Interview- STEM Student Talks New Tech Role & Offers Advice to Those Applying for Paxton Scholarships
04th October 2022 – Brighton
In 2020 Sam Peace was a computer science student at the University of Brighton, and due to take part in Paxton’s annual scholarship programme. When his placement got cancelled due to pandemic social restrictions, he completed his third year of study remotely like many UK undergraduates.
Despite these unexpected and challenging circumstances, Sam secured a 1st class honours degree, and later a permanent role as a Software Test Engineer at Paxton, who develop and manufacture innovative security technology.
In this interview, Sam tells his story and gives advice to students applying for a Paxton scholarship.
You were set to join the Paxton Scholarship programme in 2020, what happened?
I successfully applied for the Paxton scholarship in 2019 during the second year of my degree. When I got it, I was over the moon, then COVID came along and unfortunately I could not do the internship. I was disappointed as it would have given me the experience and confidence boost I needed at the time. When I realised that the scholarship wouldn’t be happening in 2020, I thought I would never hear from Paxton again. I am pleased to say that was not the outcome.
What made you apply for the scholarship initially?
The £10,000 towards my third year of study and the opportunity for a future role made it really appealing. I found the scholarship through an open day organised with my university. I was able to explore and find out a lot about Paxton before applying. It is a lovely place here and I thought I would give the scholarship a go, so I put a lot of effort into the application. I went through all the stages and miraculously got it. I credit the scholarship with saving me at university.
You said that the scholarship saved you at university, can you elaborate how?
Getting the scholarship did save me. There were a few modules in my second year which I struggled with, and I even considered dropping out altogether. Being told I had secured the scholarship really motivated me though and gave me the confidence to continue. It felt as if someone could see something I could not. I knew then I had to do the final year, and pass if I wanted the internship, and all the other benefits that would come along with it.
I really put the effort in and finished with a first. I genuinely don’t think I would have completed university without getting the scholarship. I certainly would not have the result that I did.
How did you get your job at Paxton after the scholarship was cancelled?
After finishing university in 2021, I started working in care homes around Brighton. I was thinking about Paxton and thought about contacting them. A few days after I had that thought, Devin Yuille, their Group Recruitment Manager contacted me. He remembered me from my scholarship application and liked my enthusiasm. He made me aware of the open vacancies in Paxton’s test department.
Luckily the open day and the interview for the scholarship really prepped me for the job application. I felt like knew the company already. Getting hands-on with the products gave me a real insight into what I can do here. We also got to socialise, and the group interviews made it really welcoming. We even all played Mario Cart at the end. It was clear Paxton is all about the culture.
What would you say to someone looking to apply for a Paxton Scholarship?
My advice to anyone applying, is just go for it. This is designed for STEM students, and it will help your confidence. There is no need to worry about not being good enough. Paxton are not looking for a finished article, they nurture new talent and want to develop people in the long-term. For them it is not necessarily about having all the skills, it is about the person you are.
If you are a STEM student from the University of Brighton or the University of Sussex graduating in 2024, you can follow this link to sign up for the Paxton Scholarship Open Day on the 11th November 2022.
Interview- STEM Student Talks New Tech Role & Offers Advice to Those Applying for Paxton Scholarships
4th October 2022 – Brighton
In 2020 Sam Peace was a computer science student at the University of Brighton, and due to take part in Paxton’s annual scholarship programme. When his placement got cancelled due to pandemic social restrictions, he completed his third year of study remotely like many UK undergraduates.
Despite these unexpected and challenging circumstances, Sam secured a 1st class honours degree, and later a permanent role as a Software Test Engineer at Paxton, who develop and manufacture innovative security technology.
In this interview, Sam tells his story and gives advice to students applying for a Paxton scholarship.
You were set to join the Paxton Scholarship programme in 2020, what happened?
I successfully applied for the Paxton scholarship in 2019 during the second year of my degree. When I got it, I was over the moon, then COVID came along and unfortunately I could not do the internship. I was disappointed as it would have given me the experience and confidence boost I needed at the time. When I realised that the scholarship wouldn’t be happening in 2020, I thought I would never hear from Paxton again. I am pleased to say that was not the outcome.
What made you apply for the scholarship initially?
The £10,000 towards my third year of study and the opportunity for a future role made it really appealing. I found the scholarship through an open day organised with my university. I was able to explore and find out a lot about Paxton before applying. It is a lovely place here and I thought I would give the scholarship a go, so I put a lot of effort into the application. I went through all the stages and miraculously got it. I credit the scholarship with saving me at university.
You said that the scholarship saved you at university, can you elaborate how?
Getting the scholarship did save me. There were a few modules in my second year which I struggled with, and I even considered dropping out altogether. Being told I had secured the scholarship really motivated me though and gave me the confidence to continue. It felt as if someone could see something I could not. I knew then I had to do the final year, and pass if I wanted the internship, and all the other benefits that would come along with it.
I really put the effort in and finished with a first. I genuinely don’t think I would have completed university without getting the scholarship. I certainly would not have the result that I did.
How did you get your job at Paxton after the scholarship was cancelled?
After finishing university in 2021, I started working in care homes around Brighton. I was thinking about Paxton and thought about contacting them. A few days after I had that thought, Devin Yuille, their Group Recruitment Manager contacted me. He remembered me from my scholarship application and liked my enthusiasm. He made me aware of the open vacancies in Paxton’s test department.
Luckily the open day and the interview for the scholarship really prepped me for the job application. I felt like knew the company already. Getting hands-on with the products gave me a real insight into what I can do here. We also got to socialise, and the group interviews made it really welcoming. We even all played Mario Cart at the end. It was clear Paxton is all about the culture.
What would you say to someone looking to apply for a Paxton Scholarship?
My advice to anyone applying, is just go for it. This is designed for STEM students, and it will help your confidence. There is no need to worry about not being good enough. Paxton are not looking for a finished article, they nurture new talent and want to develop people in the long-term. For them it is not necessarily about having all the skills, it is about the person you are.
If you are a STEM student from the University of Brighton or the University of Sussex graduating in 2024, you can follow this link to sign up for the Paxton Scholarship Open Day on the 11th November 2022.
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