Tech Trailblazers

Tech Trailblazers: Robert Finn

  • Name: Robert Finn

    Job title: Software Engineer, Bazaarvoice

    Short Bio: Hi, my name is Robert Finn. I graduated from Queen’s University of Belfast with a MEng in Computer Games Development and I’ve been working as a Software Engineer in Industry for a few years.

    What does your typical day look like?

    My typical day involves one of the following: writing code for a new feature, reviewing somebody’s else’s code on the team, verifying some existing work and attending a quick stand-up meeting for everybody to keep each other up to date.

    What are you currently working on?

    The team I work with in Bazaarvoice are responsible for identity, access and management. We’re currently working on a variety of frontend and backend updates to integrate our system with Curalate’s, a company BV recently acquired.

    What inspired you to join this company in particular?

    My first exposure to Bazaarvoice was through a Hackathon I attended which they sponsored at Queen’s university Belfast. Through this experience I got to learn about how BV were using machine learning to detect fraudulent reviews left on ecommerce stores. I got to see a glimpse into the exciting challenges people face on a day-to-day basis working for BV.

    Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?

    I’ve always enjoyed problem solving and have had an interest in technology. After spending a little time dabbling in programming over the summer months, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree and then career in the tech industry.

    What’s your favourite part about your work?

    The ever-changing landscape and variety of work you do on a day-to-day basis. I’m always learning, and this is something I love about working in technology.

    I also really enjoy the leadership and engineering communities of practice within Bazaarvoice - particularly the book club which runs as part of the leadership COP.

    What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?

    I would highly recommend anybody considering a job in the tech industry to pursue it. There are so many fields within the tech industry, you are sure to find a fit for you.

    How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?

    This technology has already impacted the lives of so many people working in NI. The industry has created a lot of opportunities and different career paths, which I think is really exciting. I enjoy working for Bazaarvoice in the ecommerce sector but the tech industry as a whole has so many sectors, retail, finance, and security to name a few. Overall, this is a really exciting time to be part of the tech industry.

    Who inspired you to work in this field?

    It wasn’t one person in particular. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to have support guidance from both my teachers and family. As someone who enjoys problem solving and gaming, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to study Computer Games Development at QUB.

    What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?

    One area I find particularly fascinating in the past decade is virtual reality. The headsets and experiences keep getting better so I’m excited to see what the future holds.

    What tech gadget could you not live without?

    My Xbox!

    About the author

    Brendan is a Sync NI writer with a special interest in the gaming sector, programming, emerging technology, and physics. To connect with Brendan, feel free to send him an email or follow him on Twitter.

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