Paulo and Wilson have been best friends since school. Both did the Computing Level 3 Extended Diploma course at West Suffolk College between 2014 and 2016, achieving the highest grade possible – triple distinction star. They both later progressed to the University of East Anglia. The course and its work experience element changed their aspirations and widened their horizons, and both are in new career paths as a result. They are grateful for the opportunities the course provided and to the staff.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Paulo: I always knew I wanted to go on to undertake a computer science degree at university and this course seemed like a perfect first step into that. It was also the closest college to where I lived at the time. I studied at West Suffolk College between 2014 and 2016, taking a Computing Extended Diploma and achieving a grade of triple distinction star.
Wilson: I joined Eastern Education Group/West Suffolk College because the computing course caught my eye. The course was presented very well on the website, and the initial interview I had with the course director was fantastic. It really captured everything I was looking for and gave me a clear understanding of the opportunities the course could provide. I was a student at West Suffolk College between 2014 and 2016, where I studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. I successfully completed the course with a triple distinction star, which allowed me to pursue a bachelor’s in Business Information Systems at the University of East Anglia.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Paulo: The course influenced my current job now in many ways and I have lots of special memories from my time here. During the course, we did work experience to rebuild the Team Bury FC website through Daniel Connor. Looking back, this was my first introduction into website development and I really enjoyed the experience. One of the modules involved building a game from scratch and then showcasing it as part of a team of three. At the time, I wanted to go into game development so having this course was super exciting for me. Overall, being exposed to so many aspects of computing really helped me get a taste for the different areas in the industry. I couldn’t recommend the course enough! I want to give a big shoutout to the staff and my course director who went above and beyond for us, notably Elaine Eagles and Peter Harbron. Both were instrumental in giving us all the tools to succeed throughout the course but also advice for our future
Wilson: most of my memories from my time at West Suffolk College are of the lecturers, who did a fantastic job. Elaine Eagles and Peter Harbron were exceptional course directors and Daniel Connor provided me with an opportunity that ultimately paved the way for my career. One standout moment was the end-of-course project showcase, where I had the chance to showcase my game, ‘Turbo Dodge’ – a 2D, top-down car-meets-dodgeball game. I was very proud of it and it was especially rewarding to see my little brother playing it against others and laughing with excitement. My work experience project, organised by Daniel Connor, Team Bury’s club secretary, was to rebuild and modernise the Team Bury FC website. This experience sparked my interest in web development, and I continued to pursue this passion through extracurricular work during my time at university, as well as working part-time for a web development agency alongside my studies. I later transitioned into a software test engineer role, before moving into project management. Having worked across the full software development life cycle, I can confidently say that the extensive coverage of computing topics in the course helped lay the foundation for my career journey.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
Paulo: My cousin is currently studying at West Suffolk College undertaking a design course. His name is Ricardo Ferreira. I came into the course alongside one of my best friends, named Wilson Mendes. He’s now working as a producer with far more technical experience than others doing similar roles. I also met a close friend while on the course, named Jack Smith. He’s now in the cyber security field.
Wilson: My brother, William Santos, is currently studying at West Suffolk College. After completing a supported learning course, he is now transitioning into animal studies.
What did you go onto to do after College?
Paulo: I’m now working as a freelance creative developer building websites for clients across the world. My latest work can be seen at https://pauloferreirajorge.com/. Taking a step back, I’m really glad I pursued the computing course as it gave me a head start into life at university. In many ways, the course covered a lot of material that was then taught in the first year of my computer science degree at the University of East Anglia. When comparing my path to other students who took a more standard A-Level approach into the degree I, and other colleagues who came from the course, felt more prepared and further ahead. For example, many hadn’t had any programming experience whereas we had been learning it across for two years. In the end, I really feel this step forward laid the groundwork needed to finish the degree with first-class honours.
Wilson: I am currently a delivery manager at Klarna, a leading fintech company. The course I completed at West Suffolk College played a key role in helping me get to where I am today. However, I have had many roles in the tech world before becoming a project delivery manager.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Paulo: Keep giving students the tools to succeed like you did with me!
Wilson: As you celebrate 100 years of history, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible opportunities and support that West Suffolk College has provided. The education, guidance, and experiences I gained during my time there have played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Here’s to 100 years of inspiring students and may the next century bring even more success and innovation to future generations!
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Paulo: Try as much as possible and just soak it all in. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do post-education as a 16-year-old at the time and in the end, I took a different path. Being open to all aspects of the course built the groundwork for my future.
Wilson: my advice to future students and staff at Eastern Education Group is to fully embrace the opportunities that come your way. Take advantage of the support from dedicated lecturers and staff, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. The experiences and skills you gain here will be invaluable as you move forward in your career. For future students, remember that the hard work you put in now will pay off in the long run, and for staff, keep inspiring and guiding the next generation with the same passion and dedication that made such a difference in my journey.
