Stuart Gillies

Stuart Gillies knows that sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to think creatively—especially if that problem is within a computer game.

Graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2013 with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Games, Stuart’s role now as Technical Lead at MHouse Business Solutions is one which blends technical expertise with innovative problem-solving.

"I decided to study at Glasgow Caledonian University as it offered a variety of computer science courses, and I chose to specialise in Computer Games as I felt it was the best way to develop software in a creative way.

"The university provided opportunities to network with other computer science courses, so you were never siloed into just the course you were in. We even created a society specifically for this, imaginatively named The Computing Society."

For Stuart, Glasgow Caledonian was more than just a place to learn; it was a place where lifelong memories were made, and where he got to witness others like himself achieve their goals and aspirations.

"I was part of a great year of computing, seeing others achieve their childhood dreams to work in games.

“The Computing Society raised a lot of money for children's charities hosting events, including a 24-hour gaming for charity event which was entirely streamed online. Many coffees were had.

“I was also a part of a student exchange where, due to my involvement in university societies and as a class representative I was given the opportunity to travel to Chile and study Spanish for two weeks in Valparaiso, living with a family in Vina Del Mar, which was a life-changing experience.”

Beyond his fond memories as a student, Stuart attributes much of his career success to the foundational skills and mindset he developed at Glasgow Caledonian.

"I can honestly say approaching technical problems with wide focus was instilled into me at a cellular level.”

He also gives special mention to two lecturers, Bobby Law and Brian McDonald, for their mentorship which “truly evolved” his way of thinking.

"They were both tremendous mentors and were readily available to chat but giving you the solution was never their goal. They were there to rubber duck, and let you talk until you understand the problem clearly, and you'd normally figure it out with that clarity."

Stuart then made a bold leap into the tech world, launching his career before he had even earned his diploma.

"I started off working at a company called Clyde Travel Solutions; they were gracious enough to give me the position of software developer before I had officially gotten my degree."

When he realised he was ready to take the next step in his career, Stuart started working at Northern Marine Group, where he worked his way up to a senior software developer role.

He continued to flourish at Aurora Digital Solutions and Evotix Ltd, where he developed both his leadership skills and his technical expertise in larger teams, before moving into his current role as Technical Lead at MHouse Business Solutions.

For like-minded developers, Stuart encourages them to take the leap like he did and to appreciate the journey.

"Do it. Software is a way of offering solutions to problems, and most of the problems are fun, and you get to be a detective. Sometimes you are the culprit, and you need to take responsibility for that."