Colleague Stories

Code, Coffee and Community

Hey Billy, tell us a bit about yourself and your Virgin Money story…

Hello everyone, my name is Billy Nguedong. I am a proud husband and father to three wonderful and exceptionally clever children. I also happen to be neurodivergent, as I have a condition known as stammer/stutter. Professionally, I am a qualified accountant. In my previous life, I worked full-time as an accounting manager. However, at the onset of COVID, I decided to broaden my horizons and expand my accounting skills. I pursued a PG Cert in Data Science at Birkbeck, followed by an MSc in Data Science. These qualifications equipped me with the necessary skills to secure a position as a Modelling Analyst in Risk at Virgin Money in 2023, upon completing my Masters. And yes, I do occasionally dream in binary code!

What are you working on now?

Currently, I am engrossed in writing a recalibration code for our Credit Card portfolio. It's a bit like trying to teach an old dog new tricks, but with a lot more math involved!

Giving something back. You recently attended a careers fayre where you did an incredible job inspiring next gen talent. Can you tell us a bit about this and why it was important for you to take part.

I am a firm believer in giving back to the community, which is why I always volunteer my time whenever possible. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a career fair at Dartford Grammar School in Kent. The school reached out to me, and I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to share my personal experiences and discuss my work at Virgin Money. I was thrilled to talk about the vibrant culture at Virgin Money and the various career paths available to the students. The level of interest from the attendees was remarkable, and I even managed to network with fellow presenters. It was important for me to take part because inspiring the next generation is akin to planting seeds for a brighter future. Plus, who wouldn't want to be the cool adult who gets to talk about data science?

Day to day, what’s the best bit for you about working at Virgin Money?

In my current role, we continuously strive to improve our models to aid decision-makers. The best bit about working at Virgin Money is the collaborative environment and the constant pursuit of innovation. It's like being part of a think tank where every idea is valued, and every contribution makes a difference. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good brainstorming session over coffee?

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?

Outside of work, I am very much a family man. Football is my passion, and I still play every week with friends. It's a great way to unwind and stay active. Plus, it's the only time I get to pretend I'm a professional athlete, even if my kids think otherwise!