Leeds Digital Careers Fair

The future is bright, let’s keep the flame burning

Leeds Digital Careers Fair – The future of Technology businesses in the hands of the next generation of technology hires

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I was privileged recently to attend the @Leeds Digital Careers Fair at the First Direct Arena, organised by @Leeds City Council, with @Cognizant one of the most strongly represented organisations.

Standing at the central booth, I had the chance to speak to a constant wave of young graduates, school leavers and older people seeking opportunities.

I was blown away not only by the talent on offer, but also by the diversity of opinion, culture and background. I can honestly say no two job-seekers were the same and every one of them offered something unique.

It’s easy to see a careers fair as a one-way street with experienced recruiters guiding career-starters or even steering them towards easier paths. But the engagement in Leeds was much more of an inspiring two-way discussion about ambition and opportunity, and we shouldn’t underestimate that. The hope of young people for the future is what defines them—and we should be fighting for it, not neutralising it.

Highlights of an inspirational day

Here is a small set of highlights from those I met:

·???????? A young lady ready to start her own accounts/admin business to support beauty salons based on her mother’s salon needing business planning guidance

·???????? A very articulate and keen graduate eager to get in the world of work, possibly Human Resources, but not really understanding what type of career path might be possible

·???????? One of many data science and AI graduates with a real passion for their subject—for which I could see immediate ways it could be applied in a business context

·???????? A master’s graduate who I could have swapped sides of the table with, as she passionately articulated how virtual reality can be used to change whole ways that we run businesses, deal with people and visualise problem-solving

·???????? Several older people looking to change career: a disillusioned teacher wanting to go into IT but finding no way in, for example

Overall, I was inspired by what these young people and later-life career-changers can offer, and I strongly encourage my employer and others to find a way to get them into our businesses.

The worst outcome for all of us would be that all of their knowledge and energy are wasted because the world of work can’t offer them anything that will make use of what they know.

New applications of data science and AI need diverse skills and knowledge

With the move to data science and AI in technology, there is a growing need for knowledge not only of how to develop the skills but also of how to use it to unlock business value.? Crucially, much of that knowledge comes from local people who understand their environment and how to work with it.

Cognizant as an employer understands this challenge, which is why we are making significant hiring investments in the Leeds area. From our Leeds Delivery Centre we are seeking to create diverse employment opportunities geared to the local market. It feels refreshing and innovative to appeal to local employers with a workforce that fully reflects the diversity of the city’s population as well as its vibrant and exciting history and culture.

One thing I repeatedly advised the job-seekers I met was to always have a positive opinion. Employers look for people who can think for themselves, so even if they don’t have relevant experience, they can still give some thought to an idea, or speculate on a solution. Clients pay for advice from companies like ours and a shrug of the shoulders doesn’t pay well.

I wish to say a great thank you to all those who came to speak to me. You certainly turned my head and showed me what many of us are missing.

#techjobs #diversity #leeds

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About Cognizant SAP Practice

As an SAP Global Strategic Services Partner for over 15 years, Cognizant helps clients achieve unparalleled performance through deep industry expertise in SAP technologies, including SuccessFactors, Intelligent ERP Modernization (S/4HANA), SAP on Cloud, HCM, Intelligent Spend and HXM, among others. As a testimony to our leadership in both SAP and cloud technologies, we were recognized as a Microsoft Partner of the Year 2020 for SAP on Azure and as Leaders in the 2021 Nelson Hall SAP Cloud Migration Services survey. To know more, visit www.cognizant.com/application- services-and-modernization/sap-solutions.

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About Cognizant SAP HXM & Practice

To learn more about the Cognizant SAP SuccessFactors, contact:

Steve Norris

Head of UK Centre of Excellence – SuccessFactors Email: [email protected]