Victor Richards not only gained 25,000 steps in one day during his work experience placement, but also gained comms skills and insights into the world of work at Imperial. Victor spent three days within ICT and Property Communications teams, focusing on photography. Hear from Victor in his own words:
About me
I’m currently a year 10 student studying for my GCSEs, and along with the mandatory Maths, English, etc. I also study separate sciences, Spanish, Drama, Film studies, and Fine Art. Out of school, some of my hobbies are playing basketball,
doing photography, and travelling to London whenever I can!
Working with the creative side of my hobbies, along with my love for London, Imperial has been the perfect place to carry out my work experience.
What did you get up to on work experience?
Over the course of 3 days, I was lucky enough to have a packed schedule catered specifically to my interest in photography.
Day 1 and 2
I was kindly shown round the stunning South Kensington campus, capturing many iconic spaces, buildings and landmarks. One that really stood out was the immensely impressive Queens Tower, which, after a very interesting chat with the staff, I discovered was recently refurbished and reopened, and is now standing there in all its beauty, on the Queen’s Lawn.
Staying on the theme of the Queen’s Lawn, especially in the sun, I found that it was the perfect place, not only to sit and get some work and photo editing done, but also just to relax and take in the lovely campus environment that Imperial creates.
The breathtaking location of the campus, within South Kensington, and all of its beautiful architecture, really make Imperial a wonderful place to be.
In the mornings of both the first and second days, I was initially greeted very warmly by the very kind and courteous staff, and then I was straight on to shoot a combination of the property, the security team, and even an amazing new returnable coffee cup system that is being trialled in a cafe in the Senior Common Room.
Along with the incredible opportunity to take photos, I was also very fortunate to be able to meet the official Imperial Photographer, Thomas Angus, a specialist in his field, to talk to me all about not only his specific style and approach to taking photos, but also about his journey to how he got to where he is now. Moving forward, with his advice, Imperial has provided me with a very interesting and useful insight into this professional world.
In addition to the photography side of the work experience, I was also given a tour around many of the buildings and lecture theatres, whilst accompanying the ICT AV team, which was equally very interesting, as I got to see how yet another role plays into this brilliant university.
Then, to finish up the first two days, I was invited to join the Property Division, where I was given a very insightful workshop on how to market and advertise all of the different food sites around campus. I was then given my own creative freedom to make up my own restaurant and make a poster of my own with the skills that I had been taught.
Day 3
Lastly, on my third and final day, I accompanied the ICT department to their Professional Services Hub out in White
City.
Out in white city, there was an absolutely stunning building, yet I found that it slightly lacked the same community feel that was clearly present within the South Kensington campus. However, seeing that a new campus is on its way to White City, I definitely see the potential in the area. All the staff here were yet again beyond friendly, which clearly made this community feel present again!
Day three mostly consisted of editing my photos, which was evident in my step count! From almost 25,000 on day 1, to very little this day, truly showed the concentration that I had!
I also very much enjoyed spending my afternoon writing this blog and finding out all about some other roles, which I discovered play a large part in this university.
and finally..
Overall, in just 3 short days. Imperial has managed to make me feel incredibly welcome, and I can really tell that Imperial values its sense of pride and community. Thanks to all of the staff involved, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I have come away from this having learnt a lot more about how so many small parts and job roles contribute to the great institute that is Imperial!
I am also very grateful for the lovely merchandise that I was gifted upon leaving, really reinforcing this amazing community feel that Imperial gives off.
If I had the chance to come back, I would say yes in a heartbeat, just showing how worth it it is to do a work experience placement here!
Amanda Ishagi, 1st Line Support Analyst, joined Imperial in September 2023 and stepped into an ICT Service Desk role with relatively little hands-on experience in the field of technical and customer support.
Hear Amanda’s journey from novice to expert in her own words:
At the time, I knew it would be a challenge, but also a great opportunity to learn something new and push myself out of my comfort zone. Looking back, the biggest thing I’ve gained is confidence.
In the beginning, even simple customer support tickets felt overwhelming. There was so much to learn, systems, processes, terminology, and how to troubleshoot effectively. But over time, with consistency and patience, things started to click. I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers straight away. What matters is knowing how to approach a problem, where to look for solutions, and when to ask for help.
One of the biggest factors in my progress has been the support from colleagues, especially my Team Leads, who have always been very supportive in my development. Being part of a team where people are willing to share knowledge and guide you makes a huge difference. Whether it was shadowing others, asking questions, or just observing how experienced analysts handled issues, I picked up a lot just by being around the right people.
“Take notes, stay curious, and try to understand the why behind what you are doing, not just the steps. Over time, you will build both your knowledge and your confidence.”
Starting out, I was also the only woman in the team, which often surprised the customers I dealt with, but in a positive way. It was something that stood out to them and often made interactions more memorable and uplifting. It’s been a unique part of my journey and something I’ve taken pride in.
I also found that building relationships with team members within and outside the team is essential for this role, as it makes it easier to ask for help and lean on each other when needed. Through this, I have met some amazing people from all walks of life, which has been a real bonus.
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. There have been challenging days, high workloads, difficult tickets, and moments where things didn’t go as planned. At times, it felt like there was too much to keep up with. But those moments were also where I learned the most. They taught me resilience, time management, and how to stay calm under pressure.
If I had to give advice to someone starting out now, I’d say do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not be too hard on yourself. Everyone starts somewhere. Take notes, stay curious, and try to understand the why behind what you are doing, not just the steps. Over time, you will build both your knowledge and your confidence.
This journey has been a stepping stone in my career, and I am proud of how far I have come since those early days. I am still learning every day, but that is what makes this role rewarding.
Amanda’s Line Manager, Jeff Wiltshire – First Line Support Lead,watched Amanda grow into her role and said:
Reading this really made me smile, as it perfectly captures Amanda’s journey…and I’ve had the privilege of watching it first-hand.
From day one, what stood out was Amanda’s attitude. She threw herself into everything with real determination and curiosity, and has absorbed knowledge like a sponge. It’s not just her technical skills and knowledge, it’s also how she approaches problems, how she communicates, and how she builds relationships with both colleagues and customers.
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed either. There have been more than a few occasions where I’ve had to gently (and sometimes not so gently!) send her home because she was still working well past the end of the day, determined to get things sorted. That level of commitment says a lot!
What I’ve always appreciated is how comfortable Amanda is asking questions. She has never been afraid to say “I don’t know”, and that is exactly why she has progressed so quickly. That openness to learn has been a huge part of her growth.
And now, in a bit of a twist, she has become one of our “go-to” analysts, especially for some of our more enthusiastic customers. I’m not sure whether to apologise or congratulate her! 😉
It’s been genuinely great to see her confidence grow and her skills develop in such a short space of time. She should be really proud of what she has achieved so far.
Further information
If you would like to join ICT – check out our Jobs page.
As women in technology we should use our strengths relating to engagement and multi-tasking to deliver great solutions. You have a voice – use it! Don’t be embarrassed to ask about areas that you feel need more focus and never be afraid to ask follow-up questions.
I joined Imperial in December 2021 as the Change and Release Lead. This means I track planned changes within our environment to ensure they have been planned and tested via release management and then considered by their peers through the change management process.
For the last nine months I have also been covering the IT Service Management (ITSM) Lead role which has meant as well as dealing with change and release Management I have had to oversee the processes, procedures and work related to the service we provide. This covers a broad range of areas including advice, solution development and service improvement.
What do I love about my role?
One of the best things about this role is the variety of areas that you get to engage with. This ensures you are always ready and able to learn about other areas being worked on and allows you to consider it from all sides including the technical, user and customer journeys, as well as any impacts relating to downtime, communications, users and any simultaneous conflicting activities or changes
In my role as the ITSM Lead, I really enjoy engaging with different business areas and finding ways we can improve how they deliver their services and the way they work, which all in turn improves user experience and customer satisfaction.
How did I get here?
Prior to joining Imperial, I worked in local government working for Southwark Council for 18 years starting off as a personal assistant and moving into project management. I dealt with everything from business reviews to headquarter fitouts. I was focussed more on the customer side with an external IT Service provider where we needed to manage their service delivery and engagement to ensure any required changes to take place were planned into the schedule.
I worked as the equivalent of a Product Owner for a number of the property management systems which were used to manage the council’s assets and deliver the housing, revenues and benefits services. I was able to get a well-rounded view of systems and services through third-party procurement process and on occasion having to transition these service back to an in-house provision.
Having initially trained in the Prince 2 project management style I have also completed a number of courses in human-centred design and the UK Government Digital Services’ design principles.
My future aspirations
In the future, I would like to get an in-depth understanding of every product we manage. I look forward to watching the development of the replacement for ICIS and SOV as part of the Great Service programme.
I enjoy seeing the pride and ownership we show in ICT in delivering the best we can for our students and customers. I am interested in moving into a product owner role as I like the idea of being able to deep dive into one section of services and doing all I can to ensure that we are getting the best outcomes and improvements for our users and customers.
My influences
I am grateful for my experience of powerful women who have demonstrated that through commitment and hard work, you can be proud of who you are and know that you have done the best that you can.
There is satisfaction to be found in a job well done and it is so important to do something you enjoy. I have a bad habit of working too much, but balance this with knowing that I will be able to hold my head up and know that I did all I could.
I have had a number of managers who always ensured they built their staff up and supported them in progressing and developing even if that would mean they moved on. I ensure I take the same approach with my team and that my staff know exactly what they are expected to undertake and ensure they are appropriately challenged and have opportunities to learn and develop. I believe that by providing a safe and supportive team environment, you can inspire staff to take ownership and initiative of the work they do and they will then model this behaviour in their engagement with others.
Managing a work-life balance
I find it hard to be idle so I enjoy a number of hobbies – some would say too many! I originally trained as a chef, and although having to cook for my husband and three children means it can feel more like a chore, I still love baking and find the routine and process relaxing,delicious and not at all disrupted by listening to true crime podcasts!
When I get some time to sit down and watch television, I am usually crocheting or working on a Sashiko project which help to address my creative side and I love that at the end you have something to show for your efforts.
My advice
Always try and avoid going into a situation with preconceived ideas and solutions.
Put yourself in the shoes of your customers, the agents and the technical side and ensure that you consider the entire user journey to identify where the issues are, so that any proposed solution is fit for purpose, delivers what you set out to achieve and improves the overall user experience.
As women in technology we should use our strengths relating to engagement and multi-tasking to deliver great solutions. You have a voice – use it! Don’t be embarrassed to ask about areas that you feel need more focus and never be afraid to ask follow-up questions.
Want to join ICT?
We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.
I’ve recently been appointed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO)*. In this role, I lead the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Division at Imperial and I am responsible for all aspects of Imperial’s Technology Strategy which will support the organisation to realise its digital ambitions.
“My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology.”
How did I get here?
My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology, and that is why I joined Imperial in January 2022 in my first role in Higher Education (HE) as the Director of Digital Products.
Prior to this, I spent a large part of my career in the telecoms industry working for Vodafone, BT and OneWeb in a variety of product management and business transformation roles. I have fifteen years’ experience in product management and business transformation, and have worked for FTSE companies in senior positions, but I also have experience working in the start-up world, which has given me a greater understanding of differing organisational structures, values and their customers’ needs.
“Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.”
I studied a Business and Operations Management degree at Oxford Brookes and have an MBA in Business Administration from Henley Business School – this gave me the knowledge to put into practice in my career, but I am always continuing to learn.
*Jenny was appointed Imperial’s interim CIO in 2022 and was appointed CIO in October 2023.
My future aspirations
I want to create amazing experiences for our Imperial students and staff, delivering this through cross-functional empowered teams who are all working towards the same vision.
My advice
You should focus on outcomes rather than output. Technology isn’t a standalone activity; it can transform an organisation when it is used to achieve an outcome.
Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.
I lead the Information Insight team and we are responsible for managing the universities business intelligence product – Power BI.
I joined Imperial’s ICT division shortly after Power BI was released, and since then, I have seen significant change in the analytics space, moving away from a small central team of programmers to an ‘analytics for all’ approach. This has empowered Imperial staff to produce the analytics they need, when they need it. The key focus for our team is to enbable people, who may have a varied range of analytics experience, to make the best use of the tools we offer.
“Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.”
How did I get here?
For someone who holds degrees in cultural studies I came to analytics through an unusual career route! A summer job in a space planning role at a major supermarket taught me a range of skills with spreadsheets that I put into good, and enthusiastic use, when I set out on my career in higher education. My passion for this type of work soon turned into colleagues saying, ‘Gemma likes spreadsheets, let’s give her this data task’, and this became my primary role. From there on I worked with various datasets including; university data, surveys, and longitudinal studies. I started combining data and project management work, and then progressed to enjoy working in business analysis.
My future aspirations
I believe strongly that the right technologies can enable people to achieve their goals, and this is a key focus for me. Data is key to making informed decisions at every level of the business, and this scale of need will lead to more people wanting to do even more with data. I want to provide an analytics product that will help people achieve that, while also putting in place structures and guidelines that will help keep that data, and the people analysing it safe.
“Find a working environment that respects and enables you.”
My advice
Follow your passions. The more you enjoy your work, the better you will be at it.
Find a working environment that respects and enables you.
Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.
Instead of fearing change, make it an opportunity for you to get where you want to go.
As Head of the HR and Finance Product Line, I am responsible for establishing a clear vision for each product in my portfolio, developing strategy and roadmaps for each product and working in partnership with key business stakeholders from the Human Resources (HR), Finance and Research Administration teams.
I am responsible for the end-to-end delivery of products within my product line. It is equally important when developing or implementing new products I ensure that they meet users’ requirements.
I collaborate with staff support networks across Imperial to ensure the products we deliver are inclusive to everyone.
I also have to manage resources and financial budgets to ensure that we have the right team in place to support the product lifecycle.
“If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.”
How did I get here?
I am currently Head of HR and Finance Product Line and I have been at Imperial for four years already! It’s exciting to be working with teams on a business transformation programme, working to transform business areas that I support.
I think Imperial is a great place to work because I thrive on working in partnerships with colleagues from all over the organisation.
I joined at the beginning of May 2019 as the Team Lead for System Solutions in ICT responsible for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, before progressing into my current role.
My career started out in HR in the charity sector, but this organically grew into a role in technology when the IT Director appointed me to manage the entire Oracle estate after managing a succesful implementation project. I was responsible for bringing on new products such as self-service and recruitment.
As part of my personal development, I completed numerous Oracle training programmes during this time, and I obtained the NVQ4 and 5 qualifications in Management.
I also hold an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) qualification and I am a member of the Chartered Institute for People Development (CIPD).
My future aspirations
I am motivated to continue my career in digital and technology, in roles that contribute to making a positive difference, add value and let me grow as an individual.
I want to continue to champion the Imperial Values, and to be an ally to Imperial’s LGBTQ+, disability and BAME community and staff support networks, as well as other staff groups and forums.
I will continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as promote attracting females into technology, and be a peoples champion.
“Respect the unique worth of every individual.”
My advice
The world of tech is exciting and has great opportunities.
If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.
Don’t be afraid of asking questions or of those that ask questions of you and want to learn from you. You are never too old to learn and grow.
Inspire and be inspired. Lead by example, collaborate and inspire.
Problems are challenges and there is always an answer!
Want to join ICT?
We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.
In an increasingly digital world ensuring accessibility for all is paramount. Throughout my career I have been dedicated to championing accessibility, digital or otherwise, and fostering an inclusive environment. As the Digital Accessibility Officer, in ICT here at Imperial, it is my job to coordinate efforts to ensure accessibility compliance and promote inclusivity in both digital and physical spaces.
“You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care.”
Since February 2020, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating our digital accessibility compliance efforts. Reporting to the Head of Governance in ICT, my role involves policy and risk management, raising accessibility awareness, digital accessibility compliance approvals, stakeholder engagement, and providing advice and support on accessibility compliance.
By engaging with high-level decision-makers, including; Digital Teams across the university, ICT product line teams, student support services and teaching technology staff, I have been able to work towards embedding the best practices in inclusive digital design throughout the institution.
How did I get here?
I have lived and worked in four different countries, in a variety of roles from account management to leading high-octane sales teams. I have also worked in project management and mid to top management roles for non-governmental organisations and campaigning.
My future aspirations
There is nothing more motivating and fulfilling for me than my current role as Digital Accessibility Officer. I truly wake up every day with a huge drive to continue working towards creating a more accessible environment for all.
You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care. Smallest improvements may help users immensely.
My advice
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me in our efforts of making Imperial’s digital presence accessible for all needs. Not because we have to, but because we care.
Bonus material
You can contact Bouquette to discuss digital accessibility or find out what support is available at Imperial:
As the Network Infrastructure Lead, I am responsible for the physical network infrastructure – overseeing both wired and wireless connectivity across all Imperial campuses. My primary responsibility is to ensure that the university infrastructure is well-designed to meet its evolving needs in the long term.
“The brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today.”
How did I get here?
I arrived in the UK at 18 with the goal of learning English, which it turns out is a lifelong pursuit?
I studied Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and began my career in the telecoms industry, where I initially worked as a Network Planning Engineer.
Later, I joined NTT Communications (a private telecommunications company) and entered the world of data centres, where I managed colocation sites across Europe.
After taking a short career break to have kids, I then ventured into uncharted territory and established my own café and catering business. What began as a “lifestyle” venture to fit in with the family, soon grew into a successful operation, which I eventually sold.
I always had the intention to go back to the tech industry and continue with my career once my children were more independent, and that is how I moved over to Imperial nine years ago.
When I first joined the Network Infrastructure Team, I encountered a steep learning curve and the challenge of balancing work and my ever-growing family commitments. However, the brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today!
My future aspirations
I am excited to be involved in implementing the next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity at Imperial, which is crucial for the development of a cutting-edge digital campus.
My aspirations revolve around leveraging technology to enrich education and foster a seamless connectivity experience across the university for both students and staff.
My advice
“With determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.”
Embrace challenges and be open to new opportunities, even if they seem unfamiliar.
Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and employers who believe in your potential.
Your confidence may waver, but with determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.
Want to join ICT?
We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.
As a Data Analyst, I build and develop analytical dashboards and reports that provide valuable insights to support Imperial in accomplishing its mission. I’m committed to actively participating in our data strategy, which aims to foster a data-driven culture.
In ICT’s Data and Analytics Product Line, we are currently working on improving the way we utilise and leverage data within Imperial through our enhanced Unified Data Platform (UDP). Additionally, we also empower teams across the university by utilising the Power BI tool to enable business intelligence, supporting better decision making.
“Starting anything new has no expiration date. What truly defines your path is your enthusiasm and commitment, not your beginning point.”
How did I get here?
After graduating from university in 2019, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, I was unsure about what I wanted to do next. As a result, I decided to take a gap year to explore my options and see if pursuing a Master’s degree was the best path for me. During this time, I developed a strong interest in both finance and the tech industry.
While pondering my next move, I accepted a position in finance for a few months, only to discover that it didn’t entirely align with my goals. I had the fantastic opportunity to join Imperial as a Data Analyst Apprentice in September 2022, which has been highly rewarding for me.
“Being a part of the IT industry has been really exciting because it is constantly evolving, offering me new challenges and opportunities for personal development.”
Working as a Data Analyst offers me a sense of fulfilment knowing that I contribute to shaping Imperial’s decision-making processes.
Being a part of the IT industry has been really exciting because it is constantly evolving, offering me new challenges and opportunities for personal development.
My future aspirations
One of my future aspirations is to undertake roles where I can lead and manage data projects. Furthermore, I am eager about sharing my skills and experiences with women who may be hesitant to enter the tech profession.
My goal, whether through mentorship or blog postings, is to encourage and support others on their tech journeys.
My advice
Starting anything new has no expiration date. What truly defines your path is your enthusiasm and commitment, not your beginning point.
“Believe in yourself, stay optimistic, and remember that your goals are within your grasp.”
Want to join ICT?
We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.
I’m Maria Teresa Douglas, the proud Product Owner for Data and Analytics here at Imperial.
I joined Imperial in January 2023, and in my role, I have the privilege of driving the development and enhancement of data and analytics products that fuel innovation and insights across our esteemed institution.
It’s an exciting journey where I get to leverage the power of data to enable evidence-based decision-making, which helps individuals at Imperial unlock their potential.
“Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.”
How did I get here?
I arrived in the UK in my early 20s, with little English but a passion for technology and embarked upon a degree in Computer Science.
On the back of this I have spent the past 25 years working in technology and data analytics for various companies; IBM, Microstrategy, Bank Santander, Sony, and Sainsbury’s. This journey has been a remarkable one, with each step contributing to my growth as a tech leader.
My homeland was originally Peru, once the home of the Incas. Funnily enough the Incas had an ingenious system called ‘Quipus’ for collecting and encoding data. They used intricate knotted cords to keep records and convey information, so maybe it’s in my DNA to work with data!
“It’s in my DNA to work with data!”
My future aspirations
As I continue my career path at Imperial, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and data-driven decision making.
My vision is not only to empower every member of our institution, but also to create a community of colleagues and friends who support and uplift each other.
Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.
My advice
To all aspiring women in tech, let me share with you the guiding principles I follow, drawn from the wisdom of inspirational figures.
“Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.”
Surround yourself with supportive allies and never forget your roots and the strength they provide.
Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.
Together, we can shape a future where women thrive and leave a lasting mark in the world of technology.
Want to join ICT?
We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.