Case Study

Dane’s journey from internship to Graduate Technologist

23 Jun. 2026

Being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as a child has, Dane says, shaped many of his experiences. While studying computer science at university, the pandemic also took a toll on his mental health, leading him to take a two-year break from his studies. With no work experience but determined to build confidence and gain industry exposure, the now-24-year old turned to Change 100 for support.  

What followed exceeded all of his expectations: a paid internship with software specialists Kainos, new friendships, and ultimately, a permanent graduate role. 

Change 100 provides professional development and paid internships for disabled university students. After being introduced to the programme by the wellbeing team at the University of Birmingham during his penultimate year of study, Dane attended workshops on disability disclosure and interview preparation before being selected alongside two other Change 100 candidates to join the Kainos team in Birmingham.  

“During the process there was plenty of advice and help to prepare, and the interviews with both Change 100 and Kainos were very friendly,” says Dane, who completed his 12 week paid internship in the summer of 2025. “I was given two weeks of training and learnt new programming languages and database management. I didn’t imagine at first that I’d be given genuine projects to work on but gradually I was trusted to work independently. I even won a Kainos silver recognition award and £50 prize for one piece of work I handled.”  

Outside of work, Dane credits playing hockey and online gaming – through which he met his American girlfriend – with helping build his confidence socially, though says he sometimes found aspects of student life challenging. His experience at Kainos, however, proved transformational.  

“I met so many friendly people at Kainos,” adds Dane, who lives in Walsall. “I got really involved in the social events, meals out, quizzes, even karaoke! The people are just great, I made some genuine friends. 

“I was also provided with a work mentor and a people manager, just to talk to for any extra support. I enjoyed the experience so much that I’ve recommended Change 100 to a few friends since.” 

Based on the strong feedback Dane received during his internship, he was invited to return permanently upon the completion of his degree. Being offered a role as a Graduate Technologist was, he says,  “the biggest thing I’ve ever achieved.”   

Danielle Keenan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kainos, oversees the organisation’s Change 100 partnership. Since working together in 2022, six candidates, including Dane, have been offered roles with the digital transformation company, with two further placements agreed for 2026. 

She said: “Dane has all the trademarks of a successful Change 100 candidate– super talented with a willingness to learn, but someone who might have struggled in a more traditional interview or assessment environment. We can’t wait to welcome him back. 

“The wraparound support provided by Change 100 to both us as a business, and the candidates we employ, means we can create the best possible experience and set people up for success. As a result, we’ve established a bespoke recruitment pathway and training programme for Change 100 candidates.” 

Dane adds: “Without Change 100 helping me find an internship tailored to my needs as a neurodivergent person, I would have struggled. They were my safety net – and now I’m excited to jump back into working life at Kainos.”