Name: Robyn Catterall
Role: Product Specialist, Kainos
University: University of Ulster, Coleraine – BSc(Hons) Computing
What does your typical day look like?
Every day I work on building, executing and maintaining automated Smart test packs for several clients, which they use to test the security of their business system, Workday. Smart test packs help clients automate the testing of their Workday configuration, reducing the manual effort required by them and making their lives easier!
What are you currently working on?
Currently I am building and executing security packs for three different clients ensuring the packs meet the client’s requirements and help bring value to their Workday testing.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
I worked in Kainos during my placement year in 2013, during that time my fellow colleagues were extremely supportive, and I felt I was a valued member of the team. The work was extremely diverse, and I was given the chance to work on several different projects. After I completed my university degree, I spent time working for other businesses, but I did not seem to get the same opportunities as I did during my time in Kainos.
I applied for Kainos again in January 2019- I felt that the opportunities to develop my career further through the Kainos Academy and to be a part of a company with a clear set of values. Kainos also provided an extremely generous benefits package that other companies I worked for couldn’t match!
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
No, not at first. I wanted to be a Physiotherapist as I have always been passionate about sports from a young age. During my A-Levels I attended lots of graduate fairs and spoke to various people who work within the Technology industry, they helped me realize just how diverse and exciting a job in Tech could be. I was attracted to the number of opportunities available and even though I did not know what area within Tech I wanted to be apart of, I knew that I would have the chance to explore different roles and work in a highly innovative environment!
What’s your favourite part about your work?
Within my job I get the opportunity to work with so many different people from different backgrounds. It is a very social workplace, and everyone is very approachable and always happy to lend a hand!
I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and my work always provides challenges but is also extremely rewarding. Right from the start, I was trusted to work with large clients, which gave me lots of confidence.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
Working in a tech role is very rewarding, it can be an incredible learning experience. Technology is such a diverse industry to work in, there are often so many opportunities to dive into other projects and you can find yourself picking up an interest in another area as there is such a large range of job roles available within the industry.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
Workday, the tech I work with, has impacted so many businesses by helping them plan, execute and analyze all in one system. They can execute everyday processes all in one place, and engage across mobile, tablet and browsers. Without modern technology this type of system would not exist and therefore increasing the effort needed to carry out simple business transactions.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
There isn’t one person who inspired me to work in this field. Several different people helped push me towards a career in Tech. I think just hearing different people’s experiences at Graduate Fairs really helped shape my career choice.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
Artificial Intelligence has been the forefront of tech in recent years and impacts us every day. AI powers how we interact and what we do daily through smartphones for example and in recent years through virtual assistants such as Alexa. Tech companies now are using AI to try and improve our healthcare system with robots to assist with lifesaving surgeries, figuring out personalized medicine and even the use of diagnostic tools.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I think it’s fair to say that most people cannot live without their mobile phones - I am one of those people!
