What is it that you do?

I am an Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Consultant, currently working on a client account to support their global Cyber Program. I work on sites progressing through various work packages such as network segmentation, patching, access control etc. I am the primary support contact for sites and liaise with client stakeholders to inform them of the benefits of cyber security and the program to get their support and understanding.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

I work hybrid, so I like to login early and review emails/Teams messages instead of commuting which is great. I am mostly in calls during the day with client employees where I’m providing support, answering questions, delegating tasks or working within my team to tackle the big issues that are preventing progress. My schedule is usually fully within my control as I dictate when I speak to sites, although you never know when something might come up like a cyber incident!

Sometimes my days look like client factory visits or days in a Capgemini office to network and socialise for a change of pace.

What advice would you give to students looking to apply to Capgemini?

Truly just be yourself and let your passion and enthusiasm shine through, it will be noticed. Don’t worry if you lack confidence, it will grow leaps and bounds. Make choices at university and in your personal life that you can evidence during interviews to show how you make decisions, take opportunities and are eager to learn and develop.

What is your favourite thing about working at Capgemini?         

The opportunity to work within multiple different companies and industries that I’d never considered before. This allows me to work with and learn from all sorts of different people with their own varied careers. I had never even heard of the OT side of cyber-security before, which was eye opening and showcased how much opportunity there was for me to learn and grow.

What is your favourite Capgemini value?

Team Spirit, being able to have the support and reassurance from my colleagues, increases my confidence and access to shared knowledge. It also helps me debrief any challenges we are facing as a team and provides an opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences.

What opportunities have you had to shape your career at Capgemini?

Part of the graduate ‘Empower’ programme gave me the opportunity to present a group project with the UK Country Board in person, which was very challenging but an amazing opportunity to get my face out there. Also, demonstrating my value to my client account gave me the opportunity to work in senior positions that I otherwise would not have had the chance to do, and network with people who are far more senior than myself. I have the opportunity to advocate for myself and I am trusted to take a leap and show that I can flourish.

What did you study at university? How has this helped you in getting a job at Capgemini and in your role?

I studied Cyber Security at University, as well as a placement year with the police in IT infrastructure. These respective experiences massively helped me get my role at Capgemini, firstly in the way that I had strong foundational knowledge, and secondly in the way that I had real-world working experience. I was worried that I needed a master’s degree, but that did not seem to be an obstacle as my degree was already highly relevant.

Tell us what you think makes Capgemini a great place to work?

I think the Empower programme makes Capgemini especially good for graduates, as it is tailor made to build up soft-skills such as emotional intelligence and critical thinking, but also because it gives you opportunities to meet and network with very senior people. This can help massively build your confidence, which is definitely what I have experienced. The buddy and mentor systems also makes Capgemini a safe space to ask questions and be comfortable in wanting to learn and seek support.