TDP Accelerator

What’s your background and how is it different to life at Nationwide?
I was a maths teacher before joining TDP, which is of course a completely different scale of work – although it was as fast paced as it is here at Nationwide. A big difference though is that here you have to collaborate a lot more. I’ve had to learn the rules of business and security simultaneously – and a big part of that is communication. I often have to pick out the bigger picture from conversations with people who are super focused in one area.

Why did you decide to change career?
I got to the point where my work felt repetitive, which is when I saw the TDP advert. All I knew was that I was technically minded, analytical and creative, but had never figured out how those things could merge. Even when I was interviewed I didn’t know enough about my own skills to know where I should be placed. When I did my first training in Network Plus it was like a whole world had opened up.

My day to day work 
I’ve been here two years, and working as a Security Lead for four months, but it still feels like I’m new because although I’ve learnt an enormous amount, there’s still so much more. It feels like I’m at the tip of a huge iceberg.

At the moment, I’m involved in arranging security testing and I love it to the point where I get up in the morning and really want to go to work!

It’s an area where a lot of what we do is hidden, so it’s like a quiet success every day that everything remains strong and gets stronger. I have to understand IT changes and allocate test resource from my team to the business. We’re part of a wider team that manages system vulnerabilities so we need to make sure we are up to date with everything from patching to keeping all our card and customer data secure.

Challenges so far 
To begin with, prioritising. Here, it’s down to you to negotiate how much work you can take on and that took me a while to navigate. In a way, every day is a challenge – but a good one. It’s kept me on my toes and I’ve had to think quickly. Luckily there’s a good balance of firefighting and thinking time.

What are the highlights so far?
A lot of the extra, non-tech training, for example around leadership skills and challenging your own mindset, has been really inspiring. We’ve also started building more of a team social life which has been great. I’m a mum of a six-year old so a lot of my time is taken up at home but I’m hoping to get out more!

Next goals
I want to learn more about security and better understand how we differ from other financial institutions in the way we work. I want to keep challenging myself to think of new or improved ways to do things.

Advice to anyone thinking of joining TDP?
Don’t hesitate and go for it! I wasted quite a bit of time thinking about changing career and now I wish I hadn’t because TDP has been an amazing opportunity to learn quickly and challenge myself in a safe environment.

Have a background in a STEM subject

Can pay attention to detail while understanding the bigger picture

Are natural problem solvers

Have what it takes to build and maintain strong working relationships

About the application process

Most applications will go through four key stages before we make a decision. The process is broadly as below although we sometimes tweak it so this is a guide:

Step 1 Submit your CV and complete an online application form. You’ll have the opportunity to select your chosen intake (April & September 2019)

Step 2 Complete 2 Digital Readiness online tests. These consist of a working memory ability assessment and a personality assessment.

Step 3 If you’re shortlisted after the online tests, we’ll arrange a 20-minute engagement call to ask you about your motivation for applying, your interest in Technology and your IT role preference.

Step 4 The final stage is an assessment centre with assessors from the business. This comprises an interview and individual exercise.

We keep you updated throughout the recruitment process on what will happen next to your application.