Did you choose to do your course with a specific role or position in mind?

At the start I wanted to be a Software Developer. In the final year, I decided I wanted to be involved in the IT side of computing that’s related to servers, data, and engineering, and less of the front-end development.

I'm now an Application Developer for HYKK Solutions. I'm working on developing an app with RFID Asset Tracking. This means any asset can be tagged and when it’s scanned the various information can be associated to a unique value of a tag's Unique Identifier. The app has multiple uses and can be tailored for more specific purposes too.

How did your course lead you into your chosen area of work?

There were modules that prepared me for what I'm doing now like Developing Mobile Applications, Fundamentals of Databases, and the Team Project which for me was programming a webserver.

The additional support from the Beckett Careers team during modules is how I was initially introduced to the support they provided, which then lead to finding out about the Graduate West Yorkshire programme. The regular check-ins and personalised support really helped to get me to where I am now.

How has Beckett Careers supported you to be ready for the workplace?

During my final year, I reached out to the Beckett Careers team to help secure my ideal role after graduating. They gave me practical steps to follow and helped me to go out and look at a few companies, put a CV together, and to get an idea of the job descriptions I wanted to go for. Over the next few weeks, I found some positions, set out my CV in response to the job descriptions. Beckett Careers then helped me to present it better, and I began applying for a few roles with my CV and companies that were near where I lived.

Every now and then, the team would check in with me to see how things were going, and to let me know Graduate West Yorkshire were looking for applications. I attended one of the assessment days, got everything together, and ended up getting a job offer from a company through them.

The team has been so supportive and it's through them that I've got to attend events like the Leeds Digital Fair and the Big Beckett Fair. These are great opportunities to speak directly to employers and to network within the industry you're keen to work in. These windows have also led to other invites to industry days that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. Sometimes, it has meant travelling a distance to get there, but if you really want something, you'll run after it.

What does the future look like for you now?

Working as a Application Developer has given me loads of contacts in the industry I have wanted to work in for a long time. We've had so much interest from companies, universities and organisations around the work we are doing at HYKK Solutions.

I've had to learn about different technology and problem-solve on the job when I’ve not had the experience to know what I'm doing. I'm always learning new things which is a fantastic place to be.

What top tip would you give someone about how to improve their employability?

Go outside and talk to people at events. Sign up to as many things as you can. Doors can open from other people talking to each other. Don't just rely on your CV and job applications. Sometimes talking to the right person at the right time can lead to getting the job you were hoping for!