Jonathan Molyneux
BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 2021
About me
- Senior Integration Engineer at Genesis Care
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 2021
ABOUT MY CAREER
After a long period away from academic education, I was concerned about venturing back into student life. I was looking for a university that was empathetic towards mature students and supported my decisions to change careers. I discovered that the inclusivity at Manchester Met from both staff and fellow students alike really gave me the confidence to engage and commit to my course.
I did a 3-month summer internship with Arm which was a fascinating experience. I was very new to the technology workplace but found that perseverance and a willingness to learn helped me to achieve my project goal through the summer.
I was fortunate enough to be offered a job and then employed by Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust as a Graduate Integration Engineer at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic was still soaring through the nation. I intentionally targeted NHS roles within the tech space that were local to Manchester via the NHS jobs website.
I am currently employed as a Senior Integration Engineer for a cancer hospital called Genesis Care. I am now responsible for a junior team member and the majority of integrations in the UK and Spain. The role of an Integration Engineer in healthcare revolves around understanding how various health systems communicate with each other.
I fast tracked my professional development by applying the skills acquired at Manchester Met into three job roles since graduating. I think the three most important skills I took away from my course at Manchester Met included the basics of programming and computer systems, development in algorithms and data structures, and web and mobile development. Having a good base of skills from Manchester Met has allowed me to excel in my career. For instance, the Algorithms and Data Structures and Advanced Programming modules have allowed me to develop NET Core Web Applications that have made a difference to both patients and frontline healthcare workers.
I often use LinkedIn Learning via my Manchester Met student account. One of the best perks of studying with Manchester Met is the 2-year use of your university email address after graduating and the benefits that go along with that. Understanding new technologies as they emerge and having access to such great resources can help you fast track your career.
MY TOP TIP FOR STUDENTS IS
It can sometimes become easy to get disheartened in today’s world. I empathise with young people who struggle finding work after they graduate. However, I promise that finding a job after your studies is 80% a numbers game, and 20% everything else. You do have to work hard to understand your chosen subject, but it’s so important to not be put off by rejection. If you are genuinely keen and interested in your subject and apply yourself throughout university, you will make a life changing career for yourself.
I would advise everyone to look at placements, especially if you are going straight from college to university. The experience it gives and being in front of your chosen subject for 5 days a week, full time, really springboards you into your final year.
I’M INSPIRED BY
Anyone who has a passion for technology. Throughout my time at Manchester Met, I had the pleasure to meet staff and fellow students who inspired me. Likewise, some of my professional colleagues have pushed technological boundaries and they inspire me to be more creative. However, if I am to pick a figurehead, Alan Turing would always stand out. His personal story is moving and a constant reminder that we are all equal in this world.
WHY I LOVE MANCHESTER MET
The accessibility to staff, forums, and events made my time at Manchester Met more fulfilling. I really enjoyed the weekly games night hosted by Dr Kristopher Welsh who delivered our Advanced Programming module. While this did not directly impact my development skills, the familiarity with the course lecturer gave me the confidence to ask questions in lectures and approach Dr Welsh with any course difficulties or concerns.