Rachel Kelly: Fujitsu graduate

Employer: Fujitsu Services Ltd
University: University of Manchester
Subject: BSc computer science

After graduating, I considered taking a role in general management but decided to utilise my degree skills initially and perhaps move into management later on. I took a year while deciding, working as a manager at Debenhams. The skills I learned there have been a real benefit to me in my current role.

My job

We work across most industries in the private and public sectors, offering managed, outsourced IT services and consultancy. I have a dual role, working as both consultant and architect.

As an architect I design the service that will overlie the technological systems we design, including how internal delivery teams will work together, how we will measure our success, what meetings we will need with the customer, and so on. Basically, I make sure the technology solution will meet our customers’ business requirements.

As a consultant I work directly with clients, advising on how their IT departments and processes could work more efficiently and effectively.

My work environment

I’m based in our office in Manchester, but spend a couple of days a week in London, as that’s where many of our customers are located. If I’m working on a design assignment a typical working day would be 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, but if I’m involved in working on a bid with a short timescale I’ll put in longer hours.

My first year in IT

One of my highlights was a three-day trip to the Lake District when I joined the graduate programme here. We did outdoor pursuits, team-building activities and a karaoke evening, shared our experience of Fujitsu Services Ltd, and formed a network of friendships.

On the work side, I was given a real job working on a consultancy project with the NHS within my first year: I felt that the company trusted me to go out there and represent them, and it was great being on the customer site and working as part of their team for a while.