Kevin Rogers
Current Employer/Organisation Name
IBM United Kingdom Limited.
Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?
I joined IBM in October 2000 as my first job after completing my research degree and am still working for them nearly 26 years later. I have developed my career through project management, business development and sales and commercial and contract management.
How did you become interested in the area you work in?
My PhD in chemistry heavily used IT, so I had an interest in working for either an IT company or chemical company.
How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?
Most of the applications I put in at the time were to join companies graduate recruitment programmes. The processes varied but generally had an initial round based on application forms and then a series of interviews and/or recruitment days.
What does your current role involve?
I am involved in the procurement and delivery of complex IT contracts in the UK public sector for central government departments.
What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?
The most relatable skills from my research degree have been: (i) writing scientific papers, which has helped me write complex contractual documents and (ii) analysing data, which has helped me develop detailed commercial modelling skills.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It’s varied; one day I can be writing a proposal for a new contract for a department that manages British nationals in trouble overseas and then next I can be delivering a new IT system for an executive agency that manages the natural environment.
What are the challenges in your role?
Being competitive yet credible with commercial proposals in a fiercely competitive environment.
What has surprised you about your role?
My ability to understand complex commercial and legal contracts and be able to explain these to others to help understand them.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Writing papers on complex subjects and the ability to understand numerical patterns.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Don’t worry about how much of your degree is going to be relevant to the job – every job is unique and what skills you take through from your studies to work will vary.
What are your plans for the future?
Not sure at the moment!
