Digital Futures at AWS re:Invent, Las Vegas
Ryan Pothecary 
As we prepare to welcome the newest intake of engineers to the Digital Futures Academy, we’re already looking ahead to future cohorts.
In our most recent application process, we were hugely grateful for the volume of applications we received once again and we were luck to meet so may incredible people throughout. The application process is always highly competitive however, with thousands of incredible people applying for a limited number of spots. While we know that some will be left disappointed, we’re here to offer our best advice to help you strengthen your applications and get your start in the tech industry.
When it comes to standing out, continuously developing and maintaining your tech skills is essential. Starting a career in tech means committing to lifelong learning, gaining new skills, and keeping the ones you’ve already mastered sharp. You can do this by exploring online courses or working on personal projects, which help deepen your domain knowledge and provide great talking points during interviews.
For applicants aiming for our data analytics or data engineering pathways, we recommend focusing on Python as it’s a key component of our online assessment. Even if you’re considering the business analysis pathway, building some basic Python knowledge can give you a really valuable head start.
We know that finding your dream role in tech can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re managing multiple applications. It’s easy to lose track, but staying focused is crucial! Make sure to research the organisation and the specific role you’re applying for, and demonstrate that you understand how they align with your goals.
When you reach the interview stage, show that Digital Futures is a priority for you rather than just another application. Our interview panel is always impressed by candidates who have thoroughly researched our programmes and who can clearly articulate why our mission resonates with them. It’s about showing that you’re committed and enthusiastic about becoming a part of our community.
At Digital Futures, we value curiosity, ambition, and a genuine passion for technology over your qualifications or background. You believe you don’t need to come from a tech or STEM background to succeed in this field. What’s most important is your desire to grow and your eagerness to learn, and we want to see your passion. Share your journey with us. Tell us what inspired your interest in technology, why you’re excited to pursue a tech career, and where you see yourself going. Think about the areas of technology that fascinate you the most and what motivates you. We want to know that you see tech as a long-term career path, not just a job.
“We want to know that you see tech as a long-term career path, not just a job.”
Finally, it’s important to keep persevering! We understand that receiving a rejection can be disheartening, but it’s important to keep pushing forward. With over 5,000 applicant each cycle and a consistently high standard of applications, we’re forced to make really difficult decisions.
But if you stay committed, keep building your skills, and follow these tips, your opportunity to start your career in tech might be closer than you think. Every application cycle brings new chances, so if you weren’t successful this time then you can always re-apply to the Digital Futures Academy – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Read more about our Data Engineering pathway.
Read more about our Data Analytics pathway.
Read more about our Business Analysis pathway.
Ryan Pothecary 
Digital Futures 
Digital Futures 
Scott Vincent 
Digital Futures 
Digital Futures