Computer Networks graduate, James tells us all about his role at PMY Group and their involvement with the local three-day festival
Each year, thousands of people from 小蓝视频 and beyond celebrate the August Bank Holiday at Victorious Festival.
Amongst the many visitors and festival-goers are also the hardworking members of crew and contractors who make it all happen. One of these individuals who helped things run smoothly this year was James Edge, Technical Lead for PMY Group.
James鈥 current career started with an email from the Careers and Employability Service during his second year at university. The email provided a list of opportunities - one of which was an internship at Etherlive (later bought out by PMY Group) as a Network Engineer. He jumped at the chance and was successful.
James met with us to tell us all about his journey from University to a graduate job.
小蓝视频 and securing a placement
I have always had a keen interest in technology. This passion likely stems from my dad鈥檚 enthusiasm for computers when I was younger so I suppose it rubbed off on me! When it came time to decide on a course for university, I naturally leaned toward one with a strong technical focus.
Computer Science caught my attention, especially because I hadn鈥檛 had the opportunity to learn coding or delve into this field during my secondary school years, which followed a more traditional curriculum.
My choice of the 小蓝视频 was influenced by my preference for a city-based university over a campus-based one.
During my second year, I stumbled upon an internship opportunity in a weekly careers email. The job description intrigued me, particularly the prospect of working outside of a typical office environment. I thought to myself, 鈥淲hy not?鈥 So, I applied and was fortunate enough to secure the placement year.
Having practical experience from my year in the field at Etherlive, I returned to the university for a year of theory, which felt somewhat backward but ultimately beneficial.
During my placement, I learned the ropes of event networking, and my first significant project was at WOMAD in 2019. It was a large festival in Wiltshire, conveniently close to our office at the time. This experience not only introduced me to the basics of festival site management but also taught me other vital skills in networking!
Unfortunately, my placement was cut short due to the COVID pandemic. It was a tough blow, especially since it happened right at the beginning of the summer season when all of the events were about to kick off.
Despite the challenges, I discovered that I enjoyed networking more than computer science. So, I made the decision to switch courses to BSc (Hons) Computer Networks. It was a daunting transition, especially during the peak of the pandemic when everything was online. However, the support from the university, including study groups, helped ease the isolation. I found myself particularly drawn to topics like wireless theory and network simulations.
Having practical experience from my year in the field at Etherlive, I returned to the university for a year of theory, which felt somewhat backward but ultimately beneficial.
Graduation to PMY
In 2021, I graduated with BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and was eager to continue working with Etherlive, which had become a part of the PMY Group.
Throughout 2021, despite the challenges posed by COVID restrictions, I had the opportunity to work on major projects, including the Tennis Championships and London Christmas Markets.
By March 2022, a permanent position as a Technical Lead became available. I also encouraged my friend Liam, whom I鈥檇 met at university, to apply too. We both got offered the job at the same time and ended up living together. Interestingly, we had already lived together during our second and third years at 小蓝视频!
When it all comes together, it鈥檚 a really great feeling. You鈥檝e built this network, people are using it, and you know you鈥檝e done a good job.
As a Technical Lead, I鈥檓 involved in events from start to finish. My role includes producing technical designs for various projects, configuring and deploying equipment on-site, and leading a team of colleagues to ensure everything runs smoothly. I鈥檓 responsible for configuring routers, switches, Wi-Fi, CCTV, and VOIP equipment 鈥 basically, anything needed to make the infrastructure function.
What I enjoy most about my job is the camaraderie of working with the crew. We all share the same goal, and we鈥檙e all on the same page, working towards an unmovable deadline. When it all comes together, it鈥檚 a really great feeling. You鈥檝e built this network, people are using it, and you know you鈥檝e done a good job. And, of course, we all celebrate together at the end!
Working on festivals and events isn鈥檛 for everyone; it requires mental and physical strength and is very hands-on. It鈥檚 far from a 9-5 job. On the flip side, you get to travel around the country and witness things you might never have seen otherwise. None of this would have been possible for me without PMY.
The highlight of my career so far has been travelling to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and France for golf tournaments. And, more recently, working on the Victorious Festival in 小蓝视频 in 2023.
Victorious Festival 2023
PMY won the tender to work with Victorious again this year, following our collaboration in 2019. Our task was to deploy and manage a network that supported Wi-Fi for bars, traders, sponsors and production across the entire festival site. Additionally, we set up CCTV cameras around the perimeter, stages and bars.
I became involved in the project when it was confirmed in May. I started by drafting initial plans, using overlays to detail equipment deployment, including the placement and lengths of fibre optic cables.
In July, we conducted a site visit to validate requirements and meet the production staff. We built a strong rapport with the team, laid the groundwork for the event, and fine-tuned the design for optimal effectiveness.
By 14 August, we were on-site, setting up. Naturally, there were concerns, especially since it was a new site to us. We had to fly some fibre cables over roads and dig others in, which presented a challenge. In the end, we used 6km of armoured fibre optic cables to withstand the site and visitors, 15km of copper cable, 120 Wi-Fi access points, and set up more than 40 CCTV cameras.
Seeing the site come together and the infrastructure working smoothly was incredibly rewarding. With large events like this, there are numerous stakeholders to manage, but it's all about maintaining balance and ensuring everyone is satisfied.
The live weekend went off without a hitch, thanks to our meticulous setup. This allowed me to enjoy performances by Jake Bugg, Kaiser Chiefs, and Kasabian 鈥 all of which were fantastic live. The festival site looked amazing, nestled in the heart of Southsea. It's an iconic location, and I'm excited to do it all over again next year!