Congratulations Benedict on being named one of our March Spartans of the Month! You received incredible feedback from your line manager for your work on client site, how does it feel?
It was an amazing feeling. I certainly didn’t expect it. I am surrounded by a host of amazing Spartans and any one of them would be just as worthy of the title.
You certainly earned it! Can you tell us a little bit about your work with our client in the public transport sector?
My current role is a Software Development Engineer in Test.
I am embedded within a development team working on the functionality of a new product. I work closely with the developers in my team to make sure that their code is thoroughly tested ahead of integration testing. The role requires a broad knowledge of not just the product itself, but the wider context it exists in.
I am looking forward to seeing the project be delivered and our product go into production. To think that millions of people will be using a product I helped to develop is amazing!
That sounds fantastic! Had you always planned to work in technology?
I studied English Literature at Manchester Metropolitan University. Though I graduated over a decade ago!
From then I worked in a number of customer service roles before joining a technology bootcamp. But after months of job hunting following my bootcamp, I hadn’t even been invited to one interview.
I put it down to my lack of professional experience in tech. Sparta Global offered an opportunity not just access to a pool of potential client deployments, but the opportunity for learning both before and during assignments. I joined them in August 2024.
And how did you find the Sparta Global Academy?
The training for my current role was a bit different to the standard Sparta experience. I was being hired for a particular project with a client who needed Spartans on-site and there was a very quick turnaround. We had two weeks of training (shoutout to our trainer Cathy!) and then we were on site the following week. Although the training was much shorter than usual, the training I received in that time offered a fantastic base level of knowledge to start in my role.
It sounds intense, but you rose to the challenge! Can you tell us about the connections you have built through Sparta?
For me, the most important connections have been with my fellow Spartans. I was one of six Spartans who were hired to work for the same client to be deployed at the same time. As we got to know each other through the training, and then on site, I found a great support network which was invaluable when starting not just a new job, but a new career.
And how have you found your first tech role?
I couldn’t have asked for a better first role in tech. The team is amazing, the work is varied and interesting, and I am surrounded by fellow Spartans which offer a great support network. The organisation I have been assigned to nurtures their staff and offers opportunities to expand their skills and experiences. I myself started in another team before being moved to the SDET team after expressing interest in doing more technical work.
Is working in technology like what you imagined?
So far, I am thoroughly enjoying working in tech. Each day I seem to be working on something new and gaining a deeper insight into my role and the project. One thing that surprised me the most was how social the role is too.
I worked for a decade in customer service, and I thought that I was going to lose that human interaction. But working on such a large project, which so many teams working in tandem, I am able to apply the interpersonal skills I gained through my previous career and make strong professional relationships with those around me. If I don’t know how to do it, I am sure I can find someone who does!
Do you think you have found something that will give you a long and promising career?
I do believe I have the passion and skill to grow this into a long-serving tech career. I have always looked for opportunities to take on extra responsibilities and learn new skills and I really believe tech is the perfect career for that to happen.
Would you recommend Sparta to other people considering a career change?
I would recommend Sparta to anyone. I was losing hope during my job hunt, and the Sparta Global model offered another way to get started in tech. Working for the company I do is something I didn’t think was possible at this stage in my career.
