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Features : Technology in Business Fast Stream

Photo of the author of this article, Rachel Shepard.

Written by Rachel Shepherd, Editor, Graduate Prospects, November 2012

 

If you want to be involved in some of the most high profile and innovative programmes in government then this stream of the Civil Service is for you…

While it may not attract the same volume of applicants as the policy or economic focused fast streams, the Technology in Business (TiB) stream has a number of benefits including:

  • a starting salary of between £25,000-£32,000;
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays;
  • the option to work across the UK;
  • flexible working to allow for training and studying;
  • core skills workshops and specialist business events.

TiB fast streamers have been part of the launch of GOV.UK and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games 2012.

Photo: Man working on a laptop

'Improved digital services are at the heart of the government’s reform programme and opportunities to take responsibility for high-profile projects can come very quickly.

'Graduates are trained as IT professionals which prepares them for a range of senior cross government IT, technological and digital roles. The long-term goal is for TiB graduates to become senior civil servants and chief information officers,' says Terri Scholefield, manager of the TiB Fast Stream.

What skills do I need?

Although an interest in technology is an advantage, the TiB stream accepts graduates with a 2:1 degree or higher in any discipline.

Applicants need to demonstrate:

  • good leadership potential;
  • a can do attitude;
  • an ability to think innovatively;
  • the ability to build trust and develop relationships.

'We look for people who are persuasive, confident and articulate. Whether it's a high-level meeting, a high-profile presentation or a conversation with a disgruntled customer, you must be able to express yourself and defend your position clearly and succinctly,' says Terri

An aptitude to understand and use technology, an appreciation of how technology can change government's ways of working and how it interacts with people and businesses are also valued skills.

To find out more visit Civil Service Fast Stream - Technology in Business Fast Stream.

Case study

Kalbir Sohi joined HMRC on the TiB Fast Stream in September 2011 as an IT project manager

With a background in maths and philosophy, I really wanted to take on a role that involved problem solving. TiB gave me the opportunity to work on some really big challenges that put problem solving into a practical context.

Typically my day involves identifying issues on a project and working with a wide team to come up with solutions and then put them in place.

A key aspect of the Fast Stream is being proactive and willing to get out of your comfort zone. I was given the opportunity to participate in writing the HMRC digital strategy and I jumped at it. This gave me the chance to step back and look at what people want from the government and how we can best deliver that.  

The work is very interesting and often on the cutting edge of technology. I also get to see how IT can improve the service that the  government offers to citizens. You have the chance to make big changes to the way that government works through your work. The TiB network is very strong and there are lots of people to talk to when you get stuck or when you need a break from work.

However, you sometimes find yourself working quite long hours. The technology that you get to work with can be in need of an update but that makes for a more interesting challenge when we have to work out how to change it.

 

Further information

 
 
 
 

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