Alumni Stories
Damy Matuwidi – alumni story
Academy: Harris Invictus Academy Croydon (Secondary), Harris City Academy Crystal Palace (Sixth Form)
Current role: 2nd Year Student @ Surrey | BSc Computer Science Undergraduate
Tell us a bit about your background.
Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how things work behind the scenes. I think my curiosity started at a young age when I was always tinkering with gadgets or trying to figure out how games were made. That passion led me to study Computer Science at Sixth Form, and the University of Surrey after finishing at Harris Invictus Academy Croydon. There, I built a solid foundation in both academics and hands-on tech experiences, and I loved every minute of it.
What path did you take after school?
After school, I headed to the University of Surrey to pursue my Computer Science degree. Along the way, I got involved in a range of opportunities that helped me develop my technical skills even further, like my role as a Software Engineering Fellow at Headstarter AI and a tech internship at Bright Network. I also worked part-time at Co-op, which helped strengthen my communication and teamwork skills. I really value balancing my technical knowledge with practical experience.
What motivates and inspires you?
What keeps me going is the constant challenge that tech offers. I’m the kind of person who thrives on problem-solving and tackling complex challenges. But it’s not just about the tech—it’s the impact it can have. The idea that I can create something that solves a problem or makes someone's life easier is what excites me. I’m also motivated by growth. I love learning new programming languages, experimenting with new technologies, and pushing myself to develop both professionally and personally.
What are your current plans?
Right now, I’m studying Computer Science at the University of Surrey, but I’m also actively involved in projects that give me hands-on experience in everything from graphic design to software development. I’m always looking for opportunities to develop my skills, and my big goal is to work in software engineering, particularly in AI and cutting-edge tech solutions that can make a real difference.
Do you have any advice for current students?
My advice would be to never stop exploring and challenging yourself. If something excites you, dive into it. Whether it’s coding, graphic design, or problem-solving, there’s always something new to learn. Also, don’t be afraid to fail. Sometimes the best way to grow is by stumbling along the way, but every mistake teaches you something valuable. So, go for it—take on projects, ask questions, and never stop pushing your limits.
Isaac Denucci Diarrassouba - Alumni story
Academy: Harris Invictus Academy Croydon
Current role: Quantitative Developer at Quadrature
Tell us a bit about your background.
From a young age, I was always that kid who loved to figure out how things worked. I’d take apart gadgets just to understand what made them tick, which led me straight into the world of technology. Growing up, I knew I wanted a career that involved problem-solving and creativity. Harris Invictus Academy Croydon helped me realize that Computer Science was my passion, and it set me up with the skills to pursue that path.
What path did you take after school?
I went on to study Computer Science at the University of Cambridge, where I dove deep into the world of coding, algorithms, and everything in between. While at university, I had the chance to intern at incredible places like Google and Quadrature. Those internships gave me invaluable experience and helped me figure out what kind of work truly excited me. Now, I’m a full-time Quantitative Developer at Quadrature, and I’m learning more every day.
What motivates and inspires you?
I get a real thrill from tackling tough problems, especially when there’s no clear answer at first. There’s something satisfying about working through challenges with data and models that could change the way things are done. I’m also motivated by the fast pace of tech—it’s a world that’s constantly evolving, and I love being part of that. My inspiration comes from knowing that tech has the power to change industries and make life better for people in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.
What are your current plans?
At the moment, I’m focused on growing my skills as a Quantitative Developer at Quadrature. Every project is an opportunity to dive deeper into the world of quantitative analysis and see how these skills can solve real-world problems. In the long run, I want to keep learning and challenge myself to explore new areas in tech.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to experiment. I always tried to learn as much as I could outside the classroom, whether through internships, side projects, or just picking up new skills on my own. The more you expose yourself to different experiences, the more you grow. And when things get tough, don’t give up. Stick with it because the journey is just as important as the destination.
