Degree subject: Computing (Web Systems Development)
University studied at: Glasgow Caledonian University
I studied Web Systems Development at university, so applying to a Technology Graduate Scheme seemed like a fairly logical next step. Sky appealed to me because it is a modern, innovative company. I’ve always had an interest in film, and working for a TV company looked like it would be a very interesting area to work - I was not disappointed!
Upon joining the scheme, I undertook 7 weeks of training and induction in London, along with the rest of the Technology Graduates. The training was pretty intense and very extensive - it was like a year of university compressed. Even if you have an IT-related degree, you are very likely to learn a lot from the training, and if you don’t have an IT-related degree, the training means that you’ll able to do your job. The training builds from the group up, and is of benefit to every graduate.
The Graduate Scheme itself lasts a further 2 years after the training, and consists of 4 placements, each of which lasts for 6 months. After completing the training, I started my first placement, which is in Application Support. In this role, I work in a team which ensures that the systems used to allow Sky to communicate with its customers and suppliers are operating as expected, and implement improvements where requested. This work ranges from providing updates to the business, to implementing new features, to contacting third-party vendors.
The placements are one of the main benefits of the Technology Graduate Scheme, as it gives us a chance to try some new things before committing to a permanent job in that area. It also provides us with experience of multiple areas within the business, and gives an understanding of the bigger picture of how Sky Technology works.
