Key qualifications: BSc in Computing with a year in industry

What does your job involve? My job is to help protect BT from a range of cyber-attacks. This varies from writing new code that alerts when something suspicious happens to helping resolve a security incident that has already happened. It’s such an exciting role, where no two days are ever the same!

How did you get into your current role? As part of my degree, I was able to complete a year in industry. I applied for BT’s cyber security internship for an 11-month placement and was offered a full-time position once I’d finished my degree.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to be an astronaut for a long time. I loved the idea of exploring space and being one of very few people to see it first-hand.

What do you do outside work? I love to travel! I’ve had some incredible adventures around the world including climbing an active volcano in Indonesia, trekking across a glacier in Iceland and swimming with whale sharks in Mexico.

Key qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering

What does your job involve? My job involves designing and implementing bespoke platforms for customers, using the latest innovations and technologies. Finding new and exciting ways to improve the system to make our customer lives easier. Most importantly making sure they are protected from hackers and vulnerabilities out there.

How did you get into your current role? Started off my career as an Apprentice joining when I was eighteen back in 2012. After obtaining my degree through the Apprenticeship, I progressed on the Graduate scheme which I completed in 2018.

What did you want to be when you were younger? Originally when I was younger I wanted to become a forensic scientist, as I love watching CSI documentaries and found science really interesting.

What do you do outside work? I volunteer for the NHS as a Community First Responder in my local area, saving lives alongside the East of England ambulance service.

Key qualifications: Certified Information Systems Security Specialist, BSc. Hons. Software Engineering

What does your job involve? Leading experimental research to deliver cutting-edge security technologies for BT's services and customers, as well as exploring new connectivity technologies.

How did you get into your current role? Starting as an Apprentice in 2012 with BT Security, I've hopped up through a number of positions to proudly hold my current role of Research Manager. In that time I've covered everything from sitting in a customer datacentre at 4am doing kit installs, right the way to presenting to foreign dignitaries in BT Tower. I moved into Research from BT Security three years ago to see if I found the area as interesting as I suspected - I do! It's an excellent place to work and offers huge flexibility in what I am able to perform in my day-to-day work.  

What did you want to be when you were younger? A pilot, and I still do. I'm currently saving up to begin my training for a Private Pilot's License.

What do you do outside work? Ride Motorcycles, Travel, DIY.

Key qualifications: Masters in Mathematics

What does your job involve? My job involves staying apprised of the latest developments in the field of security response, engaging with analysts in BT Security and contributing new ideas, publications and prototypes in this space.

How did you get into your current role? I joined BT as graduate in September 2018 straight into my current role.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I’m not sure I ever wanted to be something specific, but I’ve always wanted to build tools that are useful and solve hard problems.

What do you do outside work? I enjoy most sports and spend most of my time out of work either cycling, playing football or watching sport. I also really enjoy skiing and exploring new places when I can.

Key qualifications: Bachelor's in Informatics Engineering and Master's in Software Engineering from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). 

What does your job involve? I build Virtual Reality (VR) systems and apply them to cybersecurity. I've always been driven by Extended Reality technologies and believe it will become the tool of the future. I focus on inventing new ways of augmenting the power of data scientists for better knowledge and be able to prevent/protect our network. 

How did you get into your current role? I joined BT as a Researcher to be able to apply my VR knowledge and create a new exciting project into the cybersecurity area. I've enjoyed so much of this challenge that I've now been working for BT for almost four years. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? I always had a fascination with the Seventh Art and wanted to be a Movie Director. However, I saw the potential that Computers can also be a medium to share impactful stories and I believe VR can achieve that new dream. 

What do you do outside work? I like boulder climbing, explore the countryside and meet new people. At home, I like to play video games and work on my personal projects (even have my own YouTube channel and Podcast). 

Key qualifications: I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science with Management from King’s College London and a PhD in Information Engineering from City, University of London.

What does your job involve? My job is to conduct research into new authentication and identity mechanisms. This involves developing ideas and producing demonstrations, patents and papers to show the value of the research. The best part of this process is seeing people genuinely amazed at the ideas and technologies we develop.

How did you get into your current role? I originally started with BT as a graduate in 2014. I then left full-time employment for a BT-sponsored PhD in 2016 and returned as a full-time employee in 2019.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I once wanted to be a historian! This changed quickly when I got my hands on a computer though.

What do you do outside work? I like reading, playing games (currently enjoying VR), and visiting interesting places.

Key qualifications: BSc AI & Computer Science

What does your job involve? Building Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that can learn and help people understand patterns in data so that they can do their jobs better. Applied to cybersecurity, this is all about inventing new ways to outsmart hackers - to defend computer networks from attacks.

How did you get into your current role? I joined BT as a graduate in 2005 and worked my way up the career ladder in the Research organisation.

What did you want to be when you were younger? An architect - I loved drawing buildings (and still do) - and part of my role now is software architecture!

What do you do outside work? I love playing the piano and going on countryside walks with my wife and daughter.

Key qualifications: BSc Mathematics, MSc Computer Science

What does your job involve? I get to work on a variety of projects where I spend time researching and learning about machine learning algorithms, figuring out which might be optimal in solving our clients’ problems. The problem areas are vast and this keeps me feeling motivated.

How did you get into your current role? I get to work on a variety of projects where I spend time researching and learning about machine learning algorithms, figuring out which might be optimal in solving our clients’ problems. The problem areas are vast and this keeps me feeling motivated.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I’ve always enjoyed maths but I never really had a plan! I considered going into academia but decided some real world experience of working within industry would be a bit more exciting.

What do you do outside work? I find running pretty relaxing (weird I know), so like to get out for a 5k a few times a week. Also, after feeling bored in lockdown I decided to buy an oculus virtual reality headset – now it doesn’t feel like I’m stuck in my living room!

Key qualifications: A Levels in Computer Science, Product Design and History. Currently working towards BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering).

What does your job involve? As a software engineer apprentice, I design, develop, test and/or maintain secure software solutions. Fundamentally, this involves problem solving and continually learning and experimenting with additional skills and technologies. This is critical particularly in maintenance as there is always ways to improve existing methods.

How did you get into your current role? During High School, I did a one-week work experience placement at Adastral Park. This exposed me to apprenticeship scheme and the positives which came with it. During my A-Levels, I applied for the scheme, which I successfully joined in 2019.

What did you want to be when you were younger? My earliest aspiration I can recall was to be an automotive designer, but as I joined high school and became increasingly exposed to technology, I was always keen to customise and create my own programs to use on these systems. An extra-curricular course in Year 7 really accelerated my desire to be involved in computer programming.

What do you do outside work? Outside of work, a lot of my time is taken up with Scouting. I am now a Cub Leader and enjoy sharing the skills and experiences I was given during my 12 years in the movement. I also manage the digital side of our group with the website and social media platforms. I enjoy travelling and being outdoors, as much as being indoors tinkering with technology (of course!).

Key qualifications: BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing and Security

What does your job involve? I help businesses ensure they have the best possible security measures to protect against their threats. This includes identifying threats, understanding the mitigations, and designing the best-fit solution. The best part of my job is working with large brands and making a difference to the security of their company.

How did you get into your current role? I studied Forensic Science at college, where I studied a unit on forensic computing. This led me to study Forensic Computing at university, that subsequentially introduced me to cyber security. I spent a year at BT on their industrial placement scheme during my degree. I received invaluable experience alongside experts in the field and the opportunity to return after I graduated.

What did you want to be when you were younger? wanted to be an engineer in the RAF.

What do you do outside work? Outside of work I enjoy playing games, doing puzzles, and collecting Lord of the Rings memes.

Key qualifications: BSc(Hons) Computer Science

What does your job involve? As a graduate within BT Security Service Operations, my role predominately focuses on an operational approach with some development. I’m involved in the design, development and integration of applications as well as support and maintenance. A lot of my work involves scripting and automating processes for cloud, on-premises and customer infrastructure.

How did you get into your current role? I was part of the CyberFirst bursary scheme which inspired me to apply for a role in within the cybersecurity field. BT were involved in the CyberFirst scheme which gave me the opportunity to apply to the graduate scheme!

What did you want to be when you were younger? When I was younger, I wanted to be a forensic pathologist. At 16, I shadowed a forensic pathologist, got some work experience, applied to university for Medicine and found it wasn’t for me. I wanted something a bit more creative which is why I changed my degree.

What do you do outside work? Pre-Covid I used to compete in regional powerlifting competitions! Now I run an education company out of work where we teach school-aged children about coding, cybersecurity and robotics as well as core subjects like maths, English and science.

Key qualifications: A-Levels in: Computer Science, Maths, Biology and Chemistry

What does your job involve? Contributing work in various areas of Applied Research, having the opportunity to change teams regularly, with a main focus centred around software engineering.

How did you get into your current role? Off the back of numerous work experience placements throughout the company.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I did think about a career in Medical Microbiology but decided an apprenticeship in Applied Research was the way to go for me.

What do you do outside work? I enjoy travelling! A fun fact is that me and two friends were the first tourists to stay with the indigenous people of Ozogoche (Ecuador).