We are continuing our #EdTechDataCareers blogs with this contribution from Robyn Lindeque, Associate Consultant at IBM. Read on to learn about what Robyn has learnt both from her time at university and since starting at IBM.
When I graduated from Edinburgh University in July 2023, if you had asked what I felt I had learnt from my Computer Science and Maths degree, I would have told you about my 4 years of Python experience, my work in NLP for fake news detection and the many hours spent memorising mathematical formulae. In short, I would have told you what I know. However, since starting work, I have come to realise that the greatest gift I got from Edinburgh University wasn’t the knowledge I gained, but the tools with which to gain this knowledge.
I joined IBM in October 2023 as an Associate Consultant, a 2 year grad scheme which placed me in the DevSecOps (DSO) practice as a DevOps Engineer. The DSO practice’s primary goal is to integrate security into all aspects of the software development and deployment lifecycle. Our team spends a lot of time ensuring the software development pipeline is efficient, secure, and reliable. We also use tools like Terraform to set up, monitor and troubleshoot the application and infrastructure. To simplify, I like to think of DevOps as building the chassis of a car, where GenAI, Large Language Models and other tools and applications will form the engine.
“We were hired, not for the knowledge we had, but for showing the ability to learn and grow with enthusiasm”
I used to think a tech background was essential to joining companies like IBM. However, my new colleagues come from a wide array of academic disciplines, ranging from Art History and English Literature to Business Management. While they have been learning new tech skills, such as AI, containers and coding, I have been introduced to the world of business. Subject Matter Expert, agile working, stand ups: all these phrases meant nothing to me and at first I was overwhelmed with how little I felt I knew. But we were hired, not for the knowledge we had, but for showing the ability to learn and grow with enthusiasm. We are open and excited to sharing and gaining new skills, to learn from each other and always challenge ourselves with what we can take on next.
You don’t need technical skills to apply for this role – but it is hugely beneficial to keep your finger on the pulse of what is going on in the tech world. For example, be aware of not only how GenAI can aid you in your personal and professional life, but how we can safely use this incredibly powerful tool. With the speed of development, there is always something new and exciting around the corner and checking out tech blogs or news outlets is a great way to see what is up and coming.
“Foster a growth mindset while at university, as there is no better place to expand your skillset and take on new learning challenges”
My enthusiasm and desire for growth was fostered in many ways during my time at Edinburgh University, principally when I was president of the Edinburgh University Sub-Aqua Club (EUSAC). In fact, I spent the majority of my interview discussing this area of my life. I had no previous experience with leadership and was unsure how to lead a club during such unprecedented times as 2020/21. However, I wasn’t afraid to ask for help and guidance from others and learnt how to get the best out of my team. It was a period of huge development and the skills and confidence I gained have helped me greatly here at IBM. For example, networking.As president I was constantly meeting with people from the Sports Union, BSAC (our scuba diving governing body), new potential students and more. I quickly learned how to form a connection, let them know what I needed from them and how I could help them. As a consultant in IBM, we find our next projects through a series of different avenues, but the most effective one is networking. If you can find someone working in an area, team, or project that you are interested in, establishing a good working relationship with them is key to asking for a role in their project.
The most exciting thing about being a consultant is the diverse clients, industries and tools and a growth mindset will allow you to continuously adapt to whatever task is thrown at you. Foster this way of thinking while at university, as there is no better place to expand your skillset and take on new learning challenges. No matter what your background, there is always a space at IBM for those eager to learn, gain more skills and explore the exciting future that is a career in tech.
Thanks Robyn.
The Careers in Tech & Data Fair on 28th February offers the chance to meet around 40 organisations recruiting for a variety of tech & data opportunities. No matter your subject or year, this fair is for you – exhibiting organisations will have a huge range of opportunities for all. You can use the hashtag #EdTechDataCareers on MyCareerHub and socials to find employers with relevant vacancies and events. Drop by McEwan Hall between 12.30-4pm to explore! Go to MyCareerHub to find out more about the event including which organisations will be there.
