Diena Samir, "This degree opens avenues that you might not have initially thought about"
While some students find the right course for them immediately, others need a little longer to discover the best degree for them. Diena Samir is one such example.
“I originally applied to study BA (Hons) Architecture at LSBU, but unfortunately had to withdraw my application,” says Diena. “After working as a legal adviser for a while, I applied again and this time I joined the course – but I found I actually didn’t enjoy the course as much as I thought I would.”
“What I really wanted to do”
It seemed to Diena that she would have to leave LSBU after all, but a chat with her Course Director led to an alternative suggestion – transferring to BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology. “After looking into the course, it became clear that it was what I really wanted to do,” she says. “It covered Architecture as a design, but would also keep me up to date with the technology and software used in the industry. That’s the direction the industry is going in, especially with the Building Information Modelling (BIM) being a major part of the construction process.”
“Best feeling ever”
Diena threw herself into her new course, and admits to enjoying every aspect of it. “Perhaps my favourite module was Architectural Design Projects,” she says, “because it brought what I had learned in the other modules together as I designed a project myself.” After spending days working on her project, Diena describes bringing her idea to life was ‘the best feeling ever’.
Junior Technician role
It was an experience that Diena got more than just pleasure from. She credits her First Class degree as the key factor in her securing a Junior Technician role at BCM Construction, subcontractors for Network Rail. “I’ve only been here for a couple of months,” she says,” but I’m learning so much. I’ve been involved with tendering, procurement, and building regulations already.”
Impressed her employers
Diena’s familiarity with CAD technology has also impressed her employers, and the academic framework she has behind her means that she has learned quickly on the job. “I feel as though I have a better understanding of construction thanks to my degree, and that’s had a significant impact."
This degree opens a lot of avenues that you might not have initially thought about, and in an industry where technology is becoming increasingly important, knowing how to use and implement that technology is a big advantage.
Diena Samir
Exciting future
Diena is hoping to carry on applying her skills, gaining experience in different sectors of design. ‘I’d like to work in areas such as commercial, residential and industrial design,” she says, “with the ultimate aim of having my own design company. I’m excited about what the future holds, and know that without my degree, I wouldn’t be able chase that dream.”
Find out more about studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at LSBU.