From A-Level Results Day to Building Quaytech: My Journey
A-Level Results Day, 2003
Fifteen years ago, I nervously walked up to my school to collect my A-Level results. Physics was my biggest concern—no matter how much I had studied, I just wasn’t confident. I needed two Bs and a C to secure my place at my first-choice university to study Computer Science. Instead, I walked away with two Bs and an E. A pass, yes—but barely. Both my first and second choice universities rejected my application.
Next step: Clearing.
Navigating Clearing
With my university plans suddenly up in the air, I turned to Clearing. Fortunately, I had visited a few other universities before making my original choices, so I knew where I wanted to start. I quickly found myself on the phone with several universities, with two front-runners emerging: Loughborough and the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Loughborough offered me a place in Computing with Business, while UEA had a place available for straight Computer Science. Sticking to my original passion, I opted for UEA.
After a nerve-wracking wait, I got the call—I was in! Relief flooded over me. That very afternoon, my dad and I made the trip to Norwich to finalize everything. Even the admissions staff were surprised to see us arrive so quickly after getting the offer! But I wanted them to know how eager I was to start.
The University Years
My three years at UEA were some of the best of my life. The course was fascinating, the teaching staff were excellent, and the facilities were top-notch. While it wasn’t the path I originally envisioned, I truly loved my time at university—not just the social side, but the learning experience itself. I graduated with a 2:1 in Computer Science and a new level of confidence in my future.
Early Career: Finding My Passion
Fresh out of university, I landed my first role as a Systems Engineer at a manufacturing company. My primary task? Implementing a new centralized accountancy package for a franchise they were setting up. What started as a straightforward deployment quickly turned into a technical deep dive—I had to learn about Windows Server environments, Cisco ASA appliances, and VPNs, all while developing a custom Java reporting application to support the business.
I spent six years in this role, supporting users across multiple sites. One of my biggest accomplishments was developing an Online Ordering System using ASP.NET Web Forms, VB.NET, and MySQL (an unusual combination, I know!). This system is still in operation today and processes over £1 million in orders each month.
Wanting to expand my skill set, I moved on to a Developer role at a Software House. I initially thought programming was what I enjoyed most, but after a while, I realized I missed the variety of my previous job. I loved interacting with clients, understanding their business challenges, and designing solutions to meet their needs.
QuayTech is Born
I knew I wanted something more—something that combined technical problem-solving with customer engagement. So, on November 13, 2013, I registered Quaytech Systems Ltd with Companies House, setting my start date for January 2, 2014.
QuayTech’s mission was clear: Build long-term relationships with our customers by delivering tailored IT solutions that truly support their business.
I converted the spare bedroom in my flat into an office, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work. From onsite consulting to remote development, I loved the freedom and responsibility that came with running my own business. One of my first major projects even brought me back to Norwich for eight weeks—back to where my journey really began.
Growing Quaytech
Fast forward to today, and Quaytech has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. We’ve built a solid customer base, with businesses returning time and time again for our expertise. We have an incredible team, including a fellow UEA graduate from the Class of 2015, and we’ve worked on a diverse range of projects spanning multiple industries.
Lessons Learned & Advice for Students
As I reflect on that nerve-wracking A-Level results day in 2003, I can’t help but feel grateful for how everything played out. If I hadn’t ended up at UEA, would I have made the career choices I did? Would I be running Quaytech today? I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is this: sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually the start of something great.
If you’re going through Clearing today, don’t be discouraged. This could be the best thing that ever happens to you. Keep pushing forward, stay open to new opportunities, and trust that things will fall into place.
Good luck!
— Sarah