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BCU recently welcomed IBM guest speaker John McNamara (Chief Innovator at IBM) to speak with Computing students about the latest industry trends, career opportunities, and the key skills needed to succeed in tech. Following on from this event John also delivered a talk to first-year Computing students around innovative design thinking, in alignment with industry-certified IBM skills badges, hence embedding innovation and employer-readiness straight from the start of their academic journeys.听In this blog, John shares his insights, expert advice, and tips for standing out in the industry.

As part of BCU鈥檚 collaboration with IBM, students had the chance to work on real-world case studies, including one centered on game-based learning. These projects provide hands-on experience, allowing students to develop practical skills and strengthen their career prospects.

Dr. Sara Hassan, Senior Lecturer in Computing and Data Science, highlighted the impact of the session on students' career readiness:

'This event directly aligns with career readiness by providing hands-on experience with a real-world case study, simulating the challenges students may encounter in professional roles. It allows them to showcase their skills in a practical context, which can be highlighted in CVs and interviews. Furthermore, Jon's career talk offers valuable guidance on navigating the job market, making informed career choices, and understanding the qualities sought by top employers like IBM.'

What Students Thought of the Session

Students found the event insightful and inspiring, gaining a clearer understanding of the key skills needed for success in the tech industry. The session highlighted the importance of continuous learning, hands-on experience, and building a strong professional network.

Here are what听some听second-year BSc Business and Information Technology students had to say:

鈥淟istening to John鈥檚 presentation regarding IBM鈥檚 support of youthful innovation was eye-opening. He made it clear that obtaining certifications and making connections with industry professionals is crucial to distinguishing ourselves from other applicants.鈥�

鈥淚 benefited immensely from learning about how AI language models can be used and the different career paths available in the tech industry. Events like this provide great opportunities to network with professionals and understand the skills required for the graduate market.鈥�听

John鈥檚 Advice for Aspiring Tech Professionals

What advice would you give to current students about preparing for a career in the tech industry?

Technology changes so quickly 鈥� it鈥檚 a constantly moving target to try and hit.听So听my advice would be demonstrate that you have learned how to learn, that you can pick up new skills independently and then apply them to solve problems. It doesn鈥檛 need to be huge problems 鈥� just a demonstration that you can independently pick up a new skill, and then apply it to effect positive change.

There are so many examples where students have picked up a course from IBM听SkillsBuild听鈥� used it to create an AI assistant to help听people, and听have won internships as they have hugely differentiated themselves beyond those from what might be considered extremely prestigious universities.

I would do this short and very practical AI course -听

Are there any key traits or skills IBM looks for in graduates entering the industry?

Team work, communication skills, problem solving, adaptability, becoming comfortable with听change 鈥撎�and of course learning how to learn.听Also听no matter your background an understanding of strategic technologies and their potential impact 鈥� so AI knowledge is a must have. This course is great -听

How can students take advantage of opportunities like this event to stand out when applying for roles?

Anyone can say 鈥業 am passionate about鈥︹�� But the proof is in the pudding!听Create something, solve a problem with the skills you have developed 鈥� and find an opportunity to show it. IBM is super keen on supporting student developers in AI 鈥� so build something cool with IBM Granite or听Watsonx, create a short video demoing it and I will happily push it up the chain in IBM. A student recently created a Rescue robot which was 3D printed and used a Watson chatbot (based on this course)听-听听听鈥� he is now a fixture on the IBM site -听

What upcoming trends in the tech industry should students be paying attention to?

Right听now听the first, and last answer is AI. It is growing so quickly vertically in terms of function 鈥� but also horizontally in terms of domains it is impacting. If you can 鈥� try to keep up with the changes 鈥� and demonstrate that you are by gaining听creditations听in AI.

How do initiatives like the Final Year Industry Project benefit both IBM and students?

They benefit IBM as IBM can shout about the Student Developers and the solutions they have made听using our technology 鈥� so it really benefits both the student and IBM.听Of course听the long term hope is that students have a good experience with IBM AI and will move into roles and be an advocate for the technology (as technologists will often go with what they know that works).

Do you have any tips for students on building their professional network, especially through platforms like LinkedIn?

Every certificate,听creditation, project, course you do 鈥� post it on LinkedIn 鈥� and tag the people who were involved in that experience. This will ensure you grow your contacts, are in peoples minds and demonstrates that you are continually learning.