May Metwaly, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
May Metawaly (pictured centre at the 2024 Unibots UK competition with her LSBU team mates) talks about the extracurricular activities she is taking part in as part of her university experience, and how these extracurricular experiences will help her in her future career.
Tell us about the extracurricular activities available to School of Engineering students at LSBU.
At LSBU, I have actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, each enriching my university experience in unique ways. As a STEM ambassador and Computer Science and Informatics student ambassador, I have had the privilege of representing and promoting LSBU at various events. These have fostered valuable networking opportunities, and facilitated meaningful interactions.
Additionally, my role as a student demonstrator allowed me to apply my technical knowledge in MicroPython and Micro-Controllers, aiding other students in their learning journey. These roles have honed my leadership, communication, and technical skills, directly contributing to my personal and professional development.
The satisfaction of contributing to the learning of others has been incredibly fulfilling.
Tell us about the annual Unibot UK competition.
I also regularly take part in the Unibot UK competition, joining a team of LSBU students to compete in the annual robotics competition. In 2023 we won third place, and this year when I joined as team leader I was proud we came second!
Participating in competitive and collaborative events, such as the Unibot UK competition, sharpened my strategic thinking and adaptability. Working in a team environment, I learned to delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, and leverage each team member's strengths to achieve our goals. These events provided invaluable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop essential teamwork and leadership skills.
What has your favourite extracurricular activity been so far?
My favourite activity has been my role as a student demonstrator. This position allowed me to directly apply my technical skills in a practical setting, helping peers understand complex concepts. The satisfaction of contributing to the learning and success of others, coupled with the hands-on experience with technical equipment, has been incredibly fulfilling and aligns closely with my passion for technology and education.
My extra curricular roles have given me a taste of real-world challenges and the importance of effective communication and teamwork in a tech environment.
How will extra curricular activities at LSBU help you in your future career?
My aspiration is to pursue a career in technology, focusing on areas where I can leverage my programming skills and creative problem-solving abilities. The extracurricular activities at LSBU have been instrumental in preparing me for this. My roles as an ambassador and demonstrator have given me a taste of real-world challenges and the importance of effective communication and teamwork in a tech environment. Participating in competitive and collaborative events has also enhanced my strategic thinking and adaptability, skills that are vital in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
In addition, my roles as a STEM Ambassador and CSI Student Ambassador provided me with hands-on experience in event organization, public speaking, and networking. I faced real-world challenges such as coordinating logistics for large-scale events and delivering engaging presentations to diverse audiences.
Additionally, serving as a Student Demonstrator allowed me to apply my technical knowledge in practical scenarios. I encountered challenges like troubleshooting technical issues during workshops and adapting teaching methods to suit different learning styles. These experiences not only strengthened my technical skills but also enhanced my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
What is it like studying at LSBU in general?
Studying at LSBU has been a multifaceted experience. Beyond academics, the university has offered me a platform to explore my interests, develop new skills, and connect with a diverse group of individuals. The supportive academic environment, combined with opportunities to engage in practical, real-world projects, has significantly enriched my learning experience.