Henry Mwanyika

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme  

Name: Henry Mwanyika
Age: 30
Born: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Lived in Scotland: 18 months

The reputation of Strathclyde University and a desire to gain more experience as a software developer led Henry Mwanyika to Scotland and the Fresh Talent Working in Scotland scheme.

"The scheme gives foreign nationals an opportunity to gain more work experience and learn more about Scottish culture," he said.

"There is a lot to see in Scotland and the best way to explore all these interesting places is to spend time here. It will be one of the best decisions you are going to make in your life. 
 
"When I applied for the Fresh Talent visa I did not know anyone who had applied before so I was very anxious to get the reply from the Home Office. 

"There was also not enough information in the public domain at that time so it was difficult to know what to expect but the service was good and I received my visa on time and without any problems."

After completing a degree in computer science in Bristol, the 30-year-old from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania was determined to complete his studies with a Masters degree.

Regular trips to Stirling to visit his brother and friends helped Henry make the decision to move north of the border.

"I wanted to move into management, make the most of my technical background, so I chose a course that gives a middle ground between management and IT," said Henry.

"Strathclyde has a very good reputation, and I came to Scotland because I wanted to study there. I completed the postgraduate course studying Business Information Technology Systems in September 2005."

Following on from his academic accomplishments, Henry seized an opportunity to join Dundee software company In Practice Systems as a software developer.

"I spent three years working as a software developer in Tanzania before I came to Scotland. I decided to come to Dundee because I wanted to get more experience and use my abilities," he said.

"I feel that I am getting the opportunity to use the skills I have gained, and I am enjoying working in Dundee. The job is challenging, and exactly what I wanted. “I’m able to use the skills I acquired at university and previous work. The working environment is very good and people are nice."

After only a year in the City of Discovery where Henry lives with his wife and young family, he already considers Dundee to be his home, although English is his third language, behind Pare and Swahili.

"I have been speaking English for around 11 years now, but when I first came to the UK it was a bit of a culture shock at the beginning as it was my first time abroad. Scotland is a very beautiful place to live and visit, although people complain about the weather.

"Scottish culture is very different from Tanzanian, and there are also cultural differences between England and Scotland but I’m enjoying living and working in Dundee. It's a very interesting place and a very beautiful city.

"There are plenty of opportunities for business, and socially it is very good. My future goals are to establish myself professionally, spend quality time with my family and maybe open my own business in the future."

Information correct at Feb 2007

Related links

• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme