Kalina Nikolova

Kalina graduated from the University of Leeds in 2023 to join QBE as part of their Data Graduate Programme, and is currently working as a Data Engineer. Here, she discusses her time at Leeds, experiences studying Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and her year in industry.

Why Leeds?

While deciding on her university choices, Kalina looked into the rankings for her subject area of interest, ease of travel from her home city in Bulgaria, and considered advice from people she knew who had previously studied in the UK.

What drew me to the Computer Science with AI course at Leeds was how well it blended theory and practice. It was important for me to graduate with enough hands-on skills to transition smoothly into the industry.

She explains that ultimately, “What drew me to the Computer Science with AI course at Leeds was how well it blended theory and practice. It was important for me to graduate with enough hands-on skills to transition smoothly into the industry.”
She received a conditional offer and visited the university campus a few months before the course began, which sealed the deal for her: “Seeing the university and the city in person confirmed my decision—I knew that’s where I wanted to spend the next 3-4 years of my life.”

Course highlights

A key highlight throughout her studies was that “The lecturers and teaching assistants were always approachable and willing to provide guidance when needed.”
Kalina’s studying was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which did mean that she had to transition to remote learning for some of her first year and most of her second year, which was challenging for both students and staff.  However, she explains that by her final year, “we returned to in-person lectures, tutorials, and exams. While it was the most demanding part of my degree, I found it to be the most rewarding and enjoyable.”

The lecturers and teaching assistants were always approachable and willing to provide guidance when needed.

Exciting projects

Kalina made the unconventional choice to base her dissertation on a group project. This meant she needed to balance her own workload and research with coordinating schedules and ensuring the team met regularly to complete the group components – no mean feat! They worked together to develop a mobile-based platform for disease and condition diagnosis, leveraging AI for decision-making. Kalina explains “my focus was on diagnosing autism in toddlers, with a particular emphasis on how the condition manifests differently in females.”
She found this the most time-intensive project of her degree, “but also the most rewarding – I learned an incredible amount and felt a deep sense of accomplishment once it was completed.”

...my focus was on diagnosing autism in toddlers, with a particular emphasis on how the condition manifests differently in females.

Kalina relates that “Another standout project was part of the Intelligent Systems and Robotics module, where we explored key concepts in robotics and computer vision. We applied this knowledge to program a robot capable of efficiently navigating an unfamiliar environment and accurately detecting shapes and faces.”

Career-prepping experiences at Leeds

The experience was invaluable—I worked in a supportive environment surrounded by incredible people, many of whom became role models.

Kalina was very proactive in organising an industrial placement year, applying for various internship opportunities before eventually securing a year in industry as a software developer at a Leeds-based company. She states that  “The experience was invaluable—I worked in a supportive environment surrounded by incredible people, many of whom became role models.”
“During that year, I not only enhanced my technical skills but also developed my communication, presentation, and teamwork abilities. It gave me insight into the different career paths in technology and helped me discover where my interests truly lie. Additionally, the hands-on experience prepared me for my final year at university, making what could have been a very challenging year more manageable.
“I highly recommend taking a year in industry to anyone considering it. Even if you're aiming for a career in academia, industrial experience provides practical insights that will ultimately make you a more well-rounded professional.”

Outside of studies

Kalina joined the Bulgarian Society while at Leeds, which gave her “a sense of community and a “home away from home.”” Later, she had the opportunity to serve as its president for a year. 
“We were a close-knit group, supporting each other in various ways—whether it was finding accommodation, navigating travel, preparing for exams, or simply adjusting to life in a new country.” She also used the facilities at the on-campus, university gym, The Edge, which she cites as helping her to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle throughout her studies.

Words of advice to prospective students

Kalina explains that the course can be challenging in places, but that “I wouldn’t hesitate to choose it again. If you’re curious about technology, enjoy problem-solving, and want to connect with like-minded people, don’t think twice.”
She advises prospective students to focus on building a solid understanding of programming early on, especially if they don’t have much prior coding experience.

I wouldn’t hesitate to choose it again. If you’re curious about technology, enjoy problem-solving, and want to connect with like-minded people, don’t think twice.

“Additionally”, she advises, “if you're considering exploring AI, it’s helpful to have a basic grasp of logic, linear algebra, and calculus. These foundational skills will make the learning process smoother and open up more opportunities during the course.”
 

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