With UCAS deadlines fast approaching, many students feel under pressure to have everything figured out - what to study, where to go, and whether university is even the right choice.

In November, Next Tech Girls partnered with the University of Greenwich to host an online Career Conversations panel, bringing together three recent graduates now working in the tech industry. They shared what they wish they’d known when applying to university, how they weighed up apprenticeships versus degrees, and what actually helped them move from student to tech professional.

The panel featured:

• Ameera Salam, freelance game designer and developer
  
  

• Hiu Yan Chong, infrastructure engineer at the Met Office
  
  

• Avantika Yeka, software intern at M3
  

All three graduated within the last two years and reflected on their journeys from school, through university, and into tech roles.

Here are the three biggest takeaways for students applying now.

1. University vs apprenticeship: there’s no single “right” route

One of the most common questions students asked was whether they should go to university or choose an apprenticeship instead.

The graduates’ experiences showed there is no one-size-fits-all route into tech.

Avantika shared that university always felt like the right option for her. She valued having time to study, build confidence and develop skills before entering the workplace, rather than going straight into full-time work.

Ameera’s journey looked very different. She initially started a degree apprenticeship at a large tech company, before realising it wasn’t the right fit and later choosing university instead. That experience helped her clarify what she wanted - and didn’t want - from her career.

As Ameera explained during the panel:

“University is a lot more beginner-friendly. Everyone starts on a similar page and then you all kind of learn together.”

Hiu Yan added that university was particularly valuable because she didn’t yet know which area of tech she wanted to work in. Choosing a degree with an industrial placement year gave her the chance to explore different roles before committing to a specific path.

The graduates also highlighted the University of Greenwich’s emphasis on applied learning – including industrial placements and practical coursework – which helped them explore different roles and build confidence before graduating.

The key takeaway:

• Apprenticeships can work well if you’re confident about a specific role and ready for a fast-paced working environment.
  

• University can be a better choice if you want time to explore, build foundations, and keep your options open.
  

• Changing direction is part of the process - not a failure.
  

2. Personal statements should show curiosity, not perfection

Many students worry their personal statement isn’t impressive enough. The graduates were clear that universities aren’t looking for perfect candidates - they’re looking for genuine interest and effort.

Across the panel, students shared experiences that helped their applications stand out, including:

• Attending STEM or tech-related events
  

• Completing online courses, such as beginner coding
  

• Work experience or insight days

• EPQs linked to subject interests

What mattered most wasn’t the scale of the experience, but what students learned from it and how they explained why it interested them.

Avantika shared that extracurricular activities and self-led learning helped strengthen her application, even when opportunities were limited:

“If you can, do extracurricular activities and work experience. It doesn’t matter if it’s online - it will look good on your personal statement.”

The panel also encouraged students to be strategic with their UCAS choices - avoiding using all five options on highly competitive courses and talking through decisions with teachers or advisers before submitting.

3. University is about more than lectures - relationships and experience matter

All three graduates emphasised that university isn’t just about attending lectures and passing exams. The relationships students build, the feedback they engage with, and the practical experience they gain can have a real impact on their career after graduating.

They also spoke about the value of the University of Greenwich’s supportive teaching environment, where regular contact with lecturers, applied coursework and practical projects helped them build confidence and stand out.

For Ameera, staying engaged with her lecturers led directly to work opportunities after graduation:

“After graduating, my lecturer reached out and recommended me for freelance work. Keeping in touch really mattered.”

Avantika also highlighted the importance of final year projects, particularly for students hoping to move into tech roles. She explained that these projects often become a key part of interviews, allowing students to demonstrate what they can actually do rather than just what they’ve studied.

The panel encouraged students to make the most of their time at university by:

• Engaging with lecturers and feedback sessions
  

• Taking final year projects seriously
  

• Using coursework, projects and placements as portfolio material
  

• Staying connected on LinkedIn after graduating
  

For students who feel unsure about careers, university can provide the time, support and real-world experience needed to explore different roles - especially in a broad and fast-changing industry like tech.

A final word for students applying now

All three graduates agreed on one thing: you don’t need to have your future mapped out at 18.

University - particularly when combined with practical experience, placements and supportive teaching - can provide a strong foundation for a career in tech.

As UCAS deadlines approach, their advice is simple: Be curious. Be honest. And choose the path that works for you.

Want more support exploring careers in tech?

Next Tech Girls runs free events throughout the year - including online panels, Insight Days and work experience opportunities - designed to help students:

• Learn about different tech roles and career paths
  

• Build experiences they can reflect on in personal statements or job interviews
  

• Gain confidence talking about their interests and skills
  

Sign up now to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.