Digital, Data and Technology colleague
My main job is monitoring the servers to make sure patches are up to date. The data stored on those servers really could be anything – visas into the UK, passports, drivers’ licenses - and the infrastructure can be very wide-ranging.
Our customers come to us for all sorts of things. It could be hosting, or it could be supporting a programme or an application.
One of the biggest challenges when you’re transitioning into the team really is how unique the work can be. There are all these systems that you can’t just Google how to fix – partly because of security, and partly because the answers just won’t exist online. It’s all bespoke, all built to purpose, so it’s very much hands-on – you have to get to know how each system works and how to fix it if something goes wrong.
We all make sure we stay absolutely ahead of the game, and that’s very much about training. When I first joined, I’d been here a month when they asked what course I’d like to do, and I got a qualification as a Service Analyst. You’re always encouraged to progress – and because of that, I’ve moved through the business too.
It’s all bespoke, all built to purpose, so it’s very much hands-on – you have to get to know how each system works and how to fix it.
I think for me, that’s been a tonal shift. When I’ve gone to other jobs, they’ve really been looking for someone who only wants to stay in the role they’re being offered, and you think you’ll probably be stuck there with no chance to learn. With FCDO Services, even at interview I could say, “Within a year or two I see myself training to do this,” and they were open to it.
At the same time, I’m working with people that are very switched on. There’s so much industry experience here, with a lot of information and skills to share with me. It inspires me to think that I could be as good as they are. I just want to be the best person I can, and excel in my role, and the team supports me in that.”