Name: Conor Lobb
Role: Business Development & Research Assistant Internship
Bio: I gained an internship at Core Systems NI towards the end of my second year studying for a BA Hons in Business Management at The Open University. I am based in the North West of England and remote work has given me the opportunity to gain professional experience at Core Systems NI alongside studying.
What does your typical day look like?
I work remotely and start work at 9 am. I begin the day by catching up on emails for any tasks, then I would read current news and blogs in the justice and drug sector to keep up to date on any changes that may affect our current research project.
Depending on the day of the week I will generally attend at least one meeting, whether a company meeting, business development stand-up, or a 1-2-1 with the head of the department. I will also deliver an update once a week alongside a brainstorming session for project development and make a plan for the next week's work. It helps to know that there is constant support from the team at Core Systems NI.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on several business development research projects in the corrections sector. As an intern, I have also been given some insight into different departments where I have gained transferable skills. I have weekly stand-up meetings with the marketing and end-user content team. I also help the development team in translating a product into different languages.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
Being an Open University student, I saw an opportunity advertised on the Open University opportunities hub for Core Systems NI. I explored the company’s website and researched their online news articles. It sparked a genuine interest in the company’s ethos of empowering people in prison. Core Systems NI offers innovative tech solutions to empower people in custody and on probation. The company has a significant passion to stop the cycle of recidivism and it is inspiring to work for a company that wants to change the world for the better. It made my decision to work at Core Systems NI an easy one.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
Before applying for this role, I had an open mind about which industry I wanted to pursue after graduating with my business degree. This opportunity at Core Systems NI has given me valuable experience within tech and it has inspired me to work within the industry when I graduate and move forward in my career. I can see from working at Core Systems NI how people can thrive in this exciting and inspiring industry.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
My favourite part about work is the people. Core Systems NI has a diverse collective of people who are interesting, intelligent, and innovative. At every step of the way, I have been supported and guided in the development of my skills. The experience I have gained at Core Systems NI has also been a favourite aspect of my work as it has been innovative and motivational.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
I would recommend a career in tech to anyone who is studying or recently graduated. There is a great culture and you meet interesting people who have innovative ideas. It is also an industry at the forefront of new developments and being at its centre is inspiring. Especially as the world is at the cusp of new cutting-edge technologies.
How do you see this technology impacting our lives?
Core Systems NI provides forward-thinking solutions that support people in prison and people re-entering society. Our technology can impact all our lives by enacting real change to recidivism. Making these changes can also significantly impact society as a whole.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I recently created a talk on the Metaverses and how they can be implemented into the industry. It is digital interaction where you can enter a simulated real-world or a created imaginary world. I talked about the applications and how they could be implemented in the justice sector. The applications could be used to create a metaverse per prison or per intervention programme, which could allow people in prison or people on probation to interact and take part in more activities.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I use my phone and laptop daily for work, studying, and everything else. Without them, I would be lost. However, my GPS watch that I use for running and tracking workouts, is the one gadget that I could not live without.
