Coming to the end of my journey through university, I found myself in a position many students can relate to: polishing my resume, applying for roles, and trying to map out what my future might look like.
Like many others, I had a general idea that I wanted a career in technology. I had studied IT and business, but I was not entirely sure where I fit within such a broad and ever-evolving industry.
It was during this time that I came across something completely unfamiliar: the mainframe.
The mainframe had never been highlighted during my studies or widely discussed among my peers. But when I heard about it during a recorded Zoom session about the Broadcom Mainframe Vitality Program, something about it stood out. It was not just another generic pathway into tech, and that curiosity was enough to pull me in.
Diving Into the Unknown
With my interest sparked, I decided to explore further. At Broadcom’s suggestion, I enrolled in the IBM Z Xplore program, which gave me my first real exposure to the world of mainframes. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into genuine intrigue.
I began to understand the role mainframes play behind the scenes–powering critical systems, handling enormous workloads, and supporting industries that rely on stability and performance. Banking, finance, government systems–I could see how deeply embedded mainframes were in the infrastructure of the modern world.
The more I learned, the more I realized this was a space filled with opportunity. It offered a chance to build highly specialised, valuable skills.
Building Foundations Through the Vitality Program
Being accepted into the Vitality Program was a defining moment. It felt like stepping into a completely new world, one that I had not even known existed just months earlier.
Through the program, I built a strong foundational understanding of mainframes. More specifically, I had the opportunity to specialise and deepen my knowledge in systems automation, focusing on OPS/MVS. It was challenging and rewarding, unlike anything I had encountered in the world of technology.
By the time I completed the program, I was not just familiar with mainframes. I felt ready to work with them.
Stepping Into the Real World
That readiness was put to the test when I began working at a banking corporation in a new city.
The transition into a real-world environment was both exciting and intense. This was not a sandbox or a controlled training setup. It was a live operational environment where mainframes played a critical role in the day-to-day functioning of the bank.
I was immediately exposed to systems that were essential for routine operations. There was a sense of responsibility that came with the role, knowing that the work being done directly contributed to systems people rely on every day.
It was in this environment that my skills truly accelerated.
Working hands-on with mainframe systems, particularly in automation with OPS/MVS, allowed me to apply what I had learned while constantly expanding my knowledge. Real-world challenges pushed me to think critically, adapt quickly, and continue learning.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in mainframes is the constant opportunity to learn.
Unlike some areas of technology where there may be a more defined or predictable path, mainframing feels like an ongoing journey. There are always new systems to understand, different approaches to solving problems, and unique challenges that require creative thinking.
What makes it even more engaging is that no two people approach problems the same way. I have seen first-hand how different team members bring their own methods, experiences, and perspectives to the table. That diversity of thought not only improves solutions, but also creates an environment where learning from others is part of the everyday experience.
It keeps the work fresh, dynamic, and intellectually stimulating.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the journey so far, it is incredible to think how a single seminar introduced me to a career path I had never considered and enabled me to experience living in a new city.
From finishing university, to discovering mainframes, to building foundational skills through the Vitality Program, and now working full-time in a fast-paced banking environment, this journey has taught me the value of staying open to unexpected opportunities.