In 2016, LINX launched its first work experience programme and hosted its first cohort of students. Since then, LINX has been welcoming students into our business in order to show them what it means to work for National Critical Infrastructure and get a first-hand look at what happens behind the scenes when you load your favourite series on Netflix or log into your online back but most importantly, find out what they are capable of.
Work experience goes beyond just observation
For any student, entering a professional workplace for the first time is always an exciting experience. The difference between learning about technology in a classroom and discovering how all of that is put into practice is fascinating.
Therefore, LINX has always aimed to offer something more than simple observation during work experience placements.
LINX students were able to meet people from different teams, learn about Internet Exchange Points, network engineering and operations and explore a diverse range of careers available in the field of technology.
And while the students are here to learn something from us, we realised that it works both ways and it was us who were also gaining something from them. Their curiosity and questions sometimes force us to see the familiar problems from an entirely new perspective.
From work experience to a career
One of the best moments of the last 10 years is the chance to follow the path taken by LINX students after they left after their work experience placements.
Charlotte Mulvey was a part of one of the first work experience cohorts hosted by LINX in 2016. After finishing her education, she became a Graduate Software Engineer at LINX which is a good example of how work experience can evolve into a long-term career in the technology industry.
Alexander Kirk is another example. He started with a work experience placement at LINX when he was a Sixth Former. Then he went through internships and traineeships and developed his career as an engineer at LINX while studying Computer Science part-time.
Such stories make this programme unique. While work experience won’t necessarily lead to a job at LINX, the main goal of the programme is to help young people to gain enough experience, confidence and knowledge to make an informed decision regarding their future.
LINX & The Open University
However, it’s not just the younger generation that LINX support with their education, it includes staff too. LINX CEO Jennifer Holmes, encourages all staff to have a learning journey whether that means taking courses to learn new skills, preparing for leadership and management roles through training and even pursuing a degree alongside their day jobs.
After being promoted into a management position, NOC Manager Sion Hopes recognised that his strong technical expertise alone was not enough for the role. He wanted to develop a broader understanding of leadership, finance and business operations, which led him to enrol on The Open University’s (OU) Business Management BA. Modules such as finance have already given him greater insight into the business decisions taking place around him, enabling him to contribute more confidently and effectively to leadership meetings.
If you are interested in a work experience or a taster of what’s it like at LINX reach out at marketing@linx.net.
