51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Ross Beale graduated from the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's BSc Computer Science course in 2013. He became the Technical Director for Airbyte, a mobile-focused digital product studio co-owned with a fellow 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø graduate, Steve Smith.

"I was attracted to 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the Thames Valley area as it has become synonymous with some of the world's most innovative technology companies such as Microsoft and Oracle. Being in the Thames Valley breathes opportunity."

The course covers the fundamentals of computer science, which gave Ross a broad knowledge base. It opened up an array of potential career paths, and he honed theoretical and practical skills valued by employers.

"The course surprised me by being so practical. Every year had memorable sessions that drove home the theoretical learning."

One of the things that impressed Ross the most was the support he received during his final-year project:

"My supervisor and I were both really passionate about my project, and that showed in the results."

Ross found that the Department of Computer Science is also incredibly supportive of extracurricular activities and ventures.

During his time at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Ross undertook a summer placement on campus with Conjure, a digital agency. This experience was a turning point for him.

"Within weeks of my time there, I was working on production-level code – writing core features in mobile apps for clients. I continued working with Conjure throughout third year and joined them as soon as I graduated."

While at 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Ross worked with fellow student Steve Smith to build an unofficial mobile application for the University. It helped students with day-to-day needs, such as accessing timetables and course information. The app's success inspired Ross's career plan.
 

"As mobile apps begin to dominate the consumer market, our app became way more popular than we had ever imagined. I knew then that creating products to solve people's problems is something I want to do. I've always been creative and love building things."

Following graduation, Ross led a product team at Ecrebo before forming Airbyte with Steve – building innovative apps and websites that solve problems. As Technical Director at Airbyte, Ross works directly with some of the world's biggest brands: Kantar Worldpanel, Thales, Big Bus Tours, the NHS, London Science Museum, Jaguar Land Rover and British Airways. 

Ross is understandably proud of his achievements.

"We were featured as one of 'Fifty Game Changers in the Thames Valley'. Being recognised for inspiring the community that initially drew me to 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is really rewarding."

Find out more about learning through summer placements