A former Harrow College student is reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication by securing a top graduate employment job with IBM.
Back in September 2010, Anthony Birley enrolled onto a BTEC Level 3 ICT course at Harrow College with the desire of one day, working within the IT industry. He carefully selected this course at Harrow College due to the specific course modules on offer which would help to broaden his knowledge and develop key computing skills.
With support from staff along with a gritty determination to succeed, Anthony did really well with his coursework and took full advantage of the opportunities the course provided him including designing websites, building computers, using animation tools, speaking at events and more. On completion of his two-year course, Anthony had achieved the highest possible grade – a triple distinction star (D*D*D*).
Anthony’s talent had not gone unnoticed. He had applied to do a BSc Information Systems degree at City University. Anthony’s success at Harrow College lead to City University offering him a scholarship. His continued success in the second and third year at University meant that his scholarship support extended throughout his complete degree course.
Before completing his degree, Anthony secured a 12-month university work placement with IBM – one of the leaders within the IT industry. Anthony wanted to do a placement because he felt he lacked real-world experience. Although he had completed work experience at college, he felt he needed to gain additional soft skills necessary to progress with his next career ambition - a graduate employment role. This decision to do a placement was very beneficial. Anthony made some very useful contacts, he sought extra responsibility which got him known to senior managers and he also volunteered on various social activities.
On returning to university, an even more focussed Anthony only had one thing on his mind; graduating with a First Class Honours degree and then progressing onto a top quality graduate employment position. By the summer of 2016, Anthony had achieved both.
A very proud Anthony attended the City University graduation ceremony in July this year where he collected the certificate for his First Class Honours degree in BSc Information Systems. In September, he started his two-year graduate employment role with IBM as a Technical Solutions Manager in their Global Technology Services division.
Speaking to Harrow College recently from his IBM office in London’s Southbank, Anthony said:
“Harrow College allowed me to flourish in my IT development. This set me on my path and my achievements there helped me to decide that IT was the career I wanted. I had a great time at Harrow College and the support I received was excellent”.
Click here for more information on IT courses at Harrow College.