Case studies: Application developer: Daniel Dryden

Daniel Dryden graduated from the University of York with a BA in English Language and Linguistic Science in 2006. He is currently working as an application developer: test specialist with IBM.

Lost baggage? Delayed flight? Elusive gate location? There are many ways a holiday can become a nightmare before you’ve even caught sight of the beach. I try to make sure that your visit to the airport is as carefree as possible, helping you to start your holiday early.

IBM's Airport Operations and Information Management System, which is installed in airports in the UK, Ireland and other European locations, helps to ensure gate allocation, check-in systems, baggage handling systems and flight information displays are integrated with the physical management of aircraft on the ground. 

It's my role to help maintain the quality of our releases through the detailed analysis of new functionality, ensuring a high level of quality through stringent testing (including defect correction) and preparing for installation into production. My current role in the travel and transport sector is just one in a series of placements that have helped me to develop skills in application delivery, project management and operations management.

I am following a graduate scheme which allows me to take on different roles over a two-year programme. I have mandatory training courses which aim to equip me with the core skills required to work in a project-based environment. However, there are plenty of opportunities for further learning that target my own development needs.

As an arts student with a degree in linguistics, a technology role wasn't necessarily my first port of call. I had the misconception that IBM would be solely looking for computer science graduates, but many of the company's graduate options are open to 'non-technical' graduates.

An interest in technology, coupled with an aptitude to learn new skills in a potentially unfamiliar field are important points to consider when applying for any graduate programme.

The application process itself is fairly typical, including application screening, aptitude testing and two assessment centre days. It's important to be enthusiastic and positive throughout the process and it's surprising how much of a difference a bit of personality can be among many nervous candidates.