Engineering student secured job before graduation
In June, Rim Abdennour will graduate with a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering – and move straight into working life. Several months before graduating, she secured a job at the Swedish technology company Axis Communications in Lund, where she is currently completing her graduation project. It may sound straightforward, but the journey has required her to overcome challenges along the way.
Rim Abdennour is in the final stages of her five-year Master of Science in Engineering programme.
”I was offered the role largely because of my involvement in Fab Lab and my interest in technology and developing new solutions.”
Rim Abdennour, graduating student at the programme Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
Five years ago, Rim Abdennour moved from Helsingborg to Halmstad to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering.
“It was the width of the programme that made the difference. In Halmstad, we study both software and hardware, while friends at other universities mainly study software or add hardware later on”, says Rim Abdennour.
Despite the programme’s broad scope, Rim Abdennour has found a particular area she is passionate about – data communication.
“I especially enjoyed the courses in data communication, and that is also the area I will be working in. In my role as an embedded software engineer at Axis Communications, I will work with technology that enables wireless connectivity in hardware products. This includes, for example, surveillance cameras that communicate via networks, such as mobile networks like 4G and 5G.”
What is data communication?
Data communication is the transfer of information (data) between two or more computers or digital devices. This takes place over wired or wireless networks and is governed by shared rules, known as protocols, to ensure that devices can communicate with one another.
It includes, for example, web browsing, email, file transfer, cloud services and media streaming, all of which rely on data communication via technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
“I have built my confidence”
One aspect of Rim Abdennour’s studies that she did not expect to develop was her social competence. She describes computer science as a field where social skills are not always in focus.
“I was quite shy at the beginning, but during my studies, I have challenged myself and developed my social skills by actively seeking out new situations. It has made a huge difference”, says Rim Abdennour.
Alongside Rim Abdennour’s studies, she has been actively involved in Fab Lab, Halmstad University’s digital makerspace – a collaborative arena for students, researchers and local organisations. She started as a student assistant, supporting courses, open houses, and supervision, and later served as the student association’s chairman for two years.
“In that role, I worked closely with companies and was involved in prototyping and product development. Fab Lab has meant a lot to me. It is where I built my confidence and learned how to communicate with both new people and companies”, says Rim Abdennour.
Fab Lab is a meeting place for many of the University’s students.
Fab Lab Halmstad
Fab Lab Halmstad is one of the University’s labs and a collaborative arena. It brings together students, researchers, representatives from industry and the public who share an interest in creation, innovation and research.
It is also one of the best-equipped prototyping digital makerspaces in the Nordic region. In the lab, you can, for example, scan and 3D print models, cut materials such as vinyl, wood and acrylic, mill and solder circuit boards, cast in silicone and metal, or work with programming and modelling.
From a workshop in Fab Lab to a job at Axis
Rim Abdennour’s commitment also proved important in securing a job at Axis Communications, a company that develops surveillance and security products. During a workshop in Fab Lab, she met someone from the company, and the conversation turned to her internship. At the time, there were no vacancies, but she was still invited to visit the office and meet more members of staff.
Later, the company reached out when a position became available, and she was given the opportunity to shadow the team.
“I took the initiative to get to know the company better by suggesting a lunch with the team. In the end, I got the job. They were actually looking for someone with several years of experience, but I was offered the role largely because of my involvement in Fab Lab and my interest in technology and developing new solutions”, says Rim Abdennour.
Approaching graduation – three pieces of advice along the way
Graduation day is approaching, and Rim Abdennour is looking forward to it with mixed feelings. Her friends will be moving away, as will she, but she is confident that they will continue to see the University as a place to return to.
“It mostly feels good. I think I will miss Fab Lab and the sense of community the most. It has become a place where you can always meet people and be creative. I will also miss the freedom of student life. At the same time, it feels right to move on – I feel ready to graduate”, says Rim Abdennour.
Each year, the University holds a joint graduation ceremony. This year, it will take place at Halmstad Arena on 5 June.
For prospective and current students, Rim Abdennour has three pieces of advice. The first is to stand out.
“Everyone studies the same courses, so it is important to do something extra. Get involved in projects, competitions or student associations. It gives you both experience and contacts. For me, it became something concrete that I could show in job interviews”, says Rim Abdennour.
Rim Abdennour’s second piece of advice is to develop your social skills.
“Challenge yourself, for example, by talking to new people on your own. I was quite shy at the beginning, but I have practised. Employers are not only looking for subject knowledge, but also for people who can work well with others.”
The third piece of advice is to find your focus and show what you are interested in.
“Be clear about what you want to work with and try to find your direction. Do not say you can do everything – show what interests you. At the same time, it is important to have interests outside your studies. Employers want to see more than just your degree. In my case, my interest in developing new solutions made a difference, even though they were originally looking for someone with many years of experience in telecoms”, says Rim Abdennour.
Text: Katarina Tran
Photo: Ida Fridvall, Dan Bergmark
