Computer Science Society: Vice Presidents

Gone are the days when Computer Science was synonymous with coding and only CS graduates were expected to code. I view UCL CSS as a space where everybody, irrespective of degree title or discipline, can find ample opportunities to discover the world of Computer Science.

By identifying areas within CS which students are keen to learn more about, I aim to plan events that students would be keen on attending. I would bring a fresh perspective on opportunities that would excite students. In particular, I plan to organise a ‘Cracking Coding Interviews’ series of workshops where students would be given advice on how to prepare for coding tests and solve challenging puzzles. In addition, I aim to strengthen collaboration with industrial partners to lay the groundwork for exclusive opportunities for UCL CSS Members. To open the world of opportunities within CS that don't require coding, the CSS could have a ‘No-code, no-experience’ hackathon which would encourage technical thinking without requiring coding skills.

I am motivated to transform UCL CSS into a motivating space where all students are inspired to think, learn and initiate. Having served as the first-year rep for the EEE department, events executive for UCL WES and workshops executive for UCL EWB, I am well-acquainted with the challenges that leadership and representation entail. I am confident that my determination can accelerate the progress of this society and make it more active and vibrant. 

Greetings everyone! I am Aryan, a 1st year CS Student running to be the society’s Vice President for 2022.

CSS was founded last year by students, who are now in their 2nd year. I want to take their initiative forward and make CSS even bigger. I believe I can, and am confident that I will. My school did not have a CS society either. I was driven to open one, and I did. As soon as it was created, the pandemic struck. I worked harder—150 students joined, we hosted an intra-school tech week, and then a nation-wide competition with over 50 participating schools, all in the founding year. 

If elected, priorities would be:

Develop Open-Source Projects: Long-term projects, allowing to learn about open-source development, contribute to a project, and build CV.

Conduct Mock Interviews: Based on each company's pattern.

Strengthen Our Community: Host networking events, gaming sessions, bar socials.

Make your Voices Heard: A feedback driven society where each opinion is valued.

I know I’ll be able to make it all happen because I connect with it. As the founder of my school’s CS society, the toughest part for me was letting it go and handing it over to the next cohort; the fear of the society's future, the society that had a successful first year. I believe I can responsibly lead the society for you, and provide a dependable community where everyone —beginners, experts, introverts, extroverts— get opportunities that they can benefit from.

Being apart of the very first CSS committee this year has been an absolute privilege for me. The society has come a long way, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished this year. I've mixed some blood, sweat, tears (to be melodramatic, but this is a pitch after all!) into some of the events I've organised. This includes 2 entire Hackathons, and I've done the most I can to help my committee, and to be there at as many events to make sure you all are getting the most out of them.

Being in Year 2, and apart of the 'covid cohort', we were the first to spend our first part of university, "not in university". To me, CSS should be our way of redeeming the time we lost, and to foster friendships and links in this amazing community. This is exactly why I joined the committee this year, and my sentiment has only grown stronger. I am determined, that as one of your VPs, to help steer the society in the direction that it has always intended to be.

I know how much the socials are needed for you to have fun, and to get to know the brilliant people around you (also a perfect way to relax after the courseworks we get bombarded with!). I also know about the passion to learn more about CS, and the importance of stimulating talks and careers experiences (any excuse for a CV roast, right?). I know that as a society, we will be able to hit the ground running next year to bring these events and opportunities to you, and it would be an absolute honour to help lead CSS once again. :))

From being an active member of the Computer Science Society over the past year, I have seen the committee in action. I am confident that I have the qualities needed for Vice President. I am sociable, enthusiastic and passionate. I am willing to assist the committee in general duties, and build constructive relationships with stakeholders such as key Departmental staff and the Union. I want to help shape the future of this Society and believe this role can allow me to do so. 

I would like to see more inclusivity within the department and the Society. I aim to create a strong inter-year community, which will promote better mentorship and advice between peers. I believe that advice from all years shall be essential in improving the Society. I strive to use my role to take the views of the students and the department on board.

My experiences from starting a Tech Society at my former school have taught me beneficial skills which will be a good fit for this role. I gained an insight into presenting, organising socials and hackathons, as well as liaising external presentations with professionals in the industry; skills that are invaluable as a committee member.

I would be delighted to assist the growth and progress of this Society, providing a new outlook to enable the Computer Science Society to thrive.

Why is a random 1st year standing for Vice President of CSS? Well…

Even though our society is very new, it has the potential to be incredible. So far, there have already been fantastic events, like the CV Roast, Games Night and the recent Hackathon. I believe someone, who represents the voice of younger students, needs to work with the President of our society. And I would love to be that someone!

During my time at university so far, I have represented the student body for 1st-year computer science as a student rep. This has involved working closely with staff to present feedback and report complaints. I now actively seek input from my fellow students and constantly think of ways to improve our uni experience.

On top of this, I helped to organise our first Games Night! I created the form for members to fill out, and you guys also provided lots of ideas for future events. Lastly, I enjoy meeting with others and actively engaging in social events.

If I somehow became Vice President, I would try my best to help make CSS the best society at UCL! So that's why I'm running for VP... and maybe cause I can put it on my CV too!

Thanks, Imaad :)

Hi everyone,

I am a third year computer science student and I have really enjoyed being a member of CSS this year. If I am elected, I plan to host more regular socials (including free food) and the opportunity to mix with students from other years. Additionally, I plan to host sessions where students in earlier years can speak to older students about certain modules and get advice on which ones to select and which ones to avoid, as well as hosting a CS christmas ball. CSS has been very enjoyable for its first year and I look forward to it evolving next year, whether I am elected or not.