Work or study

What subjects are you studying?▶ Listen

I'm majoring in computer science at a university in my city, which has one of the best IT departments in the region. I'm in my third year now, so I'm starting to think about what I'll do after I graduate.

Do you like your subject?▶ Listen

Yes, I really enjoy it, especially the hands-on projects where we build apps in teams. Although the theory can be hard, it's satisfying when a program finally works.

Why did you choose to study that subject?▶ Listen

Partly because I've always liked solving problems, and partly because programmers are very in demand. My parents also encouraged me, since they knew that the job prospects would be good.

Do you think your subject is popular in your country?▶ Listen

Extremely popular, because so many students want to work in the tech industry. As a result, computer science is one of the most competitive majors, which means you need very high exam scores to get in.

Do you have any plans for your studies over the next five years?▶ Listen

I'm hoping to do a master's degree, possibly abroad, which is why I'm preparing for IELTS at the moment. If everything goes well, I'd like to start the course in about two years.

What are the advantages of being your age?▶ Listen

I'm old enough to make my own decisions, whereas I don't have many responsibilities yet. That means I can still try new things, because a mistake won't affect a family or a mortgage.

Would you like to change your major?▶ Listen

No, because I'm happy with my choice, even though some courses are hard to keep up with. When I struggle, I ask my classmates for help, which usually solves the problem.

Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the afternoons?▶ Listen

The mornings, because my mind is much clearer before lunch. After I've eaten, I tend to lose focus, so I save easier tasks like reading for the afternoon.

How much time do you spend on your studies each week?▶ Listen

Around forty hours, if I include my classes. It goes up a lot when several deadlines come at once, which usually happens at the end of each term.

Are you looking forward to working?▶ Listen

Yes, I'm really looking forward to earning my own money, because I'll finally be independent. I'm also excited about putting what I've learnt into practice, since university can feel quite theoretical.

What technology do you use when you study?▶ Listen

Mainly my laptop and an online learning platform, where all our materials are posted. I also use AI tools that check my code, although I'm careful not to rely on them too much.

What changes would you like to see at your school?▶ Listen

I'd like the library to stay open later, because it gets very crowded in the evenings during exam season. It would also be great if there were more quiet rooms where students could study in groups.

What work do you do?▶ Listen

I work as a junior accountant at a logistics company, which I joined about two years ago. My job is mainly to check invoices and prepare monthly reports, which means I spend most of the day on spreadsheets.

Why did you choose to do that type of work?▶ Listen

I chose accounting because I was always good at maths when I was at school. It also seemed like a stable career, where there are clear ways to climb the career ladder.

Do you like your job?▶ Listen

On the whole, yes, although it can be repetitive at times. It's very rewarding when everything balances at the end of the month, because I know that I've done my job properly.

What qualifications did you need to get your current job?▶ Listen

I needed a degree in finance or accounting, which I already had, and a good level of English. I also had to pass an online test before I was invited to two interviews.

Do you have any plans for your career over the next five years?▶ Listen

I'd like to take on more responsibility and become a team leader, which would be a big step for me. Before that happens, though, I want to get my professional qualifications, because they're essential for promotion.

What's most important to you in your work at the moment?▶ Listen

Finding a good work-life balance, because it's easy to burn out when you're trying to juggle work and evening classes. If I don't get enough rest, I make silly mistakes at work.

Would you like to change jobs?▶ Listen

Not right now, because I'm still learning a lot where I am. However, maybe one day I'll switch to a role in data analysis, which combines numbers with technology.

Do you miss being a student?▶ Listen

Sometimes, especially when I think about the long summer holidays that I used to have. However, I don't miss exams at all, because they always made me very nervous!

What technology do you use at work?▶ Listen

Mostly spreadsheets and accounting software, which I use every single day. I also have video calls with colleagues who work in our other offices, since the company has branches in four cities.

Who helps you the most at work, and how?▶ Listen

My manager, because when I joined, she showed me the ropes patiently. She still gives me useful feedback every week, which has helped me improve much faster than I expected.