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Early Careers

Daring more as a career changer: Emmanuel's journey

We know it takes courage to make a career change. At Nationwide we encourage you to dare more as you strive for high performance Our dedicated development programmes have helped many colleagues shift to a rewarding career in banking.

Emmanuel shares his story and why it was the right decision for his career.

Please introduce yourself

I've worked in petroleum engineering and in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. I've also a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, but in June 2023 I made the leap to join the Technology Development Programme (TDP) at Nationwide.

I'm an Analyst Infrastructure Engineering. When I'm not immersed in the world of technology, I find joy in cooking, playing video games, visiting new destinations, and reading about emerging technologies. This TDP journey has ignited my enthusiasm, and I can't wait to see where this path leads next.

Why did you join the TDP?

My decision to join the Technology Development Programme (TDP) stems from a lifelong passion for technology. While circumstances initially steered me away from a career in the tech industry, my enthusiasm for tech has never changed.

I firmly believe that knowledge and opportunity shouldn't be constrained. This conviction fuelled my pursuit of learning and self-improvement whenever I got the chance. The TDP's commitment to nurturing tech talent, presented itself as the ideal platform for someone like me.

What resonated was the program's inclusive approach, welcoming individuals from non-technical backgrounds and empowering them to embark on a new journey. The experience has been incredibly rewarding. I've grown my skills and knowledge and translated my passion for technology into a tangible, fulfilling career.

What's been the most rewarding project so far?

This involves leveraging scripts to expedite tasks that once took considerable time. In the preparation of a newly provisioned server environment, the use of a script allows for the near-instant creation of multiple drives, a process that previously demanded minutes, if not longer when done manually. In true Nationwide style, we push for better. This not only bolsters efficiency but also eliminates the risk of human error when done manually, this helps us deliver simply brilliant service.

It's incredibly fulfilling to find innovative ways to streamline and simplify the software development process. I've had the opportunity to dive into the world of Infrastructure Engineering, where automation, plays a pivotal role. The most rewarding aspect of this work is witnessing how tools can seamlessly collaborate to build new ways of working. The possibilities are endless, and the room for innovation is vast. It's exciting to constantly explore new ways to optimise and fine-tune systems, making them more resilient and adaptable. The blend of creativity, problem-solving, and the tangible impact of automation in this field makes every day an exciting journey of discovery.

Through the TDP, I've honed a broad range of skills that will help shape my career. I'm glad I had the courage to make that step.

Find out more about our career changer opportunities here.