Having an impact doing work that matters. That’s what having a career at MASS is about and there’s no better example than Jude Hollywood, IT Service Engineer at MASS. Recently awarded a Gold at the Cohort Excellence Award in the early careers category, Jude sat down with us to reflect on his journey at MASS and share his thoughts on receiving this recognition:
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’d describe myself as someone who enjoys a good challenge – whether it’s taking on the Three Peaks or completing last year’s Everest bootcamp. I also love travelling and going on adventures with my family and friends.
Have you always been into IT?
No, I actually wasn’t always interested in IT. In high school, my focus was on philosophy, business and economics, and for a while I even aspired to work at Merril Lynch. The shift towards IT probably began during a few computing lessons in sixth form at Longsands Academy, where we had sessions with now MASS colleagues Jack Stark, Elliot Carter, Luke Jeffery and Longsands alumnus Archie Roberts and, as they say, the rest is history.
MASS has played a pivotal role in shaping my IT career. They’ve given me a great platform to grow, encouraging me to take courses in IT service management, cyber and compTI A+. Looking back, I’m glad I made the switch.
You recently won Gold at the Cohort Excellence Award, what does it mean to you?
The award means a lot to me because it acknowledges the impact I’ve been able to make beyond my core role; contributing to our culture, getting involved in initiatives that bring people together, and helping create a positive workplace. These are things I genuinely enjoy, so seeing them recognised makes me really proud.
What would you say the award recognises about your journey at MASS?
I think it reflects not only the impact of the work I’ve contributed during my time here, but also the incredible support and encouragement I’ve received from both my colleagues and the customer. I’ve always felt championed, and having people who invest their time in lifting you up makes a huge difference and I’m grateful for it.
What are the highlights of your time at MASS so far?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at MASS so far. From being involved in high profile customer bids to being seconded as an IT infrastructure engineer working on a key project and being mentored by Elliot (our Head of Digital Service Capabilities), it’s been a very rewarding experience. I’ve grown a lot since joining and still growing every day and it’s a privilege to know that what I’m doing is having a real impact on national security.
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