My Experiences


This section covers all the experience I have. It covers my work experience, the contents of my education, events I have been to and other experiences that have helped developed my skills.

IT Work Experience

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team | JUL 2022, 1 Week


I did a one week work experience in the IT department at the Mercedes F1 team. Whilst I was there, I :

  • Investigated the use of Python scripts and APIs within cyber security, to increase awareness of phishing attacks.
  • Led the build of laptops and automated the process of completing a build, to increase efficiency.
  • Learnt how teams collaborate with each other to produce solutions to problems, and the life-cycle of how a problem is solved.
  • Was proactive in organising meetings with head of departments, to gain an insight into management at the highest level of motorsport.

The Director was impressed by my initiative and by how inquisitive I was, and I am proud to have been able to demonstrate my strong work ethic and be able to learn about the F1 industry.

Picture of me, next to Lewis Hamilton's W12 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Logo
Picture of me, Louis Tanak outside MWS Monk's Walk School Logo

Teaching Assistant | Computer Science

Monk's Walk School | SEP 2021 - JUL 2022


I assisted a Year 9 Computer Science class during my A-levels, teaching them content from their curriculum and helping with their learning.

  • Led lessons in the teacher's absence, organised and checked over worksheets and interacted with the students throughout the lessons.
  • Adapted my teaching style depending on the student, to help them understand key concepts that were being taught.
  • Encouraged students to learn and showed them what computing involves.

My assistance over the duration was positively received and greatly appreciated from teachers and students alike.

Education

MEng Computer Science

University of Warwick | SEP 2023 - Present (JUL 2027)


Currently Predicted - First Class.

Expected to graduate in 2027 or 2028 if I take a placement year, which I would like to do.

General Skills - Software Engineering, Mathematics, AI / ML, Computer Vision, Computer Security.

Technical Skills - Java, Python, C, Haskell, Linux, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

Specific Modules, currently in first year :

  • Year 1 - Programming (Java), Information Structures, Mathematics, Computer Architecture, Professional Skills, Computer Security, Functional Programming.
  • Year 2 - Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Operating Systems & Networks, Databases, Formal Languages, Algorithms, Logic & Verification, Algorithmic Graph Theory.
  • Year 3 - Project Management, Individual Project (TBC), Optional Modules (TBC).
  • Year 4 - Group Project (TBC), Optional Modules (TBC).
Picture of me, at the University of Warwick University of Warwick Logo
Picture of me, Louis Tanak on my A-level results day Monk's Walk School Logo

A-levels & GCSEs

Monk's Walk School | SEP 2016 - JUN 2023


A-Level Results

  • Mathematics - A*
  • Further Mathematics - A
  • Computer Science - A

GCSE Results | 10x GCSEs, Grades 9 - 7 / A* - A

  • Mathematics - 9, Computer Science - 9,
  • French - 9, English Language - 9,
  • English Literature - 8, Geography - 8,
  • Biology - 8, Chemistry - 8,
  • Physics - 8, Multi-media CNAT - 7

Events

AstonHack9 Hackathon

Aston University | FEB 2024


Me and my peers attended the AstonHack9 hackathon on the 25th February 2024, held at Aston University.

The Hackathon was 24 hours long, with the goal to develop anything you would like within the time frame, with lots of talks from sponsors throughout the event.

Me and my team created EmotionSense. EmotionSense uses a computer vision deep learning model to detect a person's emotion by their facial expression. It then provides personalised feedback on how to manage your mental health / current emotions. It also gives you locations of places to go, based on how you're feeling. For more info, see the projects page.

EmotionSense took our team to victory! We won the overall "Best Hack" at the hackathon. I learnt valuable technical and teamwork skills from the experience, and I look forward to competing in more Hackathons in the future!

Picture of me and my team, with our winning prizes Aston University Logo

Aiven Live London 2023

Aiven | DEC 2023


I attended Aiven Live London on the 12th December 2023, held at The Brewery in Moorgate.

The event was about data platforms, generative AI and innovation, with lots of talks, panel discussions and more.

I learnt about how data platforms are used to accelerate development of generative AI, and how that process can be streamlined using Apache Kafka. I also learnt about how to use Aiven to migrate data across different cloud service providers, and finally I was given plenty of great advice for my own future career from multiple directors and CTOs.

Open Evening Speech

Monk's Walk School | DEC 2022


I was elected to deliver a speech about my school journey, in front of over 200 parents and children during my school's open evening.

It was a tremendous opportunity to speak in front of a large group for the first time and the experience has expanded out my comfort zone. Now, I would happily do more speeches in front of even larger crowds!

Extra-curricular & Awards

Police Cadet

Hertfordshire Constabulary | SEP 2019 - AUG 2023


I was a Police Cadet for Hertfordshire Constabulary for 4 years, composing of weekly sessions and taking part in events to help the local communities.

During my time, I developed skills in teamwork and communication, by completing scenarios, learning about policing and taking part in competitions and events. I also developed strong leadership skills, as I lead our group through 2 county cadet competitions, in which we achieved a 3rd place in 2022 and a 1st place in 2023.

In my final year, I won Hertfordshire Cadet of the Year 2023, due to my can-do attitude and my strive to achieve. The full award can be seen in the awards section.

I thoroughly enjoyed my cadet journey as it has further developed my key qualities of resilience and persistence, but it has also allowed me to support more inexperienced / junior Cadets in their learning .

Picture of me receiving my award for Hertfordshire Cadet of the Year 2023, issued by Charlie Hall and Lewis Cocking. Hertfordshire Constabulary Logo
Award presented by Charlie Hall QPM, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary and Lewis Cocking, Deputy Commissioner.
Picture of me on the last day of my DofE Gold Expedition DofE Logo

DofE Gold & Bronze Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award | SEP 2019 - JUL 2023


The DofE Award is the world's leading youth achievement award, where you complete sections evolving around helping the community / environment, learning new skills, beating personal challenges and working as a team.

Over my journey, I have completed the Gold and Bronze level certificates, consisting of allocating time every week to complete activities in relation to volunteering, learning a new skill and completing physical activities.

During my DofE Gold, I went to Land & Wave, where I gained two qualifications, a Level 1 NWSMP and an IQL Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work. During the expedition, as a group we worked together to plan, train and complete a hiking journey, averaging over 18km per day for a week. I also had to perform first-aid when a team member fell in barbed wire! They were okay from the incident!

Picture of me with the maths award I won. Monk's Walk School Logo

Honours & Awards


The recipient of this award is traditionally bestowed upon a student who demonstrates exceptional mathematical aptitude. However, it is worth noting that such excellence can be achieved through diligent effort and perseverance as well.

This year, we have chosen to recognise a student who has exhibited exceptional growth thorough dedicated study and an unwavering growth mindset. Their preparation was meticulous, leaving no stone unturned, and feedback was received with an eagerness to address any missed marks.

Throughout this process, this student remained a paragon of composure, consistently providing support and encouragement to their peers, making them a pleasure to teach.

Award from - Mathematics Department, written by - Mr Hitan Shah.

Louis is a friendly and enthusiastic young person who emanates a positive can-do attitude to all tasks. He represents the culture and ambition of this organisation through his dedication. He is always the first to volunteer and assists his colleagues. Louis always displays respect for Cadet Leaders and peers. Louis is able to work well individually and as part of a team, striving to always achieve the best results. He listens attentively to the responses of others, taking on everyone's thoughts / views.

Louis is a worthy recipient of this award and really deserves it.

Louis is a fantastic ambassador for Hertfordshire Constabulary and I am proud to have had him as a Cadet in my group.

Award presented by - Charlie Hall (QPM Hertfordshire Chief Constable) & Lewis Cocking (Deputy Commissioner), written by - PC Brad Glover.

Louis has shown himself to be incredibly conscientious about the quality of his work. I am very impressed with how he sees criticism as a way of improving rather than failing. He always works to the best of his ability and seeks feedback regularly on how to improve his understanding further.

He has worked so hard to overcome topics he finds challenging, but through sheer determination he has persevered. He should be very proud of his achievements because it has been a privilege to watch him progress and grow.

He is a pleasure to teach, a brilliant student and he thoroughly deserves this award.

Award presented by - Kate Smith (former headteacher), written by - Mrs Carol Kendrick.

Louis deserves to be proud of this award. He works diligently and always with an excellent attitude to his teachers, peers and his work. His effort is second to none, and I am excited to see what he will achieve in years to come.

Award presented & written by - Mr T. Way (former head of year).