined in as many as possible such as the International Women in IT day and an online seminar called “TalkDataToMe” about using machine learning to improve healthcare.
• Learn to be proactive. It will help you when you start work. I volunteered to be a student ambassador during my 2nd year and have been back to KdG since graduation to present and talk to students. I’ve grown because of this, and in ICT having experience communicating as well as having technical know-how can only help.

And now in work I’m the first to put my hand up for new challenges. It’s how you progress and be your best.

Why AG Solution chose Vasilena

Here’s a note from Vasilena’s Team Coordinator, James at AG Solution:

“Our decision to choose Vasilena was driven by her evident potential, which I personally observed during the execution of her school project. She stands out for her courage and readiness to confront challenges, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for quick learning and action-oriented execution.

Her knowledge of the tools and technologies related to the job we do was a plus, enhancing her ability to contribute to our projects. She communicates effectively and can collaborate successfully with team members.”

The growing ecosystem of graduates at KdG

In keeping with Vasilena's proactive nature, she has already returned  to KdG to talk to students about her experience.

On 17th April 2024 Vasilena delivered a KeyNote speech for an event celebrating Women in Tech that delved into the critical role that technology plays in shaping our future. During the speech, Vasilena shared examples and advice from her journey as help and inspiration for future students.

KdG's ecosystem of graduates is growing. This network will only serve to help new students joining the programme so that you are better informed, prepared and inspired.