Babatunde Oyediran

MSc Data Communication Systems

I initially chose Brunel owing to its reputation as a research institution and its very strong links to industry. I was attracted to the course because I wanted to move into Telecommunications and because I had an IT background with a Bachelor?s degree in Computer Engineering, I needed a course that would act as a bridge between the two. This course was perfect.

The course covered more than I expected. The curriculum reflected the current needs in industry and all the modules were relevant with up-to-date case studies. Lectures, laboratories and library facilities were all very adequate especially because a lecture room was reserved for postgraduate courses. The introduction of a PG study area in the new Bannermann Centre and the 24/7 Graduate School with computing, printing and leisure facilities made the experience most enjoyable. Having a personal tutor as a mentor throughout the programme really helped with coping with the rigours of academic study. My worst fears were with the electronics content of the course, but these were allayed with the provision of tutorial materials which helped even the most naïve person. I was most impressed by the calibre of the Faculty especially with guest lecturers from industrial research laboratories. Having a renowned professor of Project Management who gave hands-on exercises in Project Management has made it easier for me to settle into my new work role.

The University's location was also a huge determinant in my choice. Being very close to Heathrow airport, travelling is just a short bus ride away and its proximity to Central London offers easy access to the city's many attractions. I felt at home because of the great mix of nationalities. Every ethnicity was fully represented in the Brunel community and friendly and helpful staff made settling in very easy. An on-campus nightclub, cool bars, a vibrant International Student Society, state-of-the-art sports facilities, en-suite accommodation, amazing course mates and flatmates, the peace and quiet of a serene location when you want it, transport links to the city, etc. I even got a part-time job with the IT Support Team of the Computer Centre, assisting students and staff with access to the Brunel Network. The list is endless. I'm really proud to have been a part of it all.

My dissertation was titled 'WLAN-Fibre Optic Convergence for Wireless Broadband Communication Systems'. The convergence between Information and Communications Technologies was my main reason for choosing this topic. I was attached to the Wireless Networks and Communication Research Group of the Department which also exposed me to research methodologies. This involved the use of Discrete Event Simulation techniques to model and analyse the integration of wired optical fibre communications with IEEE 802.11 wireless technologies to achieve higher data rates. The work carried out in the project included network modelling, simulation of varying scenarios, tests for robustness and applicability, analysis of results obtained and specific antennae modelling using OPNET network tools leading to the postulation of stochastic models.

My MSc degree gave the necessary edge in a highly competitive industry. The evolution and success of VoIP telephony has opened a lot of business opportunities for Telecoms companies and there is a huge demand for the skill set to deploy new VoIP networks. The job I landed on graduation was Project Co-Coordinator for Easynet Limited, a BSkyB Company. The skills I acquired through Brunel encouraged the company to promote me to Project Manager within 8 months, which was fantastic ! My day to day role involves the effective project management of activities common to all Unified Communications voice and video projects ensuring that these are managed smoothly and efficiently facilitating the availability of all relevant information and timely end-to-end scheduling i.e. project/programme planning, requirements definition, scope definition and validation, project delivery, risk management, and quality control. Working with the Unified Communications Product Development team I provide Project Management expertise for the development and implementation of end-to-end order-to-delivery processes and pilot deployments for new products.

Brunel offered me a great opportunity to study a course that has an industry-friendly curriculum, high calibre Faculty, balanced study experience and led to excellent career opportunities after graduation.