Inderpal Lolay
Inderpal Lolay is currently a project manager with Atos working on an IT project with the Metropolitan Police in digital forensics. He’s recently been offered a new position to work with Capita on IT projects for the Home Office. Inderpal is a former vocational student at NewVIc. He studied a business level 3 BTEC. We caught up with Inderpal to find out a little more on his journey since NewVIc.
What made you apply to NewVIc?
I had finished my GCSEs and was looking to get into a sixth form where I feel I could develop and progress my academic life and meet new people. For me, NewVIc presented itself to be a place for personal and academic growth, development and support. I enjoyed the spectrum of different cultures and the support which was available.
NewVIc also offered great facilities to use and enrichment to find out something new. i.e college gym, LRC, music clubs etc. I took part in the British Heart Start first aid course and taekwondo sports, both of which I really enjoyed participating in.
Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?
Whilst at the college I studied a level 3 business BTEC course. After finishing my studies at NewVIc, I secured an apprenticeship scheme in project management for a global tech consultancy firm called Atos. Having completed this scheme over the two years, I went onto work as a junior project manager on two large-scale hospital build projects. I am currently working within the Metropolitan Police on IT projects within digital forensics.
How did you get into the position that you are in?
NewVIc helped me discover the career route I wanted to pursue. NewVIc helped push me out of my comfort zone to reach my full potential.
What are your memories of NewVIc?
I am fond of the extra-curricular experiences I obtained whilst on my business course. I got to travel to Germany for a week as part of the European business project, that was an amazing experience. We worked with German exchange students on a live marketing campaign which the college is still working in partnership with to date.
What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career like you?
Have a good look at the prospectus and the website. I encourage you to attend open days, masterclasses and taster sessions so you get a true feel of the environment. Ask as many questions as you like so you can understand the ins and outs of your course/subjects.
I would also strongly recommend that you get involved in the different societies and clubs to build softer skills and development. This is also a bonus on your CV. Think about your future and the route you can take, whether it is doing an apprenticeship, going to university or taking up full/part-time employment.
How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?
My primary objective in terms of career route was always to get into an apprenticeship scheme. As part of the application process, I was required to formulate an appropriate CV, cover letter and answers to competency questions as part of the screening process. At this stage, my form tutor had supported me in getting these up-to-scratches and improving on them. My course teachers also always had their doors open to me and my peers, helping and encouraging us all by going the extra mile to ensure we’re supported well.
What were your next steps after leaving college?
Securing an apprenticeship with Atos to work on IT projects.
How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?
I stepped foot into NewVIc with a blank slate on business. After leaving NewVIc, I felt very confident in this field and used my experiences and knowledge to express my capability for the apprenticeships.
What are your future plans?
My plan is to finish my current project and to go into more of a business analyst role, perhaps within consultancy. As part of my development, I have some additional certifications and courses in mind that I can do to enhance my profile and technical skill set. I will be leaving my current employer Atos and going into a new role to work within law enforcement technology projects and programmes based at the Home Office and employed under Capita.