I Got Hired: Technology & Innovation Graduate at Liberty Global

Posted on: 30 April 2020 in Graduate stories

Michael graduated BSc Computer Science with Year in Industry degree from the University of Liverpool in 2019. He is currently working as a Technology & Innovation Graduate at Liberty Global.

What was your best experience while studying at the University of Liverpool?

I liked the theoretical side of my degree, and being able to implement it in working practice during my placement year and at my current graduate job. I enjoyed the variety of modules that allowed me to identify what I enjoyed and what I didn't like as much, this was important to be able to pick relevant and proper modules further down the line to align with my career goals.

Which aspects of your course do you think have been the most beneficial to your career development?

My placement year in London was the pinnacle moment for me, as it allowed me to have exposure to the working environment and I knew then what career path I wanted to take from doing this.

Can you please share an insight into your current role and if this was supported by your time at the University of Liverpool?

I am currently based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. I am working for the world’s largest telecoms company here in their Technology & Innovation graduate scheme - this is a 2 year program of four 6-month rotations, I am working with all aspects of technology ranging from Machine learning to Artificial intelligence and automation.

I am responsible for operational metrics in my current role and working with many teams within the company to provide insights on data and deep dive analysis for senior management such as VP's and MD's.

Do you have any top tips to share with future and current students?

Make yourself stand out from the crowd, employers see thousands of applicants who simply finish university and then apply for a job without anything extra to offer. It doesn't have to be something huge, start a side project, volunteer, run a society or become a course representative.

There are soft skills that are required in almost every job, it is a good idea to ensure you are equipped with those:

  • Public Speaking
  • Team working skills
  • Autonomy (Also Working alone)
  • Business writing (Writing emails/documents properly)

When applying for jobs and placements - Don't Panic! Take time to thoroughly complete your application and keep in mind the company values in your application/answers.

What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the University of Liverpool?

I think about the cheap beer at the Sphinx/Courtyard and playing pool! On a more serious note, I think about how my hard work and time spent learning and developing has paid off now I have the job I wanted, I think about how I became integrated with societies and made life-long friends who are now based globally and have good connections worldwide. I also think about the really good lecturers I had and how I developed and learnt a lot because of them.

Any other memories you would like to share from your time at the University of Liverpool?

During first year of university when attending the Society Fair I signed up with a friend to the Skydiving society - that friend backed out a week later! I went alone but had the best time, and to this day I am still jumping as a solo jumper. As strange as it is to say, I also miss the late nights at the Harold Cohen Library with my friends working on lecture notes and assignments whilst simultaneously eating the 5th meal deal of the week!