Hear from our learners: Meet Jamel

NU London | November 5, 2024

We caught up with Jamel Rust, a recent participant of our Skills Bootcamp course, who has just started his new role as a Junior Non-Tech Consultant at The Process Play. We discussed what made him apply for our Skills Bootcamp programme at NU London, the skills he gained from the course and his goals for the future. 

Can you share with us a little about your educational & employment background and what you were doing prior to enrolling in the Skills Bootcamp? 

Due to family and carer responsibilities, I wasn’t able to complete my university studies where I initially enrolled in Creative Writing. My journey through education has been unconventional but filled with learning. I earned a Certificate of Higher Education from Birkbeck, which, while it gave me a foundation in critical thinking, left me yearning for more hands-on, impactful work.

My career spans multiple service-related roles, primarily within Education and HR. I’ve worked as an Early Careers Manager, Talent Development Specialist, and Programme Manager for a not-for-profit social mobility education charity. These roles were deeply connected to supporting others, but I often found myself gravitating towards the tech side of operations—helping colleagues and students become more efficient through the use of digital platforms like CRMs or HR systems. 

What made you apply for our Skills Bootcamp?

What attracted me most was the chance to transfer my existing skills from HR, education,  and business development into a tech context. I wanted to be part of a sector with endless  potential, where I could work in a client-facing role, grow continuously, and contribute to real-world digital transformation. This bootcamp felt like the perfect stepping stone. 

What skills did you learn or develop from the Skills  Bootcamp? 

I developed a wide range of both technical and soft skills that have been instrumental in my current role. What was particularly transformative was how these new technical skills were paired with real-world projects. Beyond technical skills, I grew significantly in areas like leadership, teamwork, and  communication. By the end, I had a newfound confidence in my ability to learn, adapt, and thrive in  dynamic environments. These skills have not only enhanced my professional life but have also given me the tools to tackle challenges with resilience and focus.

Tell us about the role you secured through the Skills Bootcamp, how do you utilize skills you learned? 

I’m now working as a Junior Non-Tech Consultant at The Process Play, a ServiceNow partner that specializes in helping organizations digitally transform their business processes. My role is a hybrid of business analysis, project coordination, and change management. I guide clients through the post-implementation stages of ServiceNow projects, helping them adapt to new processes and workflows. Without the bootcamp, I wouldn’t have had the skills or the network to break into the tech industry. My employer has been supportive in providing me with a detailed development plan, and I can confidently say that the bootcamp set me up for success in this role. 

Would you recommend the Skills Bootcamp to others? If so, how do you think they  could benefit from taking the course? 

I can wholeheartedly recommend the Skills Bootcamp to anyone looking to break into tech. It was truly a life-changing experience for me. Before the bootcamp, I was unsure whether I could successfully transition into tech, but now I see it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The bootcamp offers so much more than just technical skills. It’s a transformative experience where you work alongside a diverse group of people from different industries, all united by the same goal. The hands-on learning, practical application, and exposure to industry professionals were invaluable. Plus, the bootcamp’s structure—without the burden of tuition fees—makes it accessible to those who may not otherwise have had the  opportunity to study in this field. 

If you’re someone who’s willing to work hard, push yourself, and take full advantage of the resources and network available, this bootcamp will open doors for you. 

To find out more about our Skills Bootcamp and to apply for our upcoming cohort, visit the website page here.