I’m very excited to confirm that I have been offered a
position at Capital One after visiting the headquarters for the ‘IT’s not just
for the Boys!’ event! The position I have accepted is the 2 year Technology
Graduate Rotation Program which I start in September
2016!
Stage 1 – IT’s not just for the Boys! Event
Since I had a limited background in technology (a Multimedia
& Graphic Design Bachelor’s degree and I am currently doing a Masters in
Marketing) I was initially just coming to the event to see what options I’d have,
and what steps I would need to take, in order to work in technology. Needless
to say I was nervous and didn’t think I stood a chance to work in technology;
the event cleared up all those nerves and made it clear to me that you only
really need a true passion for technology to work in technology!
During the event, which was hosted at Capital One’s
headquarters in Nottingham, I had the opportunity to meet like-minded women
from all fields who were there due to their passion for technology. I met
people from many different companies (AIG, ARM, Bank of England, Cognizant,
Deloitte, Tesco and Capital One) who gave me a good insight into their company
and the programs they had available. The day consisted of a lot of amazing
food, amazing people, presentations from inspirational women and a group
exercise where a group of us discussed a possible Mobile App with one of the
companies.
During the networking section of the event, I met a young
woman who was already in the Technology Graduate Rotation Program at Capital
One; she sat with me and spoke to me about Capital One as a company and told me
all about her experience. It was at this moment that I put my nerves, and
hesitation about being qualified, aside and decided to apply.
Stage 2 – Initial Application
The first part of the application process consisted of
filling out forms about my education, previous employment etc. (basically
putting together a CV). It was very quick and easy. After I submitted these, I
was asked to complete some online tests which included Verbal Reasoning and
Numerical Reasoning tests. These were all well organised and easy to follow
through the platform.
Stage 3 – Video Interview
A few weeks later, I was invited to do a video interview;
which consisted of logging onto a platform with introductory videos explaining
the process. A question would show on screen, then I was given 2 minutes to
prep my answer (which was not recorded) and finally; 5 minutes to answer the
question while being recorded. There were approximately 7 questions; the prep
time given was more than enough to put together my answers.
Stage 4 – Assessment Day
About a week later, I was informed that I had passed the
video interview and the next stage was an assessment day. This is where it all
started to get real! I went up to Nottingham again to visit the headquarters
and was greeted by a group of awesome people who were already working on the
Technology Graduate Program. They were kind enough to talk to all the people
who came in for interviews that day – there were 9 of us in total. The first
interview was a ‘Job Fit’ interview where I spoke to a very friendly woman
about my ambitions, previous work experience etc. I was made to feel very
welcome and the interview was quite relaxed.
After this, I had a ‘Presentation Interview’; we were all
given a topic a few days before to cover in this interview. I put together a
presentation and had 10 minutes to present my findings to the interviewer.
Again, this was quite casual and I was able to ask more questions about Capital
One when I had finished my presentation. After this, we all had a tour of the
headquarters and enjoyed a complimentary lunch in Capital One’s impressive
restaurant.
Finally, a group of 5 of us were taken to the last interview
of the day; group assessment. We were presented with a topic and we had to
discuss amongst ourselves the possible solutions and path to take. We were
being observed by 3 interviewers but it still felt very relaxed.
Stage 5 – Final Interview
I was in class when I found out that I had passed onto the
final stage. It was so exciting! I had to go up to Nottingham again a few days
later for the final 30 minute interview. This is when I met the Senior Director
of Technology; this interview was the most relaxed and casual interview I had.
It was very much focused on the questions I had about the position and company.
Stage 6 – Excitement!
When I received the call I was in a group meeting in
University; the excitement got the better of me and I ended up jumping up and
down in excitement with my group members in the middle of the Library! The only
thing that was on my mind was how happy and grateful I was that I had applied
to go to the IT’s not just for the Boys! event. I wouldn’t have had the
opportunity if it wasn’t for all the friendly people I met at the event and all
the information I gathered just by being there.
If you're interested in a career in technology then pre-register here to be the first to find out about our next female only technology events http://targetjobsevents.co.uk/its-not-just-for-the-boys/pre-register
