Gaining the flexibility Brando needed

Originally from Italy, Brando is driven by a profound passion for technology and innovation. He developed his understanding of the IT sector by studying a BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technologies (Top-up) degree. Brando graduated with a First Class Honours, demonstrating his academic excellence and dedication to the field. Brando aspires to contribute to governmental and intergovernmental agencies and become an inspirational figure in the IT sector.

Choosing the right university

To ensure that he chose the right course, Brando took his time, carried out thorough research and discussed his options at various universities. He was drawn to the Computing and Information Technologies course primarily because of its intriguing modules. Additionally, the University's well-designed website and the administrative support he received during the registration process were significant factors. He also thought that the study platform, Blackboard, was intuitive and reliable, further confirming his decision.

‘The Computing and Information Technologies course I studied at Derby provided me with a robust foundation in research and in-depth knowledge of IT and computing, which is often hard to come by in the professional world.’

Choosing the right university

To ensure that he chose the right course, Brando took his time, carried out thorough research and discussed his options at various universities. He was drawn to the Computing and Information Technologies course primarily because of its intriguing modules. Additionally, the University's well-designed website and the administrative support he received during the registration process were significant factors. He also thought that the study platform, Blackboard, was intuitive and reliable, further confirming his decision.

‘The Computing and Information Technologies course I studied at Derby provided me with a robust foundation in research and in-depth knowledge of IT and computing, which is often hard to come by in the professional world.’

University journey

Brando thoroughly enjoyed his degree, allowing him the flexibility needed to learn and develop his skills whilst absorbing knowledge and experience. He decided to study online, as it was feasible from both a learning and financial perspective.

‘I would describe my learning experience as one of the most enriching of my life. If given the chance, I would relive it all over again. It pushed me beyond my boundaries and allowed me to acquire new knowledge effectively.’

The course also enabled Brando to feel more prepared for his master’s degree and pushed him to stand out from the crowd when applying for roles.

Advice for students

Brando advises those who are considering studying an online course to be flexible and dedicated to their studies, whilst also engaging with fellow students though the social channels. This creates valuable networking opportunities and fosters both professional development and lasting memories.

‘My top tip for new online students is to be proactive with your professors. Ask thoughtful questions and manage your time effectively; completing assignments well before deadlines can help you navigate unexpected life events. Engage with your fellow students for collaborative learning, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this unique journey.’

Future aspirations since graduating

‘I have significantly developed in my career since graduation. I am currently working as a Senior Associate Technical Support in the APAC region, where I apply my expertise in IT infrastructure management, technical support, and data center operations across diverse projects. My role involves diagnosing complex technical issues while ensuring system reliability for mission-critical environments.’

Brando is also currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Security. This has allowed him to deepen his expertise in critical areas of IT security.

After co-authoring First Steps into Kubernetes two years ago as a self-published book, Brando was recently contacted by a well-known publisher to collaborate on writing a new technical book focusing on IT infrastructure.

‘This opportunity has inspired me to explore the path of writing technical documentation and publishing further works in the future. I see this as a potential stepping stone toward pursuing a PhD by publication, which would allow me to contribute meaningfully to both academia and the IT industry while advancing my professional goals.’