Graduate Success in Action
Matt Gaynor wanted to kickstart his technology career after completing a successful placement year at a leading company. Although he had secured a post-university role, redundancy after six months left him searching for stability and a position where he could grow his skills and passion, particularly in areas like broadcasting technology.
Hamilton Barnes, a long-term supporter of graduate careers, stepped in to help. With over 4,000 graduates placed to date, the team worked with Matt to reassess his skills, highlight his unique strengths, and connect him with an opportunity that matched both his technical expertise and passion for broadcasting technology.
78
Graduates Placed Last Year
900
Active Graduate Job Opportunities
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University Partnerships Nationwide
Where passion meets opportunity: launching a networking career
Matt's Background
Matt has been drawn to the world of technology since he was a child, driven by a natural curiosity for how technology works. In 2012, he got his first Raspberry Pi, which opened the door to a whole new world. He began using Linux, setting up home networks, and exploring virtual machines. As the years went by, he built out a home lab and kept pushing deeper into networking, laying the groundwork for what would become his future career.
At school, Matt was an active member of the STEM club, where he took on exciting projects like building drones. These hands-on experiences, along with his A-levels in computer science, maths, and physics, confirmed his passion and helped steer him toward a career in networking.
When it came to choosing the right university, it wasn’t as straightforward, due to most universities offering broader computer science degrees. After conducting extensive research, Matt chose the University of Portsmouth due to its impressive networking labs and hands-on facilities.
A key moment in Matt’s journey was landing a placement year at Cisco. During his time in the Solutions Validation Services (SVS) team, he got hands-on experience testing advanced networks used by large companies. The placement gave him real-world industry experience, and it also led to a graduate job at Cisco after university.
After spending just 6-7 months in the industry, I was unsure if I had enough experience to move into another network engineering role. That’s when I got in touch with Hamilton Barnes. I saw the work the team was doing, and after a quick chat with George, we realised my experience in the media industry, especially from my time in theatre, was a great fit. That’s when George suggested ITN as the next step.
How We Helped Matt Turn a Setback into a Networking Career
At Hamilton Barnes, we work closely with graduates to turn early career setbacks into opportunities. Matt Gaynor’s journey is a great example. After facing redundancy just months into his first networking role, he partnered with our team to find a position that matched both his technical skills and his passion for broadcasting technology.
The Challenge
After completing a placement year at Cisco and graduating from the University of Portsmouth, Matt stepped into a graduate network engineering role. Six months later, company-wide redundancies brought that role to an unexpected end.
With just 6–7 months’ commercial networking experience, Matt faced a difficult decision. He wanted a position that would offer stability, career development, and a chance to combine his technical skills with his long-standing interest in broadcasting technology
And the odds weren’t in his favour. The average graduate job in the UK drew over 140 applications last year, making it feel almost impossible to stand out. In specialist fields like networking, the challenge is even steeper. While university courses provide strong theoretical knowledge, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can prove hands-on experience with live networks, security protocols, and enterprise-grade systems. For a graduate fresh out of university, that can make every interview feel like an uphill climb.
Re-Profiling for the Perfect Fit
Hamilton Barnes first met Matt during a university career preparation seminar. When he reached out after his redundancy, the team quickly recognised the crossover between his media industry experience — including theatre work — and the demands of broadcast networking.
The first step was a comprehensive re-profiling of Matt’s skills, experience, and ambitions. This process identified his unique expertise in specialised networking systems and highlighted the qualities that set him apart. With that insight, Hamilton Barnes was able to pinpoint roles that matched both his technical strengths and personal interests.
Using our market knowledge and vast network, we connected Matt with ITN, a media-centric company that perfectly aligned with his passion for technology and broadcasting. After reprofiling Matt’s skills, the ITN hiring manager valued his proactive attitude and versatility, recognising him as a strong cultural fit for their team.
“After spending just 6–7 months in the industry, I was unsure if I had enough experience to move into another network engineering role. That’s when I got in touch with Hamilton Barnes. I saw the work the team was doing, and after a quick chat with George, we realised my experience in the media industry, especially from my time in theatre, was a great fit. That’s when George suggested ITN as the next step.” — Matt Gaynor
From Redundancy to Royal Broadcasts
Matt landed his role at ITN as an IP Network Engineer, where he helps maintain the company’s fast 100Gbps network that supports live news broadcasting. In his role, Matt manages both the media and corporate networks for programmes such as ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. He helps provide reliable, high-speed connections for teams working in the field, supports remote broadcasting systems, and sets up tools to keep an eye on network performance.
Since joining ITN, he has contributed to high-pressure events such as the Royal Coronation and major global broadcasts, earning early recognition as a standout performer in the team.
Graduate Career Support
Hamilton Barnes has been a trusted partner for graduates since 2014, helping over 4,000 candidates start meaningful careers in networking. We work with more than 100 universities across the UK, offering career readiness seminars, technical skills advice, and personalised job matching.
Our graduate support covers:
- CV and profile reviews to showcase your skills effectively.
- Interview preparation to build confidence and readiness.
- Access to 900+ active graduate opportunities in networking and related fields.
- Tailored introductions to employers looking for junior technical talent.
It was this approach that helped Matt find his next step after redundancy. By recognising his crossover skills and connecting him with an employer that matched his interests, we set him on a path to a role where he could grow his expertise and make an impact.
Matt’s Advice for Aspiring Network Engineers
For anyone thinking about a career in networking, Matt’s biggest tip is to start exploring early. Setting up a home lab and playing around with networking tools is a great way to learn by doing. He also recommends looking into certifications. Getting a CCNA can help you get your foot in the door, and the CCNP can really help you stand out.
Matt believes there’s no one-size-fits-all path into the industry. Whether you choose university or an apprenticeship it depends on how you learn best. Both can lead to great opportunities. But above all, Matt believes that building connections with people in the industry is what really makes the difference. A strong network can open doors when it’s time to look for that first job.
After spending just 6-7 months in the industry, I was unsure if I had enough experience to move into another network engineering role. That’s when I got in touch with Hamilton Barnes. I saw the work the team was doing, and after a quick chat with George, we realised my experience in the media industry, especially from my time in theatre, was a great fit. That’s when George suggested ITN as the next step.
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How Can We Help?
Hamilton Barnes is committed to nurturing graduate talent, placing 78 graduates in meaningful roles last year alone. By partnering with UK universities offering specialised courses, Hamilton Barnes helps technically skilled students bridge the gap between studies and employment.
- Successfully placed over 4,000 graduates to date
- Placed 78 graduates in the past year alone
- Currently offering more than 900 active graduate job opportunities
- Proudly partnered with over 100 universities nationwide
- Trusted partner for graduates since 2014
To learn more about how we can support you in landing a graduate role in network engineering, take a look at why graduates choose us.