I graduated from the University of Northampton (UON) last year with a degree in Software Engineering.
Software engineering was an obvious degree subject for me.
I always had a keen interest in computer science and software development. Understanding systems, processes, and structures has always drawn me in – the ability to educate myself on the subject and develop systems of my own through projects was something I found fulfilling and enjoyable.
My progression to Business Analyst was based on discovering at university that this was the role I could perform in group projects that others couldn’t, although I still hold on to my love of development and technology.
Triad and tested!
Triad runs an annual competition with UON. It is called the Triad Challenge. Each year, 28 students go to Triad’s Milton Keynes offices to work on a 48-hour brief.
The Triad Challenge is a team assignment. I really enjoyed the experience. It gave me a taste of what it is like to undertake a consultancy role, and I thrived on the pressure. I did a few of these types of challenges whilst at university, but Triad’s was the one that I enjoyed the most. The Triad staff who supported us included former UON students. And they were all talent-spotted at the Triad Challenges.
I have just taken part in my first Triad Challenge as a Triad staff member, and that was brilliant.
Triad is my first job out of university.
Luckily for me, the Triad Challenge put me on Triad’s radar. Triad approached me after the event, impressed by my performance and keen to discuss working with them after I graduated. And the next thing I knew, I was a Triad employee!
My first Triad assignment was an internal one, and I am now a Data/Business Analyst at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where I’ve been able to apply both analytical and technical skills and observe other professionals in action.
I really enjoy the logical and technical parts of the role – understanding systems and how to improve them is enjoyable, but what really gets my gears turning is delving into the technical details and looking at things from that perspective.
What motivates me
I’m someone who is strongly motivated by work that clearly benefits the public and makes the world just that bit better. One of the things that drew me to Triad in the first place was hearing about projects supporting organisations like the Met Office and DESNZ, where technology is used to deliver meaningful improvements for people and communities. Work like this really resonates with my values and is the kind of environment where I feel I can contribute most.
At the same time, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far, including my current assignment at the FCDO, which has exposed me to new ways of working and helped me grow my analytical and technical skills. The experience has taught me a great deal about how large organisations operate and how important good data and insight can be.
Looking ahead, I’m really excited by the possibility of getting involved in more public‑good or socially‑focused projects – the kinds of challenges where technology can make a tangible difference. Seeing Triad colleagues deliver this sort of work gives me confidence that, as I develop, there will be plenty of opportunities to apply my values and skills in the areas I care most about.
Learning on the job is important.
Learning on the job has been a huge part of my development so far, and one of the things I’ve appreciated most about Triad is how supportive and welcoming everyone has been. From day one, colleagues have taken the time to share their knowledge, point me in the right direction, and help me navigate both the work and the wider consulting environment.
I’ve been especially grateful for the guidance of Daria Czajkowska, who has been a genuine mentor to me when I started. Her support has made a real difference in how quickly I’ve been able to find my feet, build confidence, and develop my analytical skills.
Triad also places real emphasis on continuous learning. Having access to Udemy courses has allowed me to fill knowledge gaps and strengthen areas I want to grow in — whether technical skills or broader consulting competencies. That combination of on-the-job experience and structured learning has been incredibly valuable, and I know it will continue to shape my development as I move through my career.
My advice to technology undergraduates is…
Don’t lock yourself into one specific career path too early. Use the degree to explore different areas. Figure out what you enjoy most and focus on building connections with people along the way. I didn’t even know what a business analyst was before starting university, and I was able to develop the skills and understanding to do the work there.
I think it is important to look beyond the classes. Keeping a focus on the subject matter broadly is also important, rather than being bogged down all the time in the nitty-gritty that a degree can sometimes present you with.
Never forget the larger picture of what you’re aiming for, what you’re developing yourself towards, and the subject at large. Connecting with your Tutors can present you with a myriad of opportunities. I served as a classroom assistant every year and semester it was available to me, helping students with content they had struggled with in previous years.
Lastly, take every opportunity presented to you – there is more than just finishing the degree and handing it in. Make a conscious effort to do as much as possible whilst those opportunities are presented to you.
If you have a question for Michael or the Triad team, please get in touch.
