Mark Perris
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Infodynamics Ltd
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After leaving Exeter, I travelled for a few years, and then started working in the public sector, in Local Government, in a variety of software related roles. I think joined the defence industry as an Architect, and worked on improving my skills through taking on progressively more complex architecture projects.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
The work is extremely challenging, working on with some of the most complex IT solutions and infrastructure, with the opportunity to work with some real cutting edge technologies not available in the consumer space.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a member of the Anime Club in 2003.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The biggest highlight was being able to focus all my attention on my third year project. I really enjoyed being able to go deep into a single area and develop significant expertise in it. Prior to that, I’d had areas I was good at, or confident in, but had never been the ‘go to’ person for a subject area before.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The campus. I loved being able to sit outside and work on my projects, and I loved my room. I think I may have had quite a few posters on the walls and electronics plugged in. Also the friendships made – I am still friends with my university friends many years later.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
It felt right, somewhat like buying a house – as soon as you walk in, you know it.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Learning the fundamental skills of computer science, and then being able to apply them to a variety of different situations, platforms, etc.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Start building your portfolio. Excel at doing what you love. Demonstrate quality and ownership. Travel. Live in a foreign country.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for a long time have been to have my own consultancy business, which I have just started, so I’m currently living my future plans. I’ll probably have some more next year.
