What’s your job?
Development and Programming Officer. I work with Oracle based systems using PL/SQL and Java to develop reports, update web pages and customise backend systems for internal systems. Tasks can range from small changes like updating a heading on a report to writing complex SQL queries to generate new information. It also involves managing and coordinating the release process between multiple teams.
What’s your background? (What did you study, what’s your employment history, etc)
I studied a Bachelor of Information Technology later in life after deciding my next life stage would be working in a development role (career decisions are never few and far between). I’ve worked in many different roles before making the transition to this role (computer sales, procurement and inventory management, bookkeeping) but technology has always been an underpinning in the roles or companies I’ve worked for. I also lived in Scandinavia for a few years to experience something a bit different. It’s been a long journey to this point but one that has been constantly evolving.
What’s the coolest things about your job?
Working on code in a professional environment! It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling knowing that code you’ve written is being used by colleagues to perform essential functions in the ABS. It’s also nice to work in a collaborative environment. Issues are discussed freely, and no one is afraid to ask for help regardless of their level of experience.
What are the limitations of your job?
The technology chosen for my area is tried and tested but also set in stone as to what can be used. It has meant quite a steep learning curve due to the way the vendor has architected their software and systems. It also means that development must follow a particular path and is less flexible. Also, releasing code to production can sometimes be a long process given the testing and approvals that a release needs to go through and the priorities of users. There’s definitely a lot of patience required.
Three pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…
It’s ok not to get 100%! Although you should always strive for your personal best sometimes you won’t achieve the absolute best on every assignment or exam. The important thing is to based your learning on feeling like you understand what’s being taught and not worrying about every detail.
Aim for a wide range of learning. While it’s good to have a specialisation, you never know what you might be working on when you finish studying so it’s important not to focus too hard on one language or one technology so early in your career.
Keep an open mind to job opportunities. You may not find the “perfect” job straight away, but you also don’t know that you won’t love the job you do find. That first job may be a stepping stone or it could be a great fit that will last many years. It could also be in a different city! You won’t know until you give it a go.