What’s your role in IS?
My name is Mark and I work in Information Systems (IS) as a Solutions Architect within the Strategy and Product Management Team. This role involves setting the strategic direction for technology solutions, providing support to product teams, and crafting design documents. My work primarily revolves around cloud technologies, with a focus on Microsoft 365 and Azure and even in the realm of artificial intelligence technologies like OpenAI and Alexa.
What made you apply for the Digital Apprenticeship?
I was drawn to the IS Apprenticeship mainly because it offered a unique opportunity to pursue higher education while gaining hands-on, practical experience in the technology field. I have dyslexia which meant that the traditional formal education route would have been a big challenge – whereas this dual approach allowed me to jumpstart my career and develop a deep understanding of real-world technology challenges, setting a solid foundation for my professional journey.
What did you do throughout your apprenticeship?
During my apprenticeship, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a diverse range of projects and technologies. This was particularly appealing as it aligned with my passion for working on diverse technology projects, such as leading the development of an NWG Alexa App, deploying Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributing to the company's Cloud Transformation Project – just to name a few! It was through this apprenticeship that I honed my problem-solving abilities and paved the way for my transition into the role of Solutions Architect.
What do you enjoy about working at NWL?
What I find particularly enjoyable about working at NWL is the strategic thinking that comes with being a Solutions Architect. I relish the opportunity to design technology solutions that have a meaningful impact on our organization and the community it serves. Moreover, NWL fosters a collaborative culture that encourages teamwork and knowledge-sharing, making every day engaging and fulfilling. This collaborative spirit has been invaluable, especially when working on projects like deploying Microsoft Teams during COVID and contributing to the company's Cloud Transformation Project.
What support did you get with your degree and learning?
NWL has been instrumental in supporting my educational journey. They connected me with experienced mentors who provided guidance throughout my degree. Furthermore, the collaborative work environment at NWL allowed me to seek help from colleagues, especially with university assignments, making the balancing act between work and studies much more manageable. This support structure boosted my academic and professional growth, especially during my university dissertation on creating an AI tool to monitor online forums for inappropriate behaviour, a task now effortlessly handled by AI like ChatGPT.