How Paul is unleashing his potential in IT

To coincide with Youth Employment Week (3 to 7 July), Paul Fabusuyi, IT analyst intern at Sodexo, discusses the factors that shaped his career choice, the challenges he has encountered, and the valuable lessons he has learned. 

From a young age, I've always been drawn to IT. There's something about understanding the inner workings and construction of things that has fascinated me since childhood. 

As I progressed in my career, I developed a particular interest in cyber security and found myself engrossed in all aspects of data as it affects us all. For example, how often do you talk about an item on your phone and then see an advert for it that evening?  

Understanding how to secure ourselves and our businesses online, as well as knowing our data access rights, is crucial. That makes my job so fascinating—I get to learn about these topics every day and stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. 

Overcoming early career challenges 

Of course, the early stages of my career didn't come without a few challenges. The IT sector is vast and highly competitive, with university graduates and self-taught professionals vying for opportunities. 

To stand out from the crowd, I knew I had to step up my game and become proficient in my field.

"Believing in myself was crucial, but I also recognised the need to continually improve my knowledge and skills. "

Programming, for instance, requires hours of practice and study, so I took it upon myself to educate myself and stay up to date because, in this fast-paced industry, what you know today may become obsolete tomorrow. Every day is a learning day in IT. 

A key milestone 

A significant milestone in my journey arrived during my first work experience. It was a turning point where I developed a mindset of "I can do this" and realised the value I could bring to my employer. Despite having no prior experience, I successfully dismantled and rebuilt a computer. This accomplishment instilled in me the confidence to embrace new opportunities and learn from every experience, regardless of the outcome. It taught me that growth comes from taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. 

The influence of mentors and role models 

Throughout my career journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and role models who have made significant contributions to my career development. My eldest brother has a great career and has always encouraged me to do the same.  

Additionally, my first boss played a crucial role as a mentor, supporting and guiding me to pursue an MSc degree. His unwavering support and willingness to invest time in my growth were invaluable. He kept me as an employee after my first internship, and I learned so much from him. I felt like I was a special project to him, as he consistently stayed late to demonstrate new tasks and explain concepts, helping me cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary to help me get to where I am today. 

Embracing continuous learning 

In the early stages of my career, I quickly realised that learning and skill development were paramount. To stay ahead, I leveraged the vast resources available on the internet, utilising online platforms for continuous learning at every step of my journey. 

However, I also recognised the immense value of engaging with colleagues and subject matter experts within my workplace. This allowed me to stay at the forefront of industry advancements, harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of those around me. 

Seizing transformative opportunities 

I am currently part of Sodexo’s 10,000 Black Intern Programme which has been one of the best things I have done since moving to the UK. It has been a huge leap forward in my career as I’ve been able to understand what it is like to work for a large corporate organisation with many different teams and projects. I’ve had amazing opportunities to work with exceptionally skilled people I can learn from. 

Sometimes businesses can keep you based in one department and away from the wider teams, but here I’ve worked with many different people. 

Since updating my LinkedIn with my Sodexo internship, I’ve had so many people contacting me about how I’ve found it and what my next steps are – so I’m pleased it is part of my CV so early on in my career. 

Turning early career experiences into long-term career goals 

Early on in my career, my experiences played a significant role in shaping my long-term career goals and trajectory. While I always had a desire to work in the field of IT, it wasn't until I entered the industry that I realised the vast array of opportunities it offers. Through my internship, I was able to explore different areas and discover my true passion for security systems. This realisation has set a clear pathway for my future. I understand that there are numerous paths to reach my goal, and I am currently focused on building a solid foundation of knowledge by working with various teams and gaining valuable experience along the way. 

Career advice 

Reflecting on my journey, the advice I would give to someone starting their career is to do more exploring. I was too careful when taking risks or even trying new things. Give yourself a chance to make mistakes you’ll learn from them.

"Don’t be put off the course because you’re scared of failing; think of what you could achieve if you pass. "

I would also urge people starting their careers never to dream small. Sometimes we tell ourselves we can’t do things, but that shouldn’t stop us from aiming high. Don’t be your own limitation. 
 

FInd out more about a career at Sodexo