Sync NI sits down with Rapid7 employees during an internal roundtable event to hear first-hand individual accounts of how each individual entered the tech world, their non-linear career pathways, the people and culture at the global cybersecurity company and why the apprenticeship programme is second-to-none.
Sync NI met with representatives from Rapid7 recently during an internal roundtable event which saw employees highlight their own unique routes into tech.
The global cybersecurity company, which provides solutions for vulnerability management, threat detection and response, plus security analytics, employs approximately 2,400 people globally and is currently recruiting for talented professionals to join its organisation in Belfast.
The discussion comes as more and more tech sector employees are shining a light on their own ‘non-linear’ career pathways in a bid to encourage increased diversity into the tech sector, with females representing just 23 per cent of the sector in Northern Ireland.
Furthermore, more attention is being drawn to the vast array of roles within the IT sector – which is often highlighted as a promising career due to its futureproofing, reliability, flexible working and hybrid opportunities.
Joining the discussion was Ruby Dowds, Software Engineer II, who possesses a degree in Law, as well as a post graduate cert in Corporate Law, Computing and Innovation which she achieved whilst working as a Legal Assistant for a legal firm. Having joined Rapid7 as a Software Engineer initially back in February 2023, Ruby was promoted in February.
Ruby’s first furore into the tech world came when she saw an advertisement during her time at Queen’s University for a Code First Girls Programme. The eight-week course sparked an interest in Ruby, who later went on to write her law dissertation on regulating the use of AI. With her interest sparked, Ruby thought studying Corporate Law and Computing would be a good way to learn more about tech law, however she soon realised once she joined that her true passion lay specifically within technology.
“As soon as I started my Master’s degree I realised my true passion lay in tech, so I pursued Software Engineering and became determined to work in the sector,” Ruby tells Sync NI.
Daniel McGreevy, Senior Technical Support Engineer joined the global cybersecurity firm in November 2021 as a Technical Support Engineer apprentice. Daniel initially studied digital marketing at Belfast Metropolitan College and SERC before making the change and is currently studying a Foundation degree in Cyber and Networking and a degree in Computing and IT practice through the Open University.
Going straight from school to learning at the Belfast Met allowed Daniel to ascertain that whilst he enjoyed digital marketing, he found he “wasn’t creative.”
He says: “I quickly realised that whilst I was not creative, I very much enjoyed the technical side of marketing and digital marketing, and it made me want to do more.”
When Daniel found that Belfast Met did a higher level apprenticeship, he was able to apply to Rapid7’s renowned apprenticeship. “Things have only looked up since I made the change and joined the Rapid7 team,” Daniel confirms.
Joe McDermott, Software Engineer II studied a degree in Economics and Finance, before obtaining a PGCE in maths and a Masters in Software Development, which he obtained whilst working as a teacher. Joe began working as a Software Engineer at Rapid7 in October 2020 for two years initially, before moving back to Rapid7 as a Software Engineer in March 2024.
Whilst Joe’s academic and career history boasts a wide range of subjects, he explains that they are all subjects which call for logical thinking, which is something he enjoys.
“When I was finishing school, I did not feel ready to make such an impactful decision of what I wanted to do with my life. I was only 18-years-old!” Joe explains.
Joe discovered that whilst his brother enjoys a career in the finance sector, he personally did not enjoy it. After building upon his natural flair for teaching when he was helping to tutor family and friends, Joe made the decision to pursue the tech sector after finding teaching was taking an emotional toll. “Whilst working with people was extremely rewarding, it could be draining,” he reveals.
Recalling using a data analysis tool during his economics degree, Joe remembered analysing big sets of data. At one stage, Joe received data from a betting company which allowed him to discover if referees were more biased towards home teams based on decisions made during gametime. This sparked an interest, leading Joe to later apply for the Software Development Master’s degree conversion course. Encouraged by the number of announcements of new jobs and IT businesses opening in Northern Ireland, Joe felt inspired to take the leap – and hasn’t looked back since.
Joe is, however, glad of his non-linear career path up to this point, in particular citing his teaching experience as a key example of soft skills which lend themselves well to his new career.
Hayden Nightingale is a Software EngineerII at Rapid7. Upon leaving RBAI in 2011 after studying for his GCSEs, Hayden worked in construction at first – however job stability in the industry was falling and Hayden made the move into retail. After working his way up in retail to management level, Hayden reveals he missed the “hands on” aspect of working in joinery and construction. He therefore felt inspired after a friend told him about the Access Diploma through Belfast Metropolitan College in Maths and Computing, who kept him updated throughout his year-long intensive course.
After hearing how beneficial his transferable skills would be for the practical components of the course, Hayden decided to follow in his friend’s footsteps just one year later, taking on the full-time intensive course before obtaining an BSC in Computer Science.
Having completed an internship during his education at Rapid7, upon achieving a First Class Honours degree Hayden joined up as a Software Engineer I in July 2023 and just over one year later, was promoted to Software Engineer II in August last year.
Going from leaving school at 16, to holding a First Class Honours degree in his hands felt “surreal” a proud Hayden reveals. “It was the result of a lot of late nights!”
One of the overriding themes emerging from the discussion is the supportive learning environment, mentorship, and career progression opportunities at Rapid7, with the members emphasising the importance of self-learning and the fulfilment of solving complex problems and working with customers.
Despite not having a traditional computing degree, Ruby was delighted when despite initially applying as an intern she was employed as a software engineer, and speaks highly of the onboarding process she received from the supportive team around her.
She explains: “My team were probably aware that there was knowledge that I did not obtain from an undergraduate degree or conversion course. However, I had prepared extensively through free online resources, of which there are a wide variety to avail of.
“Despite this preparation, whenever I first joined, I still felt scared, but I definitely felt supported by the company and by the team, and I didn't feel like they were treating me any differently to somebody who had come from a degree or an internship.
“As long as you are willing to learn and ask all the questions and take in the information and commit to self-learning, I believe you will thrive in a career in tech.”
Daniel McGreey agrees, revealing he feels he also joined with less technical knowledge but received foundational training and support from his team.
“The team at Rapid7 are adaptable to each individual person and their skill level. Support was great because the first few months there is a lot of foundational training, they don't just assume you know everything from the start. They really help to build you up within the first few months,” he reveals.
Continuous learning and support from colleagues and senior team members adds to the welcoming culture of Rapid7. Joe explains that their team monthly meetings often help employees avail of Rapid7 resources, learn the newest advancements and maintain best practices.
“I have never once asked somebody for help and they've said,‘ no.’ It's always, ‘More than happy to help!” he exclaims.
Hayden agrees, adding: “The support I received from my mentors and the importance of soft skills in my role have proven to be invaluable.”
Ruby encourages interns to take advantage of the learning opportunities at Rapid7 and to be proactive in seeking help and support.
Daniel agrees, highlighting the value of working with customers and gaining exposure to different roles in cybersecurity all of which the popular apprenticeship programmes offer. “Working so closely with my colleagues is one of the things I enjoy the most,” he adds.
Daniel and Joe agree, adding that it is both the positive people and culture at Rapid7, as well as the supportive work environment, which add up to make for a truly invaluable apprenticeship or employee feelings.
Ruby concludes: “The opportunity to learn at Rapid7 is vast. Whenever you enter as an intern, and leave in one year, you'll be so surprised at what you are able to do.
“If you come to Rapid7 as an intern, you won't leave the same person. You will leave revitalised and with invaluable working knowledge and you will do really well in your final year.”
To find out more about apprenticeship programmes at Rapid7 and how you should apply, visit: Emerging Talent.
For additional information on Rapid7, including Thought Leadership articles, features, Q&A sessions, Tech Trailblazers, and more, on the Sync NI website. Visit: syncni.com/Rapid7 to find out more including available job opportunities.
