I chose Computer Science because I was curious, deeply curious about why decisions are made and
how systems arrive at outcomes. As early as my 10th grade, I found myself fascinated by how digital
platforms seemed to understand users: recommending products, content, or ideas in ways that felt
almost intuitive. Sometimes it felt like they knew what we wanted before we did.
As I started digging deeper, I realised that behind all of this was data, how it is collected, structured,
analysed, and ultimately used to drive decisions. That realisation changed how I looked at things. I
began questioning outcomes rather than accepting them at face value: Why was this decision final?
How did we arrive here? What data supported it? Over time, this way of thinking even found its way
into my personal life, where I started applying structured reasoning to everyday choices.
Wanting to understand this process properly, and use it effectively, is what led me to study Computer
Science.
Before taking part in the Sweet Potato Tec live brief at Anglia Ruskin University, my goal was simple
but intentional: build strong foundational skills. I was particularly interested in data science and
hoped to apply those skills in industries that fascinated me, such as motorsport. At that stage,
however, my learning was still largely theoretical. I understood concepts, models, and frameworks,
but I hadn’t yet experienced what it meant to work on a problem where the answers weren’t
predefined.
That changed with the live brief.
When I first heard about Sweet Potato Tec and the session led by Swami Bala, I felt excited and
curious. I had prior experience working with databases, but I had never designed a system end-toend for a real organisation. This wasn’t just another academic exercise, it was an opportunity to
experience what students don’t usually get: exposure to industry expectations, professional
communication, and real-world ambiguity.
From the very beginning, the tone felt different. The expectations were achievable, but they were
also clearly professional. This balance stood out to me. We weren’t being treated as students
completing a task for marks; we were being introduced to the mindset required when working with a
company. Requirement gathering, asking the right questions, documenting assumptions, and
communicating clearly suddenly mattered just as much as technical correctness.
Designing a database for an animal charity also brought a new layer of learning. This was a sector I
had never worked with before, which made the discovery process both challenging and exciting.
Understanding how charities operate, how they manage animals, donors, volunteers, and campaigns,
required stepping outside my comfort zone. At times, I felt lost midway through the process. But
learning how to navigate that uncertainty, ask better questions, and realign my approach turned out
to be one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
What stood out to me about Sweet Potato Tec during this process was not just what they do, but
how they do it. Their commitment to working with non-profit organisations, dedicating a percentage
of their time and expertise rather than just financial resources, reshaped how I understood “tech for
good.”
Before this experience, I assumed impact had to be large-scale. I thought tech for good meant
building entire platforms or solutions exclusively for charitable causes. What I learned instead is that
impact can begin with much smaller, more intentional actions. Offering technical expertise,
improving data quality, or designing efficient systems can make a significant difference, especially for
organisations that rely heavily on good data to operate effectively.
That realisation stayed with me. It showed me that technology doesn’t need to be revolutionary to
be meaningful. Sometimes, the most impactful work comes from doing foundational things well and
doing them with purpose.
Seeing this approach in action within a women-led, tech-for-good organisation quietly changed how I
saw my own place in the industry. It wasn’t about making a statement; it was about representation
through leadership and values. Observing a company where professionalism, impact, and inclusion
coexist naturally made my goals feel more attainable. Fields that once felt intimidating, especially
those with traditionally high male representation, no longer felt out of reach.
Swami Bala’s engagement during the live brief also left a strong impression on me. The way he
communicated, addressed questions, and connected industry expectations with academic learning
reshaped how I thought about professional presence. Simply observing that interaction influenced
how I see myself speaking in front of a room or engaging with stakeholders in the future.
On a personal level, this experience helped me move beyond theory. I now feel confident designing
systems with real users and organisations in mind, rather than designing solely to meet academic
criteria. I can communicate with industry professionals as a collaborator rather than feeling like “just
a student.” My technical skills improved, but just as importantly, my soft skills developed significantly,
from structured communication to handling uncertainty and taking ownership.
If a first-year Computer Science student asked me whether industry live briefs are worth it, my
answer would be simple: never miss them. Opportunities like these don’t always require knocking on
doors, sometimes they come directly through your university. When they do, treat them seriously
and make the most of them. These experiences accelerate learning in ways lectures alone cannot.
Looking ahead, this live brief has clarified my direction. I see myself continuing to develop my
expertise in data science, combining technical depth with strong communication and industry
awareness. I feel more prepared, more confident, and more intentional about the kind of
professional I want to become.
This experience didn’t just teach me how systems are built, it showed me how careers are shaped.
Through curiosity, reflection, and meaningful exposure to real-world problems, confidence grows
naturally. And sometimes, that growth begins with a single opportunity taken seriously.
– Prithyangaa Senthi
