I joined HMGCC straight after graduating in Computing Science; I applied because HMGCC isn't just another big business. The fact that we work on the systems that help keep Britain safe really attracted me. And so did the fact that I could help out without having to join the Army!
On my first day, I was placed into the telecoms team and was worried that I didn't have any of the skills required for the job. However, I soon learnt that no new starter was expected to, as the equipment and systems that we work with aren't used anywhere else. We create and support vital national systems that are unique to us.
There's also the option to get involved with different teams around site. For instance, I've also worked with our 24-hour support team. They're responsible for ensuring that the critical systems that we have deployed remain operational, whatever the time of day or night. I've also been able to get involved with recruitment at universities and with the interview process, so there's no fear of being pigeon- holed.
Several of my friends took jobs at the large banks. They may pay well, but in my mind, the benefits of working at HMGCC far outweigh the salary difference. For a start, we have flexible working hours as well as a good work/life balance. And we get paid overtime - a rare thing elsewhere. Just as importantly, HMGCC has an active research side and we're encouraged to take time to work on new technologies that could be developed into products in the future.
In my time at HMGCC I've worked on some of the largest projects that the organisation has seen and I've felt a vital part of the team at each step. Everyone is expected to lend a hand where required, which means that one day I'm working on some of the core code but the next I'm helping ship a server rack out for deployment. From early on, I've been given important roles in the team and have come to realise that what I do really matters!