Jamie Mottashed

Now in his second year studying Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, Jamie Mottashed (2017-2024) was recently named Software Engineering Undergraduate of the Year, a prestigious national award that also secured him a summer internship with Skyscanner.

We spoke to Jamie about the journey behind his success, what he's learned along the way, and his advice for current students considering a career in technology.

What first sparked your interest in Computer Science and software engineering?

Surprisingly, the initial spark didn’t come from sitting in front of a computer or writing lines of code. It actually came from my Maths and Science teachers, who instilled in me a deep, fundamental love for problem-solving. As I grew older, I realised that software engineering is the ultimate modern gateway. It’s a space that allows you to take that passion for dissecting complex problems and apply it on a massive, global scale.

Looking back, how did your time at RGS help prepare you for studying Computer Science at university?

If I am completely honest, the most valuable preparation wasn't about the curriculum itself; instead, it was entirely about the culture. My teachers always encouraged me to pull on threads of curiosity that went far beyond the textbook. More importantly, RGS instilled a "hat in the ring" mentality in me. I learned the immense value of just putting yourself out there, embracing the unknown, and seeing what happens when you simply try.

Congratulations on winning the Software Engineering Undergraduate of the Year award. Can you tell us a little about the award and what it means to you?

Thank you! The funny thing is, I initially hesitated to even apply. I almost talked myself out of it before I saw a quote from a previous year's finalist asking, "If not you, then who?" That completely shifted my perspective.

For me, achieving this national recognition isn't only a technical validation, but a victory over impostor syndrome. It is tangible proof that when you trust your preparation and take that scary, uncomfortable first step, it truly pays off.

What skills or experiences do you think helped you stand out during the award process?

While rigorous technical preparation was absolutely the baseline, it was the human element that guided me through the process. Early on, I was given a piece of simple but profound advice that stuck with me: "Just be a good person."

While it sounds trivial, I firmly believe that in an increasingly automated world, interpersonal skills, empathy, and a collaborative mindset are the true foundations of long-term success. The technology gets you into the room, but how you communicate and collaborate is what sets you apart.

As part of the award, you've secured a summer internship with Skyscanner. What are you most looking forward to?

I am incredibly eager to throw myself into real-world problems that affect millions of users. I view my career as a journey and, for now, I'm in the learning phase, where I'm just looking to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Skyscanner is the absolute ideal starting point for that journey. I am most looking forward to applying my mindset within a massive, world-class engineering team and learning first-hand how products are built and scaled globally.

What area of software engineering or technology most excites you at the moment?

I am fascinated specifically by the multiplier effect of Artificial Intelligence. AI is rapidly levelling the playing field, allowing a single student to build in a week what used to take an entire engineering team months.

However, there is definitely nuance to this, and since AI is such a powerful amplifier, having deep, foundational technical knowledge is actually more critical now than ever. You have to know exactly how to steer the ship, even if the engine is propelling you forward.

Where do you hope your career might take you over the next few years?

My commitment for the next decade is towards learning, mastering my field, and building deep, practical industry experience. That's my foundation, and in the meanwhile, I'll be keeping half an eye on an entrepreneurial route, looking out for opportunities to build and scale solutions of my own.

What advice would you give to current RGS pupils who are considering studying Computer Science or pursuing a career in technology?

Stay voraciously curious. The technology landscape evolves so rapidly that your ability and willingness to learn is your most valuable asset.

Beyond that, have the courage to put yourself out there, even when you don't feel entirely ready. When an opportunity arises and you feel that wave of doubt, ask yourself: "If not you, then who?"

Congratulations to Jamie on this fantastic achievement. We wish him every success with his internship at Skyscanner and look forward to following his career in the years ahead.