The first 12 months in a new role is a crucial time full of learning, building new relationships and establishing yourself within a business or organisation.
Rahida, DevOps Engineering Apprentice at DWP Digital, recently told us about her journey into the role and how the first year has gone so far.
Name: Rahida
Company: DWP Digital
Job Title: DevOps Engineering Apprentice
What's your professional background and interests?
My background is quite unconventional, not what you’d normally associate with a ‘techy’. I studied Anthropology and Archaeology at university, then spent several years travelling and working around the world. I’ve always been drawn to human stories and finding systems that support people, which sparked my curiosity in the tech industry.
During the start of the pandemic, like millions of other people in the UK, I suddenly found myself unemployed and needing to rely on Universal Credit as a customer to get back on my feet. Then within a few months, I got a job as a Work Coach in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) where I was able to support customers from the other side.
Having been on the front line of both sides of Universal Credit, as a customer and a Work Coach, I’ve seen firsthand how vital DWP systems are and how frustrating or impactful they can be. I wanted to be part of the solution to make DWP services better for colleagues and customers.
I was drawn to the idea of being part of the invisible glue that holds systems together, not only making these systems more reliable and efficient but having that human-element at the forefront of what we build really excited me.
What attracted you to apply for DWP Digital?
When I made the decision to move into tech, I knew I wanted to stay connected to my passion around people and communities. When you find yourself behind a screen day in day out, it can be harder to cultivate those connections and remember the human aspect of the work you do. I didn’t want to lose that sense of purpose.
DWP Digital felt like a place where I could bring my personal values and passions to work. It isn’t just about writing code and building systems, it’s about helping millions of people which really resonated with me.
What does a typical day look like?
No two days look the same, that’s one of the things I love most. I’m part of the Site Reliability Engineering team within Hybrid Cloud Services, we make sure the services hosted in the public cloud are reliable, secure, and running smoothly. In simpler terms, if something breaks and you’re wondering “who you gonna call?” it’s my team, instead of Ghostbusters.
I’m coming towards the end of my apprenticeship, so a lot of my time is preparing for my final project and subsequent assessments. Outside of the day-to-day, I love connecting with colleagues in wider DWP so I can always have that bridge between our systems and our people.
What are the key challenges you have faced?
Being Neurodiverse and having ADHD, I’ve had to find ways that work for my unique learning style whilst managing my symptoms. It can feel quite exhausting and frustrating at times. I can have very good days where I manage well and make great progress in my work, but in the same week, suddenly none of my strategies or coping mechanisms have any impact in reducing those symptoms and I feel off balance.
It can be an emotional rollercoaster which can massively impact my productivity. Having support has made all the difference. I’ve brilliant team members and managers who’ve made space for me to show up in whatever capacity I might be in and have really worked to build that trust. It’s been great to see how a supportive team structure can really help someone like me thrive despite the struggles.
Being part of communities like the Neurodiversity and Disability Networks within DWP, as well as building good relationships within the Engineering Practice has also helped me feel like I’m not alone and have a safe space.
What has surprised you most in the last 12 months?
I can do this. I came into tech with no traditional background, I’ve surprised myself with how much I’ve learned, the confidence I’ve built, and the way I now share that learning with others. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about having the courage and curiosity to throw yourself at something new and seeing how you grow along the way.
Even the most senior engineers in my team with ten years of experience sometimes feel imposter syndrome and struggle outside of their comfort zone. Everyone is a ‘newbie’ at something.
What are the best bits about the role?
The variety. One day I’m knee-deep in troubleshooting some code that won’t work and the next I’m presenting at Learning at Work Week, sharing my story and pictures of my kitten Nya. It really ticks all the different elements of what I need from a job to feel purposeful and motivated.
I love that I get to make a real impact, not just technically, but by showing that people from all kinds of backgrounds belong in tech. That’s important because I know how much representation matters, I hope my story inspires those who relate to me.
The best bit of working for DWP Digital is knowing the work we do matters. I’ve seen firsthand how DWP’s services affect real lives, and that purpose keeps me grounded. There’s also a huge emphasis on learning, support, and inclusion. It’s not just about ticking boxes, people genuinely care.
How would you describe the company culture?
Open, supportive, and evolving. It’s a place where curiosity is welcomed, and where it’s okay to not know everything as long as you’re willing to learn. It’s a culture that values voices from different walks of life, which makes a big difference when you’re from a non-traditional background like mine.
Can you share details of one project/achievement you are most proud of since starting in this role?
Recently being nominated for the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards in 3 different categories has been such an honour, especially alongside so many other incredible women at DWP Digital who are real changemakers with a wealth of experience and my personal inspirations.
I couldn’t be prouder of my journey and progress so far. If you had told me 12 months ago, I’d achieved all I have, I’d have not believed you. Especially struggling with a disability and having a lot of imposter syndrome as a result. I absolutely do deserve to have a seat at this table and so do so many others who might resonate with my journey. Don’t be afraid to enter those rooms you don’t think you belong in.
