From Zero to Career: How to Win Your Final Year Project and Impress Employers

Isuru Samarappulige is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Horizon Campus, Sri Lanka, with over a decade of experience in academia, industry, and research. He holds two Master’s degrees—an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and an MSc in Information Security & Digital Forensics—from the University of East London, UK.

Isuru’s expertise spans Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Web Development, and Cloud Computing. He has authored multiple academic and practical publications, including Building Purposeful AI with Prompt Engineering, Busy Programmer’s Guide to Firebase with Android, and several peer-reviewed research papers on AI and information security.

Beyond academia, Isuru has worked as an AI Project Manager and DevSecOps Engineer, consulting on projects ranging from machine learning–driven logistics optimisation to the use of large language models (LLMs) in EdTech. His teaching philosophy emphasises practical, student-centred learning, helping aspiring computer scientists bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

For a full list of his work, visit his ORCID profile: 0009-0009-5070-4843.

Kaushalya Ekanayake is a Lecturer in Information Technology at Horizon Campus, Sri Lanka, with over a decade of experience in academia and academic administration. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Management Information Systems from UCD Ireland and an MSc in Network and Information Security from Kingston University, UK.

Her academic and professional journey spans multiple dimensions of computing and organizational studies, bringing together the technical, managerial, and human aspects of IT. Kaushalya’s expertise extends from safeguarding digital infrastructures and shaping strategic approaches to information systems to guiding learners in understanding the psychological, ethical, and social underpinnings of technology use. Her teaching and supervision embrace both the theoretical foundations of computing and the practical processes of systems design, development, and project execution, preparing students to navigate complex, interdisciplinary challenges in today’s digital world.

Beyond teaching, Kaushalya has contributed to academic administration, bridging academic leadership with student development. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, professional growth, and real-world applicability.