News & Insights.

Building IT skills beyond the classroom.

Sep 24, 2025

This spring, we welcomed Jo to SystemLabs as an intern while she studied for her Foundation Science Degree in Digital Technologies at UCJ.

Jo has quickly become a valued member of the team, bringing curiosity, a love for technology and a willingness to get stuck into any challenge.

Over the summer, rather than taking a break, Jo returned as additional support for our Managed Services Team, keen to keep learning, expand her technical skills and gain more real-world experience. With the remainder of her internship lined up for the autumn, we caught up with Jo to hear more about her time with us so far, the projects she’s enjoyed most and where she sees her future in tech.

What are you studying?

I'm currently studying a Foundation Science Degree in Digital Technologies at UCJ.

What inspired you to pursue studies in IT?

I’ve always been surrounded by technology, growing up during a time when tech was evolving meant I was constantly on some sort of technology, especially now I spend most of my time at a computer. After exploring a few other subjects, I came back to IT because it just made sense, and I enjoy it. I’ve also always been inspired by tech-based characters in games and shows, which helped keep that interest alive.

What projects really stood out to you during your time at SystemLabs?

One standout project has been working on signature management, it’s been a great mix of technical tasks with some design elements, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve also been involved in a few onboarding related projects, especially those done on-site, which gave me valuable hands-on experience which I’ve enjoyed.

What team was your favourite to work in and why?

The MSP Team has been my favourite so far. I’ve spent most of my time with them, and it’s where I’ve seen the most overlap between my studies and real-world applications. The team has also been really welcoming and supportive, which has made the experience even better.

What new skills did you pick up during your time at SystemLabs?

I’ve learned how to use a variety of new systems and software, and more importantly, how they all connect and work together in a business environment. It’s given me a better understanding of IT infrastructure.

What are your future career aspirations in the tech industry?

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my experience across different areas of IT before committing to one specific path. I’ve really enjoyed my time with the MSP team, so tech support is something I’m considering long-term. That said, I’m also interested in exploring other areas like cybersecurity and programming, to see where my skills and interests align best.

This summer has given Jo valuable hands-on experience, from technical projects to understanding how IT systems work together in a business setting. We look forward to Jo continuing to work with us as part of her internship and seeing how her skills continue to develop.