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CORE SPECIALISMS
CORPORATE DELIVERY
The Montash Corporate Delivery division is dedicated to finding recruitment solutions for a wider range of large-scale IT projects.
Each project demands its own specific set of skills and experience. Montash consultants' thorough understanding of technical requirements and business models allow us to provide creative resource solutions for both candidates and employers.
Covering permanent and contract positions, Montash supports entire project lifecycles including change and transformation programmes.
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Oliver does a great job at finding the right opportunities that end up as agreeable win-win situations. Assessing the desires of both employer and employee, and giving guidance by asking the right questions and being honest and open are his most remarkable traits. Oliver will find the right job for you and he will be there to accompany and assist you on the journey to claim it.
Montash has provided me with multiple great opportunities that fit my skill set and expectations. Constant support, virtually all-time availability when there are questions and continued proactive communications helped me a great deal. It was always made sure that I knew the next steps and how to proceed. I recommend working with Montash on your next career steps. Montash has found the right job for me.”
Martin Wood
Senior FICO Business Analyst
Work for Montash
Talent is at the core of everything we do. We find the top talent for our clients and ensure we do the same for ourselves. We have a vibrant atmosphere with individuals who place a high emphasis on our culture and core values. Montash is an ideal and unique place for those who want to succeed and be rewarded. If you are ambitious, driven and focused you will thrive here amongst like-minded people.
Latest Blogs
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5 Minutes with Suzanne Holtham, SQL Developer
One of our valued Montash candidates is Suzanne Holtham, who works at Shawbrook Bank as an SQL Developer. We took 5 minutes with Suzanne to gain an insight into her experience as a developer, her passion for tech, working as a woman in the industry and what advice she has for budding young developers with a tech career on the horizon. Describe in one sentence, what is the role of an SQL Developer? In a nutshell it is creating and maintaining databases, database objects and automated jobs to generate reports, extracts and batch loads. Beyond the nutshell, it is also likely to include elements of analysis and investigation, testing, documentation and support. What do you enjoy most about being an SQL Developer? I’m implementation-focussed, so I always enjoy creating a solution to a problem/requirement and seeing that project through to go-live. The project length can vary from a 2-hour emergency ticket or a project over 2 years. The reward at the end is solving the problem and delivering the solution. Did you always want to work in tech? I was a good all-rounder at school and didn’t have any firm ideas at the time of any specific careers to go into. Having said that, tech has always been a strong influence in my life as my father had a long career working for an early computing firm and by best friend also was into computing. I remember my Dad bought me a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128K one Christmas as a child. He had me typing in programs from the manual on Christmas day. I was hooked. It was around the time of selecting university courses that I realised I could select a course in something I not only enjoyed but would also lead to a fruitful career. The girls 6th form I studied at did not offer IT at A-level at the time though, so it was a bit of a leap of faith. Thankfully, I landed on my feet, working on my passion. How has the tech industry changed? Specialisation and outsourcing. Early IT job adverts would specify “programmer wanted”, then you would learn whatever programming language was required on the job. Now, as the amount of different technologies in the market has grown, it is common for job specs to require the candidate to be trained in a string of specific technologies and to have substantial commercial experience in the particular business sector. Competition has tightened up and not just locally. Globalisation means that outsourcing companies are able to provide services from lower cost locations and compete with the local market place. As the economy has peaked and troughed and conditions have tightened I have known friends who have been made redundant multiple times and also kept their job multiple times. What is the hardest part about your job? Pressure and stress. There have been various stories in the media of IT projects that over-run or fail to deliver altogether. We hear about live systems that crash, causing chaos, reputational damage and financial loss. There is a constant pressure to deliver on time or fix a critical problem, and quite often those times are when your laptop will crash or an even more urgent problem that needs your attention will crop up. It can be a very stressful job. How has automation changed your role? Remote working. It is quite common now for desk-based office roles to have an element of remote working in them. Companies are quick to realise that office space costs can be reduced if hot desking and remote working is embraced. In addition, this removes the commuting element for workers and can help with work-life balance e.g. personal appointments are more easily fitted in without losing half a day of productivity. What advice would you give to other women starting out in tech? You will face challenges, and they will not necessarily be technical. Be flexible, be open to learning new skills and find out who your customers are – the project sponsor, the person who signs off your timesheet or completes your performance review at the end of the year. Work hard to build relationships within the business and with stakeholders, but also accept that you can’t please everyone all of the time. Have the confidence to say no. The very nature of the work you are doing may put you at odds with some people. This is OK. Try to handle it professionally, you’ll thank yourself afterwards. When I first started my career I would frequently hear the comment, “You don’t look like you work in IT”. It was a comment based on my looks, gender and a preconceived stereotyped image of a techie. I would take it as a compliment though, and I think it helps to try and find the positive in these experiences, even if it is just a takeaway of a life learning experience. What are the soft skills that matter the most? Good team fit, flexibility, ability to manage stress / pressure, even if that is by not working late most of the time! Always look to increase your knowledge to become more valuable. What other skills are important in your role? Listening, take notes (you won’t remember everything) and learn from others. Soak up everything you can. You cannot solve a problem if you don’t understand it. Looking for your next career step? Take a look at our open vancies here.
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5 Ways to Switch Off from Work
How easy do you find it to wind down after a long, hard day at work? After hours of meetings reports, calls, time spent at your desk and plugging away day-to-day, it can feel all-consuming both physically and mentally. It is important to remember that we aren’t robots - we can’t possibly do it all. You should avoid burning out and take the time to rest and refuel for the next day. Here are 5 tips on how to switch off from work: 1. Turn off your technology We hear it time and time again, but taking a screen break is a great way to help you unwind. With 5G just around the corner and our phone apps so easy to access instantly, technology has been incredible for streamlining the way we work. But it can also be a hindrance when we need to give our brains a rest. Put your phone to one side, avoid the urge to check your emails, turn off push notifications, turn on ‘do not disturb’ and leave your browse of social feeds to the next day. A mini digital detox can do you wonders. 2. End of work routine When you have been in back-to-back meetings and the workload is piling up, you can find yourself leaving the office with a rushed feeling. The brain responds to routine, so even clearing your desk and closing down your computer can send a signal that it’s time to switch off from work mode. Another positive step to end your day smoothly is to write out a list for the next day. Check your calendar, organise your priorities and have a well planned to do list, which means you are one step ahead of the game. 3. Get a good night’s sleep Sleep is one of the pillars of health and is up there with a good diet and exercise. That’s not surprising, given that we spend around a third of our lives asleep. Making sure you get enough of it has been proven to sharpen your brain, improving your concentration, productivity, problem-solving skills and memory. If you manage your 7-8 hours a night, the benefits will not only increase your daytime performance, but your emotional wellbeing too. 4. Give mindfulness a try “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us,” explains mindful.org. It can be a powerful tool, which not only helps you to switch off after work but during it, at times when you need a break. You don’t have to be a pro, either. With resources such as the Headspace app, beginners can learn all about the meditation process with helpful hints and tips along the way. 5. Find your own relaxation activity Mindfulness isn’t for everyone and many find alternative ways to relax after a hard day. Hobbies in people’s leisure time can vary from solo exercise, team sports, arts and crafts, photography, reading and more. The benefit of having a hobby is that it allows you to get away mentally, giving you a focus and distraction that brings enjoyment along the way. What do you do to switch off?
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From France to the UK: Life as an SAP Consultant
Alexandra Vonthron is reaching 7 months in her career with Montash. She has flown through her probation period, has already been promoted to an SAP Consultant and is growing from strength to strength as part of the Montash team. What makes Alexandra’s story so interesting, is that she came over from France to pursue this role. We asked her to share some of her experiences so far, the cultural differences she has noticed and what advice she would give to others who are considering a career in recruitment. What made you choose a career in recruitment? And why the UK? My boyfriend has been working in recruitment for a long time and was convinced I would be great at the role because he’d seen how I did in the world of events sales and service. He kept telling me recruitment is the same - it’s about people. It’s just as fulfilling both financially and what it does for the people you serve. The move to London made sense, as I was keen to try something new and working in London has always been part of the plan. So far so good! What are the main cultural differences you have identified? I’ve definitely noticed quite a difference in management styles. Management styles seem much more one to one and personalised in the UK. In France, relationships between bosses and employees are a lot more formal. Also, in the UK it seems to be a more driven and competitive environment at work. In general, I have found the British to be ‘on the ball’. They are very driven and start their career at a young age with lots of focus. What do you enjoy most about your role? One of the things I love the most about recruitment is that the environment is so friendly. I work with a team and they’re all so friendly - we have good banter, yet it’s always respectful. My managers are supportive and very encouraging. It’s so refreshing to come to work when it’s about so much more than just paying the bills. I love the rush you get when you’re about to secure a role and actually let the candidate know that they got the job - it can be very addictive! As soon as I have found the perfect fit for a client, I am searching for the next one and always thinking of new ways to get to ensure that I am supporting my clients and candidates after that. It keeps it exciting and interesting every day. Moreover, I really like the incentives such as the Director’s Top Table and the trips abroad. It makes you work harder and want to go for all of the awards! What advice would you give to someone moving to the UK to become a recruiter? My advice would be to make sure you are willing to give it a go. To be honest, my first few weeks were not easy at all, but I was persistent. By the fourth, I had understood what I am doing. So, give it time. On a personal note, ensure you have planned it well so that you don’t have your personal circumstances making it difficult for you - learning and settling into the job should be the priority. Are you interested in becoming a recruiter? Find out more about what it’s like to work in Team Montash here.
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The Importance of Women in Tech
International Women’s Day 2019 marks the celebration of women all across the globe. This year’s campaign theme is #balanceforbetter - ‘A balanced world is a better world.’ As we see the day bursting with social campaigns, activities and events, we take a look at the importance of women in the world of tech. There is no doubt that there is still a vast gender gap in the tech industry. According to a study by PwC, only 15% of employees working in STEM roles in the UK are female. So, why is there such a lack of women in the tech industry? Children's rights activist Marian Wright Edleman, makes a great insight: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ When girls and women face such male dominated industries, they can be completely dissuaded from considering a career in that space. But women have made such a huge impact in tech and computer programming from the very beginning - women whose stories have been hidden in the background until more recent years (read our previous article on the history of women in tech). The good news is that we are starting to see a big change in recent years. There has been a surge of activity around encouraging women to enter tech roles. Around the UK and beyond, organisations such as #techmums, Girls Who Code and DevelopHer UK are equipping women with the digital skills, confidence and the opportunities to break into the space. The reason behind the efforts are broad, but the reality is that diverse teams perform better. “Individuals from different genders, races, backgrounds and experiences bring different perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions,” says the World Economic Forum. We spoke Suzanne Holtham (SQL Developer at Shawbrook Bank), about her experience working as a woman in the world of tech and recruitment. What have you noticed about women in tech during your years of work? “Over time, I’ve seen women progress into senior management roles and most recently seen women at the board level as IT directors in a company I have worked at. However, I’ve always had positive female role models in IT such as Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of lastminte.com in the early 2000s during the dot com boom. What has increased over time is the variety of different roles available as tech has evolved and specialisation has followed. I’ve chosen to pursue specialisation rather than progression to management and have found this rewarding to be recognised as an expert in my field.” Why did you choose this career path? “My father was an IT consultant and bought me a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128K one Christmas as a child. He had me typing in programs from the manual on Christmas day. My best friend also received the same and, together, we used to write games in Basic. The girls’ school I attended did not offer IT subjects at A-level at the time. Being good at science subjects, I very nearly went into engineering, but at the last minute I decided to follow my heart and pursued a career in what I enjoyed in my spare time. I went on to study Computer Science at Brunel University which included industrial placements, and made the transition to a full time career in IT as a natural progression.” What advice you would give your younger self? “Don’t be disheartened if certain opportunities don’t work out, when this has happened to me the new path has led to something even better working out in the long run.” Nandip Aulak is the Head of Marketing at Montash and is a strong advocate for women’s equality. We asked her to share her thoughts: “Do we need to see a rise in the number of women in tech? Yes of course we do, and that is across all industries. It is such a big issue with less than 7% of tech positions in Europe filled by women. We are aware that we play a part in delivering a pipeline of both men and women for the roles we work for. The advice we give to our clients is to consciously create that job description so that it targets both men and women. Sounds simple but it is a key part of the process. I have worked in marketing and tech for 15 years and the advice I would give to women joining the world of work is not to be afraid to ask questions. Work on stretch projects and upskill where you can, as tech is an ever-changing industry. Also, mentors are important. My mentors are a mix of men and women, who are all equally important to me, and they help me grow as an individual. Most importantly, don’t imitate the men around you to fit in. Be you, show your feminine side - empathy and nurturing are key skills that are imperative in any organisation.” So, the tech gender gap may be far wider than it should be but we are definitely moving in the right direction. We know that a more diverse workforce makes for an exciting future, and the women in the Montash team will continue to champion working in the industry and encourage others to join them in the space.
