Lowri Collins' Explore Sky Tech Insight Day experience

A few weeks into my long university summer break, I received an email from Targetjobs about their latest opportunity; a technology insight day at the Sky campus in Osterley. After doing some research into the culture at Sky, the various roles available and into the graduate tech scheme itself, I decided to submit an application in the hope that, if I was offered a place, I would be able to gain a better insight into a career at Sky.

Fortunately, I soon received an email from Targetjobs and was offered a telephone interview. I was asked several questions about myself and my motivations to apply to the event, which was an insightful experience, helping me to develop my communication skills and reflect on how to sell myself to an employer.

The ‘Sky bus’ enabled me to quickly and easily commute to the Sky campus, giving me the opportunity to chat to friendly employees on route. As I arrived at the Sky campus, I was amazed at the grandeur of the site, as expected of a top tech firm. The laid back atmosphere at Sky reflected the informal office style, with open areas to work. It was really beneficial to be at the Sky offices, as opposed to meeting representatives at a careers fair, as we were able to network with employees across a range of roles and managerial levels, including meeting the grads, who were able to deliver a fresh perspective on exactly what we would be doing at Sky. We were also able to listen to the wise words of Colin McQuade, Managing Director of Group TV and Digital Platforms at Sky, and ask any questions.

The layout of the day was well organized and a variety of different elements of Sky were explored. From speakers to tours, to a talk on how to enhance your application and a quiz, it was definitely an informative day! In the afternoon, we were put into groups, in which we had to assign roles and design and make a new app for ‘Sky Cinema’. This was a really fun activity, challenging us to use our imaginations, as much as our teamwork skills in order to finish the designing and coding.

As a humanities student, I was skeptical about whether my skills would be compatible with a career in technology. However, at the event, I was able to speak to grads and members of recruitment and learn that students from diverse degree backgrounds are valued, as Sky embraces the benefits of this diversity in team projects. I would definitely encourage undergraduates and graduates alike to look into attending this event, as well as the internship opportunities at Sky, especially if you have a passion for technology and the digital revolution that is currently so pertinent to so many elements of our everyday lives.