Nineteen talented undergraduates earned the opportunity to work shadow a digital business leader at a recent event for students, universities and employers organised by the Tech Partnership.
As one of the unique benefits for students of industry-accredited Tech Industry Gold degrees, each of these students will spend a day with a CEO from the IT industry, or the head of technology (CIO or CTO) from leading companies across the economy.
The shadowing opportunities were awarded as spot prizes to individuals who particularly stood out for their talent and motivation at the Tech Partnership event held in Reading last month.
More students are set to benefit over the next few weeks, thanks to the support of DWP, Fujitsu, Jaguar Land Rover, Telefonica, Capgemini, OpenReach, Network Rail, Digital Catapult, Accenture, DXC Technology, National Grid, Quicksilva, NHS, IBM, Met Police, Mullen Lowe Group, BT, and TATA Consultancy Services.
Thomas Chalmers, a final year student of the Tech Industry Gold accredited IT Management for Business (ITMB) at Queen Mary University London, reflects on his experience work shadowing Mark Evans, CEO of Telefónica UK:
“The day was inspiring and interesting with the opportunity to observe strategic meetings and meet some of the executive committee members. I was also given the chance to visit the Service and Performance Management Centre, a 24-hour control room which manages the whole of Telefónica UK’s infrastructure. Additionally, being able to see the range of telephone masts, servers and hardware infrastructure that facilitates the 2G/3G/4G signal was truly fascinating.
Above all, the ability to explore a day in the life of a CEO was an incredible opportunity. The approachability and opportunity to sit with senior staff provided an unparalleled experience and has really enriched my perceptions of the telecommunications industry.
The insight was truly inspiring, the fantastic schedule arranged by Telefónica UK of meetings and insights I could gain from the day was much appreciated. As Telefónica UK encompasses O2 and ‘giffgaff’ providing the capabilities for Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lyca Mobile, it’s an incredibly fast-paced industry.
Thank you to Mark Evans and the rest of the executive team for their time and for making the day such an amazing opportunity.”
Industry-accredited Tech Industry Gold programmes are currently being undertaken by over 1,500 in 20 universities, and by over 1,250 degree apprentices from 80 companies. These degrees meet the high standards set by employers for content and delivery, including the technical, business and interpersonal skills most in demand by industry, and result not only in no known unemployment but also outstanding academic results, with 87% of last year’s undergraduates achieving a 1st or 2:1.
Find out more about Tech Industry Gold degrees which include the IT Management for Business (ITMB) BSc, Software Engineering for Business BSc and Degree Apprenticeships here.
The employer-led, not-for-profit organisation ‘Tech Partnership Degrees‘ is taking forward the Higher Education work of the Tech Partnership, which is closing in September 2018. This includes the industry-accredited Tech Industry Gold degrees – IT Management for Business (ITMB) and Software Engineering for Business (SEfB) – and the Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeships.
