Pursuing a career in IT can be daunting for
college students, which is why team members in Manila from TELUS International
Digital Solutions, a division of TELUS International, shared their stories and
valuable insights into how to seize opportunities, explore different fields,
and expand skill sets - all of which are crucial for success in the
ever-evolving tech landscape.
“Be adaptive, stay curious”
Klyde Monoy first joined TELUS International as an Intermediate Application
Support Analyst and never imagined herself working in the IT industry. She's
now a Salesforce Administrator for the Delivery team at TELUS International
Digital Solutions.
"Today I support multiple squads with their
projects by taking care of any access or technical issues they encounter to
ensure they are able to focus on their development and sprint goals,"
Monoy explained.
Monoy attributes much of her success to TELUS
International Digital Solutions’ culture of ongoing education. “Management
supported my career growth, funding the different training sessions and
certification courses that I really wanted to take, and even adjusting my
schedule so I could attend my classes," she recalled. "They believed
in me when I was just starting out."
For those considering a career in IT, Monoy
advised, "Be adaptive and always stay curious. The IT world is constantly
evolving, so it's very important that you roll with these changes by soaking in
and applying new knowledge."
Monoy is also excited that she has already had
the opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring others. "Seeing my mentee
learn and grow makes my heart happy and proud," she said. “I’ve always
shared that the future is in IT and that there are endless possibilities at our
company in terms of career growth. The IT industry is so broad, so don't be
afraid that you won't find your niche. You just have to find the right fit for
you."
Monoy presents her own career journey as proof
that with determination and support, students and young professionals just
starting out can thrive in the IT industry.
“Take risks, speak out”
TELUS International Digital Solutions breaks the stereotype that tech careers
are only for those who study computer science and related courses. Consider
Louise Donery Usman, a process improvement specialist and tester at TELUS
International Digital Solutions, who initially enrolled in a broadcasting
course in college. Usman later shifted to IT at Asia Pacific College and became
a working student at TELUS International Digital Solutions. As she progressed
in her career, she acknowledged how important the guidance of supervisors was
to her along the way.
"They have a knack for knowing when and
what you need help with," she shared. And now, it’s her turn – “Helping
the team grow will always be at the core of my role, but it's heartwarming just
the same to hear that I have inspired someone else just by doing my job.”
In her role, Usman continuously looks for
enhancements and processes that can help both the business and the team. She
analyzes opportunities and comes up with the best approach to implement them in
a way that's fair and good for everyone. On the testing side, Usman and her
team explore systems assigned for evaluation, and test its functionalities,
features, and bugs, which they then report to the developers for fixing.
When asked what the ‘coolest’ thing is about
her job, Usman replied, “Seeing that what you do matters. You can see how a
process, if implemented properly, can make the team's everyday tasks easier. On
the testing side, it's always fun to uncover bugs that aren't supposed to be
there. Plus, having the ability to work remotely is a big bonus!”
Usman similarly credits the company's
investment in team members' growth and development. “TELUS International
Digital Solutions provides us with a variety of different opportunities to help
with our career growth, such as apprenticeships, job shadowing, online courses,
free access to Udemy (online professional development courses), and even
reimbursed IT certifications. Our hybrid working setup allows team members to
make wise use of their time, creating work-life balance, while still feeling
connected to the team. We are also offered a wide range of positions that team
members can explore if they’re looking to try something new,” she said.
Usman added, “There's a reason why passion for growth is one of the
company’s values. You need to have the internal drive and motivation to get
things done. IT is one of the fastest-moving industries today, so you need to
be resourceful. You won't always have the answer, but knowing where to look for
it will go a long way."
For new graduates who are overwhelmed with the
various fields they can explore in tech, Usman advised them to choose their
first employer wisely. She said, “Even if you come into an organization as a
young IT professional without knowing what you want to do, a company like TELUS
International has a lot of initiatives that will help you find your way. The
best thing is that you can be learning while working, so you keep advancing
your career," she said.
About today’s younger generation, Usman notes,
"They are more change-ready, more inclined to take risks, and more
outspoken. Using these skills favorably tips the scales in terms
of collaboration, innovation, and growth."
Fittingly, TELUS International’s workplace culture is one of continuous
learning. Nalakumar "Nala" RS, Vice President of TELUS International
Digital Solutions, shared that the company invests in its employees by
providing them with access to more than 3,000 tech courses and training
programs to help them chart
personalized career paths to realize their professional goals. He said,
"We foster career growth by providing job-shadowing opportunities that
allow individuals to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable
insights into different roles. Additionally, we recognize the importance of
ongoing learning and development, which is why we offer some free time for
individuals to prepare for new roles or upskill themselves in their current
position. This is beyond a business strategy; it’s how we bring our
values and culture to life meaningfully."
For new graduates who are looking for an
organization that fosters growth and offers various opportunities, Monoy and
Usman’s workplace may just be the place to start. To see current career opportunities at TELUS International
Digital Solutions, visit telusinternational.com/careers,
or check out their LinkedIn and Facebook pages, and on job portals
like Jobstreet, Indeed, and Monster.