Martin Gillibrand, senior management, CHP Consulting Limited
Technology was a natural interest for me growing up. I came from a family of engineers, so I always had people around me who would answer my technical questions, and I was also hooked on computers and computer games. With this background, it’s not surprising that I chose to study computer science. However, I also wanted to do something that would lead to a professional career.
My colleagues come from all degree backgrounds and their range of knowledge and different viewpoints makes them excellent consultants
My working life
My actual first job in IT was during my gap year before university, when I worked for GC Marconi in computer research programming. It was quite academic, but gave me an excellent grounding in computing. I was introduced to technology and management consulting during my degree by an industry professional who came to our department to give a talk about careers in IT. I liked the idea of combining my technical capability with the professional skills of working with clients.
I joined my employer when it was a small firm. That the recruitment process was very straightforward and I was interviewed by the directors made a big impression on me. I started out working in a range of roles and as it was a smaller firm, there was an ethos that everyone should be able to do everything, so I progressed up to running technical development teams and then on to pure project management. I also helped start our Australian business.
My current role
We’re a product-based consultancy firm and, back here in the UK, I’m in charge of product teams making sure that the application and service we offer clients is as good as it can be. I work with our marketing team and directors to keep our sights on strategic developments enabling our development teams to come up with additional functionality and refinements that will help us take our product into new market areas.
My biggest influence
Working for my company has been probably my biggest career influence. I started here as a graduate when there were 20–30 people and found it focused and forward looking. I’ve worked with some exceptional people, including the directors. Early on they modelled good practices and helped me get a feel for the best way to do things. A computer science degree teaches theories and concepts but in the commercial world you have to be able to deliver on time and on budget, and find solutions that aren’t from a text book.
Technology of the future
People say that the technology business has progressed a bit like the airline industry – first all the innovative hardcore technology developments are made and then focus moves on to advancing how you apply technology within the current market context (eg low-cost airlines). Software services are the prime example in IT. Traditionally we’ve run applications loaded on computers or, in the business case, on mainframes. Increasingly, applications are now available on demand over the internet, which has the scope to vastly reduce application and infrastructure costs.
It’s possible for anyone to code a small useful application that can be hosted online and available for everyone. This whole concept and approach accelerates innovation and opens up mass scalability. Couple this with Open Source development, which is now a more viable option within business, and you open access to a wider community of expertise.
Advice for graduates
Don’t think that you must have a computer science degree to work in IT. My colleagues come from all degree backgrounds and their range of knowledge and different viewpoints makes them excellent consultants. However, to do well in the technology business you do need to be motivated by solving problems.
Gain a good understanding of the sector. Work experience will give you real-life insight into jobs, but also keep up with what’s going on in the industry. Talk to the people you meet at interviews to learn more, and subscribe to technology podcasts or blogs.
