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As TechFest 3.0 approaches on Tuesday 31st March, Senior Digital Lecturer Ngozi Nneke shares the vision behind the flagship event and why it has become a defining experience for UA92 students.
“This year we’re excited to host the third year of TechFest, or TechFest 3.0! I first had the idea for TechFest when I was saw the amazing final projects from our third year students, and I asked myself: what else can we do with these projects? The event is a platform for our students to showcase not just their projects, but the creativity and insights they have developed over their time at UA92. We create a professional setting by bringing together students, staff, alumni and industry partners, to give students a diverse and supportive audience for their presentations. This is a great opportunity to network, get feedback from employers and build an idea of industry standards. In the lead up to the event, we offer workshops on presentation skills, interview prep, CV writing and more – so our students graduate with the tools they need to succeed.
Past TechFests have seen everything from an AI interface to tackle gender bias in job descriptions, to a programme designed to find safe landing spots on the moon. This year, we’re excited to introduce the TechFest Research strand, which looks to review the impact of the event on student confidence, professional development, employability, and graduate outcomes.
As a student in the past, I wish I’d had the opportunities that UA92 offers. We don’t do traditional end-of-year exams*, we’re project-based instead. So you get to do project that you love, and you’ll graduate with a portfolio that you can present to potential employers. We have a lot of things going on outside the classroom, such as TechFest, and clubs such as the Women in Tech Society, so I encourage students to get involved. Join clubs and activities, get networking, become a part of the community.
Many of UA92’s industry partners have joined us TechFest events, from KPMG to Microsoft. They provide real-world experience, industry insights and career opportunities for our students, which plays a huge part in preparing them for life beyond their degree. At previous TechFests, our partners have been blown away by the creativity and talent on display. These opportunities are so valuable for building confidence, gaining professional experience and empowering our students to put themselves out there.
If you’re thinking about a career in technology, a degree in Computer Science or Cyber Security will give you foundational knowledge you need before you develop a specialism. I kicked off my own career with a degree in Computer Science, and now I specialise in AI and data. At UA92, our course modules explore everything from software development to applied AI, network security to user experience. We also offer a Certificate of Higher Education, for students who don’t have the qualifications for a full degree, or want a flexible option. A Cert HE is the first year of a three year degree, so if you successfully complete the first year, you can step onto the full degree. Many students choose to do this, because at UA92, you get hands-on experience, insights from many industry connections, and opportunities such as TechFest, that build your confidence and employability.”
Find out more about TechFest 3.0 here, or explore our digital courses. Want to get involved in TechFest 3.0? Email ngozi.nneke@ua92.ac.uk for more details.
*There may be exams in some subject areas, but we avoid this where possible. Any exams will be undertaken at the end of the module instead of at the end of the academic year.
