Name: Benjamin Firth
Job title: Principal Software Engineer & Head of Engineering at 3EN
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day can go one of two ways, both of which involve plenty of coffee. I could be workshopping with a customer to help them capture their vision for an app, or creating a bespoke integration which will create harmony across their systems. I could also have a full day of planning and implementing how we can make a customer’s vision become a reality using the many tools at our disposal. It’s safe to say no two days are the same.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a really exciting project that will integrate and automate the entire business processes for a large furniture company.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
A new challenge. The idea of ‘tried and tested’ can sometimes limit you as an engineer, but I wanted the freedom to do both the trying and the testing to find out the best solutions for a range of challenges. Working at 3EN allows me to push my abilities further.
Did you always want to work in the tech industry?
Not necessarily. I have never thought of myself as a ‘desk job’ person, as I prefer to be active and hands-on with work. However, I am a problem solver and love to build things so it’s not surprising I have ended up in this industry. I find it exhilarating that we can create amazing, life changing things with nothing more than a laptop and an idea!
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The delivery of the finished solution, letting the customer see something tangible that came from just an idea in their head or a scribble on a notepad.
What would you say to other people considering a job in the tech industry?
Just go for it. I think some people are quick to judge that they aren’t a ‘good fit’ for the industry but there are so many different directions you can move in. The tech industry isn’t just about writing code, it’s about thinking outside the box, which is a good mindset for anyone to adopt and will always be a benefit.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
As I mentioned previously, I came into this industry from a love of fixing, not writing code. It’s just my tool of choice for my role. That love for fixing issues and the attitude of always trying to find a solution is inspired by my grandfather.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
3D printing. I think we’re still yet to see the huge impact it’ll have on the world.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
Imagine the day we would no longer have to wait for our orders to be delivered. We just click ‘buy’, and our 3D printer starts printing our new purchase.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
Simple - the kettle!
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3EN is a Holywood-based software firm, and is one of the global Oracle NetSuite Enterprise Resource Management Solutions Partners, operating across Europe and the US. Find out more about 3EN here.
