Scott Mitchell

How did it feel for your time studying at the University to end? 

Surreal! It was the end of a 10 year journey, so it was a huge deal to me. 

I'm still actively engaged with Abertay and I'm continuing my research there in a more relaxed capacity. 

What made you choose Abertay and what’s been your favourite thing about the University experience?

Abertay had an excellent reputation for Computer Science, and that’s been my hobby since I was around 10!

I would have to say that working with people who share a similar mind set and interest has been the best part of my time here. There are a lot of shared interests between the students.

Amazingly, you studied for your degree while holding down a full-time job off-shore; how difficult was that? 

Completing my degree full-time while working full-time was very challenging but I think it was the best way to do it. I had to play catch-up constantly and I never had a break but that helped motivate me throughout.

The PhD was a different story. Part-time was extremely difficult while working full-time. There were times when I almost threw in the towel, especially in years 3 and 4.

Studying while working full-time requires giving up a lot of things and it’s definitely affected my life in both positive and negative ways. Finally finishing has been the most surreal feeling – I still don’t believe it.

Finally, tell us something amazing about yourself!

I collect video games and video game related memorabilia. I’m also about half-way through the 1001 Video Games to play before you die. Thanks to Abertay I managed to attend the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, which had been a dream of mine since I was young.

The event was for industry professionals and academics at the time and without Abertay I would not have been able to attend.

Also, I’ve literally bumped into Steven Speilberg twice and didn’t realise it until a few moments later!