At the forefront of digital transformation, Sopra Steria is a European leader partnering with the UK government and major global brands to revolutionise digital services. Guided by our ‘Living’ philosophy and values pillars, we place people
at the heart of our mission, aligning our efforts with the purpose of driving positive change in business and society. With over 80% of our work supporting essential services that impact countless lives across the UK, Sopra Steria places people at
the heart of its mission.
Our Future Careers programme is an example of our commitment to career development, which includes the Digital Academy, formally known as ADCA (Accelerated Digital Careers Academy). This innovative training initiative provides individuals with access
to cutting-edge digital skills and structured training, focusing on potential rather than formal qualifications.
The second in our series of short interviews is with Nana Appiah, Junior Project Management Officer (PMO) within the Government and Transport sector at Sopra Steria. In this insightful conversation, Nana shares her experiences with the ADCA programme
and her role within Defra’s Legacy Application Programme (LAP).
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your goals?
I started my career in paediatric nursing, where I gained invaluable lessons in empathy, attention to detail, and clear communication. However, I discovered my passion for management efficiency and decided to transition to a career in Project Management.
I began this journey by attending a 12-week IT technician skills bootcamp, which led to an opportunity with the ADCA programme, equipping me with essential skills for a career in technology.
My goal is to become a PMO lead, leveraging my skills to drive the successful delivery of projects and programmes. I aim to continue growing professionally and gain deeper insights into project management, ultimately contributing to the Department of
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) mission to deliver efficient, secure, and sustainable technology and services.
What attracted you to the ADCA programme?
Having no prior experience in IT, I found the ADCA programme appealing because it welcomed candidates from diverse backgrounds. This meant I could transition into a new field without needing extensive prior knowledge, making it a perfect starting point
for my career change and aligned closely with my career goals of being a PMO.
Additionally, ADCA stood out to me because it offered a combination of hands-on experience, career development opportunities, and the chance to work with varied clients across the UK. This was appealing to me because it meant gaining exposure to different
organisational environments.
Journey Through the ADCA Programme
Reflecting back, what was your experience like during the ADCA programme?
Coming from a nursing background, I initially felt apprehensive about transitioning to IT, but the ADCA programme’s approach and training quickly alleviated my concerns. The programme provided me with a foundation in Agile PM, AgilePM Agile Project
Management and CompTIA IT Fundamentals which have been instrumental in understanding project management practices within the IT sector.
Networking during the programme was invaluable. By interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and expertise, I expanded my professional network. These connections provided different views of the IT industry, offered advice on career development
and even led to opportunities for further learning.
One of the highlights of my experience was the supportive learning environment. I received guidance from managers, other experienced mentors and I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, which accelerated my learning. The encouragement on
continuous learning helped me to seek out additional learning opportunities and certifications, to further strengthen the confidence in my abilities.
Would you recommend the ADCA programme to others?
The programme fosters a supportive and continuous learning environment where people can engage with experienced mentors. This mentorship has been invaluable in guiding my development and providing insights from professionals. Additionally, the qualifications
attained through the programme, such as Agile PM, are widely recognised in the industry. This recognition not only enhances credibility but also opens up numerous career opportunities.
The programme also provides a well-rounded education, both in theoretical and practical knowledge. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants are well-prepared for the challenges of their chosen fields. Finally, the hands-on experience gained
by being placed into a role aligned with my chosen pathway after completing the training has been instrumental. This real-life application of theoretical skills has solidified my understanding.
Working with Defra
What achievements or contributions are you most proud of during your time at Defra?
Some achievements or contributions that stand out and I am proud of include, assisting the Business Case Lead in writing sections of a Programme Business Case for LAP. This involved supporting data gathering to articulate the benefits of the Programme
and how it aligns with Defra’s strategies. Additionally, I assisted in benefits management by creating and supporting project managers in completing their benefits realisation plans. My contribution has helped in the tracking and realisation
of programme benefits.
I am particularly proud of how quickly I have adapted to the role and taken on responsibilities. By taking on some of these responsibilities, I have helped to alleviate workload pressure within the PMO team and with the Benefits Management/Business Case
Lead.
Legacy Application Programme
Can you explain what the Legacy Application Programme is and your role within it?
The Legacy Application Programme aims to modernise and improve legacy systems across Core Defra and its Arm’s Length Bodies. As a junior PMO, I support both the PMO team and the Business Case/Benefits Lead. My responsibilities include supporting
with Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies (RAID) management, reporting and meetings, and various PMO activities. I also assist the Business Case/Benefits Lead by developing benefit realisation plans, supporting Project Managers with these
plans, maintaining the upkeep of key programme documents, and contributing to the creation and improvement of key programme documents like the Programme Business Case.
How has your experience with the ADCA programme influenced your work on the Legacy Application Programme?
My experience with the ADCA programme, which included obtaining qualifications such as APM Project Fundamentals, AgilePM Agile Project Management Foundation and online training around PRINCE 2 has provided me with a foundation level of knowledge of various
project management methodologies. This has enabled me to understand the underlying reasons for various processes. This knowledge has also boosted my confidence which allows me to take a more proactive role in offering support and taking the initiative
to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Reflection and Future Outlook
What are your career aspirations and how has your experience with ADCA and Defra helped shape that?
I aim to grow into a PMO lead role, where I can leverage my skills and experience to help drive the successful delivery of programmes and projects. Additionally, I aspire to gain a deeper expertise in benefits management and business case development,
areas that are crucial for ensuring that programmes deliver their intended value to the organisation.
My current role on Defra has allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during the ADCA programme in a practical setting, enhancing my skills in key areas. This experience has helped develop my understanding of what it takes to be a PMO lead
effectively. It has also highlighted areas where I need to continue developing such as RAID management.
Closing thoughts
By prioritising education and training, Sopra Steria is empowering individuals to unlock their full potential, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. Their commitment to skills development not only prepares people to face upcoming
challenges but also equips them to seize new opportunities, fostering a more resilient and innovative workforce.
“Nana joined the client-side delivery team on Defra’s Legacy Application Program as PMO analyst in 2023. This was her first role and it’s great to see how quickly she grasped it and grew into this role using her skills from the ADCA
program. Nana showed eagerness to learn and developing her skill set creating a foundation for her future career in PMO and Project Management” said Jeroen Boomsma, Portfolio Director IT Services.
Head to our website to find out more about our Diversity & Inclusion vision.