What does your job entail?
I work for the Research and Development team at Allstate NI, primarily in iOS development. My role consists of actively looking for opportunities to deliver ideas and proof of concepts for solutions that could be of use to Allstate and to develop them to a level where a decision on their use can be made. We also get asked to look into particular concepts from the business and see if ideas are worthy of progressing and developing.
Is it 9-5?
For the most part it is 9-5 but as with all things in IT there are those situations where that goes out the window and you have to get the work done, but thankfully those times don’t happen very often.
How did you get into this line of work?
From a very early age I was already interested in software development. I remember my father’s company got a ZX80 and he brought it home to me at the weekends and I was hooked, typing in listings from magazines and try to debug the inevitable misprints. As a teenager I remember asking for a set of Amiga technical reference manuals for a Christmas present rather than toys. It’s really just followed on from that.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
Having an inquisitive nature is a major plus point for the job. I have always been a keen problem solver and someone who wants to know how things work. Strong attention to detail and a personal pride in doing the best work you can are the main qualities I believe developers should have, along with the obvious technical knowledge for your role. Being able to bridge the communication gap between the business and technical folk is always a fantastic skill to have.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
The speed that technology changes always presents a challenge. There is always something new and different so it’s a constant learning experience which although challenging can also be very exciting. My role stays at the cutting edge of what is happening and that appeals to me. It’s very rewarding to see people actively using solutions that you worked on every day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Being married with 3 children means I don’t really have any spare time as such. Anytime that I do have free is normally spent either reading or listening to music.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I have 2 cats and a donkey.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam is someone I’ve always found inspirational - from the stand he and the band took in the 90’s over the monopoly of Ticketmaster with concert venues to how they give a percentage of all ticket sales at concerts to grass roots events. It also helps that he fronts the best band in the world!
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