Daniel
software developer at Accountancy Software Development and Sales
In general terms, what does your job entail?
Writing new functionality (including planning) for Sage Products. Improving existing functionality. Documenting changes. Testing changes. Liasing with various departments within the company and different offices within the group.
Describe the main events in a typical day
Find out where I left off the previous day. Check my mail, get a cup of tea and then start work.Work usually means checking a functional or technical spec (which would normally be written by me, so checking it is simply a formality) and ensuring that any changes I make to the software adhere to the contents of the spec. If I make any changes that are not contained in the spec, then the spec must be altered to reflect the changes I have made.Then I'll spend a bit of time testing any changes I've made to make sure that they do what they are meant to.
Do you feel that you are using your talents in your job?
I was recently told that I need to start using my vocal talents a bit more, so I can't say that I am using all of my talents. But I am using all of the relevant ones required for a role in IT.
After leaving school what were the major milestones in your career development?
I spent two years studying accountancy were I qualified as an IATI. Using this newfound qualification I landed a job in Apex software, in the customer services department. Within 18 months I was rewarded with a move into the development department. This is also largely down to the fact that I made no secret of my desire to join the department. I had always shown an interest in it. After almost 13 months I was seconded to the IS department for 7 months. My task here was to integrate all of the separate accounts from the various companies that made up Sage Ireland (Sage, Apex and Computer Resources) into the new accounting system. This role integrated me into almost every department in the company at one point or another. It was an invaluable experience for me.
After my stay in IS I went back to development where I resumed the role I was in before I left.I have since moved to another team. There was recently a small reshuffle in development due to the start of a new project. It was felt that my experience would better benefit one of our more established products.
What do you like about your work?
I like the people, I like the environment, I find the work (mostly) interesting.
Is there any aspect of your work that you not like?
Dealing with customers is about the most painful thing anyone can do. Especially accountants. But I can handle it. With my background in customer services and being the people person I am it's usually a job that falls to me, so I just have to get on with it.That being said, I still get on well with them.
Do you have any specific advice for someone wanting to enter IT?
You'll meet lots of different types of people. Some happy, some sad, some cheery, some grumpy. Learn to adapt. I did.
My role in 4 words
Interesting, technical, varied, fun.
In secondary school I enjoyed ...
Maths: I found it easy when most people struggled. Science: I found it interesting.
I was influenced towards to IT by...
I'll be honest with you. I could never see myself working outdoors. I hate the weather, especially the sun, no joking. Or doing manual/physical work (very lazy most of the time). And when it comes to gardens, I'm terrified. Far too many creepy crawlies.
