Telefónica Tech’s investment into Project Redwood, a partnership initiative for professionals looking to learn new skills, has given me the expertise I needed to change my career path.

I’m Chiedo Hammond, and my role with Telefónica Tech is as a contracted Dynamics Consultant. Before joining the company in June this year, I completed the Project Redwood Microsoft training programme. Here’s my experience…

From records to Redwood

As a music-lover, my professional career began 20 years ago in the music industry, working in various finance and supply chain management (F&SCM) roles across four major record companies. Following a break from employment, I began seeking opportunities to advance my skillset, so I completed a Diploma in Data Concepts in February this year with Firebrand. It was through this Diploma that I was then introduced to Project Redwood.

My journey to D365 F&SCM consultancy with Project Redwood

Having previously relished working with numbers and data across several roles, my new qualification in Data Concepts provided an employability arm to move into a new role. From this, I worked with Revolent, a world-leading cloud training provider, seeking to decrease cloud skill shortages, to become a certified Dynamics 365 Consultant. Telefónica Tech and Microsoft’s heavy involvement and investment in these training programs (A.K.A. Project Redwood) led me to my role with Telefónica Tech; working in an organisation that’s a member of the Microsoft Gold Inner Circle for Business Applications.

Project Redwood is a 12-week training programme that combines working towards Microsoft certifications with gaining practical experience through project work. The application and onboarding process was thorough but meant that I could get a real feel for what the programme would be about. I also had the chance to meet different project leaders and stakeholders at Microsoft. For example, my final interview was with the Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft UK.

Completing the Project Redwood training programme was hugely beneficial for me to progress my career in tech, with highly valuable Microsoft certifications earned throughout the 12-week period. These consisted of:

• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) (MB-920)
• Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate (MB-920)
• MB-300: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Core Finance and Operations
• MB-310: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant

Recommending Redwood

I think Project Redwood is a fantastic opportunity for professionals seeking to expand their skills and knowledge to progress their careers in the tech industry. The project embraces diversity and inclusivity within a constantly evolving global IT collective. From my experience, I found it to be a nurturing pathway to success through designated training, placing, and development of talent. Project Redwood is a great stepping stone into the world of IT consultancy via a platform that works with global technology leaders like Microsoft to provide skills, knowledge, and support along the way.

Joining Telefónica Tech

Telefónica Tech reached out to me before completion of my Project Redwood certification exams to begin conversations about a contracted role with the business. Upon passing my exams first time, and becoming a certified Dynamics 365 F&SCM Functional Consultant, I began the Telefónica Tech onboarding process, which was well-organised and supportive. My first couple of weeks were full of meet and greets with different members of the team, introducing me to the company and the projects that I’d be a part of, which was really welcoming.

Once I was settled, I was offered client-based work as well as the opportunity to get involved with some internal projects. These were interesting because they involved putting some of the theory I had learned during Project Redwood into practice by using systems like Dynamics 365 and Azure DevOps.

What I like about Telefónica Tech

Aside from the easy transition from training with Revolent and Project Redwood to being contracted by Telefónica Tech, one aspect that I like about working for Telefónica Tech is its flexible working policies, which work well for myself and many of my fellow colleagues. The option to work from home took away any hassle in relocating nearer to one of Telefónica Tech’s UK offices, without taking away any of the support that was offered to me as a new joiner to the business. Remote working suits me because I can manage my work well from home – although I do look forward to meeting more of the team in person the further into my role I progress!

I’ve enjoyed my time so far at Telefónica Tech – their diverse, forward-thinking company culture is full of opportunities for personal development and career progression. If you’re interested in a career with Telefónica Tech, check out the latest vacancies on the career hub.