Taylor Keeling joined the IT Academy (the graduate scheme in the IT department at BCU) after graduating in 2020. Since then she's gained a full time position in the IT support team, and grown her career in IT customer service.
From a young age, I have always been interested in something techy. I guess being born in the late 90s has meant that I grew up with technology and I’ve always been surrounded by it. I remember playing the Nintendo 64 as well as the PlayStation 1 and 2 while I was in school, and frequently begged my mum to let me on the computer for one hour to talk to my friends on MSN or play a silly flash game.
I didn’t think twice about having a career in computing, IT or gaming. It was such a natural decision, and I’m so thankful that I had the childhood I did, or else I may be someone completely different.
How did your studies in games prepare you for your role as an IT Support Analyst?
My studies in games at BCU provided a strong technical foundation and fostered problem-solving skills that are essential for my role. Coding, debugging, and troubleshooting allowed me to hone my analytical abilities, which have equipped me to tackle both straightforward and challenging problems. The course also focused on creativity and adaptability, which are traits I use on a regular basis while interacting with different IT systems and answering client questions.
What specific skills or knowledge from your course have been most valuable in your current job?
The server systems and networking modules were especially helpful since they gave me the opportunity to learn fundamental networking concepts and gain first-hand experience with Active Directory. These technical skills have been instrumental in giving me a foundation to build upon when developing my skills further in this role. However, the soft skills I developed during my course, such as clear communication and customer service, have been equally significant. My ability to listen, comprehend issues, and identify solutions that meet user goals has been a key part of my work.
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Did working on group projects during your course help you develop teamwork and collaboration skills for your role?
Of course! My ability to collaborate with others and work as a team was much enhanced by group projects at BCU. Collaborating with others to accomplish a shared objective taught me leadership skills, as well as how to assign duties, communicate clearly, and resolve problems in a positive way. These experiences mirrored real-world scenarios where collaboration with team members is key to providing excellent IT support. It also made it clearer to me how important it is to have a variety of viewpoints and to not be scared to ask team members for assistance.
What made you apply to work for the BCU IT team?
I applied for the Graduate IT Technician role because my time studying here, and my previous placement at BCU made it feel like a second home. My academic journey provided me with a solid foundation, and my hands-on experience through the placement introduced me to its supportive and dynamic work environment. I was eager to continue learning and growing at BCU, as I know it’s a fantastic place to further develop my skills. The role represented an ideal opportunity to build on my experiences and pave the way for a successful career in the IT customer services industry.
What has been the best moment in your current role so far?
I can’t pinpoint a specific favourite moment because I really enjoy doing all aspects of my job. The best part of my job for me is the team of people that I’ve met and interact with daily. They are all so lovely and welcoming. They have all played a part in providing me with support to be the best IT Support Analyst I can be.
What was a highlight of your studies on the games course?
Completing an iOS mobile game project, which required creating a game for the iOS platform, was one of the highlights of my education. I had never done this before, and adjusting to a new operating system and programming language was really difficult. Seeing my concepts come to life from the ground up was immensely satisfying, especially since I knew they were completely original. In addition to showcasing my technical proficiency, this project showed me the value and power of self-confidence, which I find exceptionally difficult at times.