Build your digital experience now
We look at what employers are offering to help you, and why it matters
It’s difficult to overlook the demand for digital skills in today’s job market - the shortage of software developers, the growth of cloud computing and the challenges of cyber security. Whilst training providers curate free online courses and universities expand their relevant degree programmes, the digital sector still grows and the demand continues. Employers are now taking action to help you build relevant skills, experience and understanding. Could you see yourself working in this sector?
Being able to code and build programmes is only one aspect of the skills shortage. There is so much more to the sector – finding people who can interpret and understand an organisation’s tech needs, managing client relationships with the tech providers, or simply using technology effectively in other career areas — they all present a challenge…. and these roles are not beyond your reach. You don’t need a technology degree to be an attractive employee, there’s more to it than that. Employers are having to adapt their wish list and are increasingly thinking differently about recruiting into this sector. They recognise and value a broader skillset such as your analytical ability from your degree, your ability to use data effectively on a research project, your curiosity, creative thinking and determination when faced with a challenge, ability to communicate effectively or your project management skills. It all counts.
But what if you could also build digital skills now? Sure, this will make a big difference. Despite their flexibility, employers do value any digital skills you can bring. They can help you move into the sector more swiftly, progress more quickly and can helping you understand this job sector, what is available and where you fit. It’s also a way to show you have the motivation to succeed and the commitment to stay on too. Doing what you can now, will help you get noticed.
What are graduate employers offering in response?
In the race to attract talent, employers are offering a whole variety of options for you to gain experience:
Graduate Programmes, Internships and One-year placements
It is increasingly common to see jobs and internships with the larger graduate employers (tech and not tech companies) accepting applications from non-technology graduates.
Examples: Tech firms: Google, Apple, IBM, Vodafone, ATOS. Retailers: THG, Tesco. Financial services: PWC, EY, Barclays. Consumer Goods: Unilever Healthcare: NHS Graduate Programme. See the latest vacancies on CareerConnect or find out more at: The IT Sector
There are also specialist trainers/consultancies that hire you, fast-track your IT training and move you into the sector. Examples: FDM, CodeNation, Sharp Futures.
Insight Days & Weeks
Whether you want to explore different roles or start to build experience to help you gain an internship, look out for insight courses usually ranging from one day to one week. Many are financial services and banking. Some can be exclusively for first years, so just check.
Examples: Deloitte Insight Week, Barclays Insight Week, UBS Spring Insight (Tech), Morgan Stanley Tech Insight (investment banking). You can search for the latest insights on CareerConnect.
Competitions & Challenges
To help you learn more about their organisations and the technologies of tomorrow, there are challenges ranging from Gradsingames to Deutsche Bank Escape Rooms. See these and more at: www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/competitions/
Virtual Work Experience:
Get experience online and in your own time. Look out for Digdata, or try the popular portals to other employers’ opportunities such as Forage, The Bright Network. See these and more at: www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/virtualwe/
Promoting diversity in the sector…
Technology firms are very aware of how under-represented some groups are in the sector - such as women, ethnic minorities, those with disabilities or who are neuro-divergent - and are taking steps to rebalance their recruiting. Here are some of the initiatives on offer.
Examples: RBS’s Insight Week for females, FDM’s Digital Bootcamp for Women, EY’s Black Heritage in Business, PWC Black Talent in Business – 3 days, EmployAbility’s internships with Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg & JP Morgan for students with disabilities.
Some firms also offer mentoring programmes, such as the Dell STEMAspire mentoring programme for women, gender non-conforming and non-binary applicants.
Tech Recruitment Agencies
There is no shortage of recruitment agencies specialising in tech hiring and searching for talent, too. Some agencies focus more upon graduate level / entry level roles that can help you get in and get on in tech.
Example: Talentskowt
Not sure whether tech is for you?
Just as other skills are in demand in technology – such as relationship building, determination and adaptability – digital skills are also transferable and of value across most job sectors. Very few job roles are not enhanced by the use of technology. From e-therapy and online learning, to digital design, marketing, or healthcare. Whatever digital skills you develop today will not be wasted, wherever you take them.
