Kirija Visvalingam

From passion to practice 

My passion for computing began in Sri Lanka, where I completed a two-year foundation in Information Technology. When deciding where to continue my studies, I was drawn to the University of South Wales for its excellent facilities and practical approach to learning. Wales also appealed to me because of its calm and welcoming atmosphere, which felt like the perfect environment for my studies. 

USW has provided incredible hands-on experiences, such as working with Raspberry Pi and Chrome Pi devices. These projects brought theory to life, helping me understand how concepts apply in real-world settings. The lab facilities here are top-notch, offering everything I need to explore the technical side of computing in depth. 

The personalised support from lecturers has been a game-changer. In my third year, I was the only student on my specific pathway, yet I never felt isolated. My lecturers went out of their way to ensure I stayed on track, providing one-on-one guidance and encouraging me to excel. 

Confidence, experience, and looking ahead 

A standout moment was my placement at USW’s Technocamp, where I worked as a technical and teaching assistant. This gave me the opportunity to introduce school students to robotics and telecoms while improving my own skills. The experience helped me grow in confidence, especially as I moved from being introverted to comfortable engaging with others. 

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in business and IT analysis, combining my technical expertise with creative problem-solving. USW has truly set me up for success.