Fran Haddaway: BSc Hons Computer Science and Internet Computing

Fran Haddaway

BSc Hons Computer Science and Internet Computing, 2005

“I am a Systems Consultant for Artisiam Software.”

Fran was born and has lived in Luton all her life. She has always found the town to be very multicultural with a good variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

She began studying at Luton as a part-time student in 2002. At the time the University was the only place offering a part-time evening computing degree course. Fran said: “The course was interesting and covered a wide range of computing topics. It was hard work with late nights, high points and low points, frustrations and also satisfaction when things went right – assignments came together and I passed exams.”

Later on Fran decided to transfer to full-time and found Student Services very helpful in providing information on loans and grants during the change-over period.

She also thought that the lecturers were willing to help whenever she had a problem. Fran commented: “Considering they lecture hundreds of students they quickly get to know you and are quite friendly and some even have a sense of humour!”

Fran was particularly impressed with the University facilities, in particular, the Learning Resources Centre which she said: “was a godsend as a place to study, providing all the books you need, as well as a wealth of information online.”

In February 2004 Fran took part in an exchange programme and went to study in Poland for four months. She said: “I’m glad I went to Poland to study, it was a unique experience, one I will never forget. I knew nothing about Poland and couldn’t speak the language, there were some difficult times but I made friends, passed all my modules and learnt to speak some Polish!”

Fran graduated with a First Class degree in September 2005 and was also awarded the Dean’s prize in recognition of her achievement. She said: "This degree is my way of saying thank you to my parents who sacrificed so much for my education."

Fran now works for Artisiam Software as a Systems Consultant. The company is owned by her brother who recently won Black Entrepreneur of the year. She helps with the maintenance of the web based timesheet, expenses and resources management system called Acumen. She said: “A couple of large companies have already purchased the system and there is lots more interest.”

Fran is keen now to see her brother’s company and software take off and hopes to put the knowledge gained from her time at the University to good use!

Interview took place in 2006.