I’ve been at Softwire since graduating almost two years ago, but still remember the interview like it was yesterday. The tests were quite challenging but the bit that really stands out is the informal chat afterwards where I somehow managed to say things like “uni has been good, but I suppose I’d better get a job now” and “how often will I be allowed to play pool?”. Despite these outbursts, I managed to get the job and was told that I’d fit perfectly well into an environment where people really appreciate a work-life balance.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not easy at Softwire. You’ll be stretched as far as you’re willing to go - and often past that - the whole time you’re here. It’s exactly as I was hoping it would be: a fun place to work with loads to learn, great people and responsibility from the start. Within six months I was managing my own mini-project which involved full customer contact and planning of all stages of the development process such as design, implementation, testing and releasing. Quite a contrast to when I first started, had no experience, and barely knew what those words meant!
I found that one of the biggest differences between university and the workplace (and one of the hardest to adjust to) is on-the-job training. Softwire’s approach to this is to plunge you into a problem and provide you with a support contact who sits close by, is ready to help and will regularly come over and prod you if you aren’t asking them enough questions. Painful as this was to begin with, it’s a great way to learn how to solve problems in general, which is something that all employers value. The learning curve can be steep, especially if you’re not experienced, but it’s something you get used to and I seriously doubt that I’d be able to learn as much anywhere else.
The projects I’ve been involved with have varied quite a lot in their use of technology. I’ve worked with both C# and ASP.NET, and Enterprise JavaBeans built on JBoss, all used in various ways. If you’re keen to learn a particular technology, your manager will do what they can to push you in that direction. I was interested in learning Flash and Photoshop, as I’ve got an artistic background, and I’ve done a whole bunch of stuff using these over the last year. By working on tasks you’re interested in, the day really does fly by without you even having to look at the clock. In fact, quite a few people stay and work past their hours purely because they want to.
In terms of management, the three company directors are very open about discussing everything from company direction and strategy to the colour of paint on the walls of our new office. It’s a place where everyone gets involved and clashes opinions either in meetings or over a pint. There’s a big games room with loads of toys and a well stocked kitchen, which acts as the central hub of office social life. Absolutely everyone is friendly and helpful. There are so many social events at work that it’s hard not to consider most people as friends rather than colleagues, which is one of the best things of all.
The ideal workplace is one that pays well, has a relaxed, open and fun atmosphere, lets you work on loads of cool interesting stuff and helps you fully develop your potential. If you agree, you should apply to Softwire.
Tajinder Birdi
