Name: Ellie Bailey
Job Title: Application Support Analyst at Civica
Bio: My name is Ellie, and I am excited to have been working for Civica as an Application Support Analyst in Belfast for nearly one year now. This is my first professional position after achieving first class honours in my degree, BSc in Computing and IT, from the Queen’s University of Belfast.
What does your typical day look like?
A run-of-the-mill day starts with logging in to the large-scale messaging solution I support and ensuring all high priority messages have successfully cleared the system, working to resolve any that become stuck. Next, a daily SCRUM meeting ensues to discuss my progress/set targets with my team and discuss any updates from our client. I then move to work on our Service Desk application, working closely with my client-side colleagues and manager to investigate and resolve issues that may have arisen.
What are you currently working on?
The pioneering project I am involved in is a 2-way messaging application sending and receiving data that processes upwards of 200k messages per month. It takes information from a source system, validates and formats that information before sharing the information out to allow numerous external systems access to the details. The system was designed to reduce errors and accelerate productivity by sharing the information quickly and correctly. I am a proud member of my team and work to smooth any running issues with the system.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
I was initially approached by a member of Civicas Talent Acquisition team via social media about an exciting and innovative new data sharing platform, which required Application Support Analysts to administrate. The opportunity not just to learn and start my career, but also delve into a completely new business domain was massively appealing.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
Simply putting it, no. Fuelled by adrenaline inducing Horse Racing, and my love of horses unquestionably, my first ambition was to become a prestigious Jockey. Unfortunately, I grew a bit too tall. Leaving High School, I set my sights to Creative Media, undertaking a BTEC diploma and learning how to handle a Camera, design Digital Art, and manage my own projects to put it lightly. I excelled in this subject, but I needed an exciting new challenge; one with endless possibilities and opportunities. Taking a leap, I started my degree in Computing and IT and haven’t looked back since.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
From Civicas employee benefits to working at home, my favourite is problem solving within the main system I work on and the enormous satisfaction that comes with it. After eight months of steep learning and acquiring knowledge, this reflects in my work and I am proud to be able to develop solutions alongside my team. Moreover, knowing the hard work you are doing will have a positive impact is extremely rewarding.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
Go for it! In Technology, there is a role for everyone, from Support, to Management, Development and Consultancy. The opportunities to work on positive life changing projects are endless and you could be a part of them.
How do you see technology impacting on our lives?
I see it continuing to encourage inclusivity regardless of an Individuals background and promote collaboration and learning. Alongside the positive impacts, regularly disconnecting from our devices is important for our mental health.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
Whilst in High School, an eccentric, inspirational local businessman held a Robotics workshop with the challenge of programming a small robot along a winding path to reach the goal. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and he sparked my first interest in the Technology sector.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
At a time where we are at a turning point with our planet, I believe the ground-breaking work of Tesla and its fully electric eco-friendly cars is extremely important in the future of cutting harmful car emissions and paving the path to a cleaner, healthier world. The environmentally positive attitude set in the strides of Tesla should be at the forefront of every company.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
My most prized possession is my Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera which I pull out on every hike and road trip. Being able to reminisce over the breath-taking views I have captured is hugely fulfilling. It’s also a hobby which positively affects my mental well-being (especially over the Covid-19 lockdown periods!), and I would feel amiss without it.
