IT Support Technician
- How did you get into the industry?
I began my career at BoxMart straight after finishing my GCSEs, as an apprentice studying IT, Web and Networking. It was daunting taking my very first steps into the working world but the BoxMart team quickly put me at ease and made me feel very welcome. The apprenticeship involved going to college, completing set work and gaining invaluable experience at BoxMart. Due to the work I completed on the Level Three course, I was offered a place on a Level Four Trailblazer programme, rather than the standard Level Four course. I completed the course in IT, Web, Software and Telecoms and then became a fully-fledged member of the BoxMart team.
- What inspired you to get into IT?
I have always been interested in technology and computers. For example, I would always want to figure out how a video game I was playing worked or how a computer program was created. By studying Computer Science at GCSE, I got to programme in multiple languages such as Python (which is now very out of date!) and JavaScript, as well as studying the IGCSE Advanced IT qualification focused on designing and coding websites. I also have family members working in the IT industry, so I had the chance to learn from them and explore different areas of IT.
- What are your favourite elements of your job?
There’s a huge amount of variety, with many of my days involving different challenges and experiences – which I really enjoy. I always like to take on a new challenge, go away to create a solution and deliver it with the help of others. I’m also really lucky to be involved in a lot of other areas of the business and have had the chance to gain a really wide range of experience over the last three years. It’s great to be able to express my creative side and help with the website and marketing tasks when I can. I have also been trained how to drive a forklift, successfully gaining my license two years ago. People were always astonished at the time, when I mention that I could drive a forklift… but not a car!
- What’s your favourite project you have worked on?
BoxMart recently installed a new
Management Information System, which was a really exciting project to work on. From the initial scoping of the project to implementation and testing, I have learnt and developed my knowledge to be able to support our users here. In particular, I recently learnt how to create queries and code in Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage data, create reports, templates and other useful tools. I still only have a very basic knowledge of SQL, but it’s developing every day. I have also had the chance to be involved in a number of different marketing tasks, including a gingerbread house made from corrugate. It was very exciting to be involved in the project, attending a concept meeting at the very start, seeing the first plain white sample of the house, reviewing the graphics and then to see the finished product – it really showcased BoxMart’s innovation!
- What’s your favourite thing about working at BoxMart?
Firstly, I would have to say the BoxMart team. We have an incredible team here, always working together to help each other when we can. I was very shy and nervous when I started at BoxMart as a sixteen-year-old school leaver, but I’ve become more confident and able to offer my ideas thanks to the whole team making me feel welcome and helping me to learn every single day. It’s also fantastic that I have opportunities not only to be involved in IT but also marketing, sales, the warehouse and our websites. I also went to the Business Show in 2015 and have had the chance to be involved in award entries and go to award ceremonies too. Having these opportunities allows me to further develop my knowledge of the business.
- Any interesting hobbies outside of work?
I’m an avid Manchester City supporter and try to get to as many games as possible. I love everything computer-based, so can often be found behind my desk playing some sort of game whether on my computer or Xbox. I also have a huge passion for cars, whether its outside cleaning my own car or watching Formula 1, supporting Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
- What advice would you give to someone looking to do what you do?
Learn, learn and learn some more! Technology is growing at such a fast pace that you can soon lose track and be ‘out of date’. It’s therefore critical to keep up with the industry and develop with it. Using online free tools such as coding tutorials and videos is a great place to start. Finally, always work hard and give yourself achievable goals to motivate you. The harder you work the better the achievement will feel.
