Giselle Smith

COMPANY : TCS (Tata Consulting Services)

JOB TITLE : Analyst Developer

I work on the Legal and General Account. A business spec is presented by a Business Analyst which I then analyse and then write a technical spec of how to code it using programs written in a programming language such as RPG and using an existing software called Insure 90 on the iSeries platform. Once I have completed the program I will then test my work before passing it back to the Business Analyst for further testing.

RELATED DEGREE :

• BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering Degree at Sheffield University

WORK EXPERIENCE :

I disliked the slow paced environment of Mechanical Engineering – it’s a very male dominated industry – worse pay – as a female you face more of an up hill struggle. I decided I liked problem solving / technical skills but really wanted to focus my mind to really understand the product you are working on and work through the problems. IT is much more fast paced and more open to address the gender in-balance in the work environment.

I worked at PMSC for 2.5 years and was trained on the graduate training scheme in the software and programming language, which I am now specialised in.

SKILLS REQUIRED :

• Logical brain.
• Problem solving / investigating nature.
• Other people need to follow your programs in your absence so you need to be clear and concise in your instructions, layout and thought process.
• Since my job offers support cover – it helps to understand people and relate to their IT problems so the ability to communicate and patience is a benefit!
• Must be able to motivate yourself.
• Create your own deadline – usually you work on your own although some teamwork is involved.

BENEFITS OF THE JOB :

• A developer can easily work either full / part time.
• Flexibility to work on your own and utilise your time according to your own needs.
• Contracting is well paid and versatile.
• Don’t have to manage people and therefore avoid company politics.
• The fact that it’s possible to work from home offers ideal flexibility around child-care etc.

CAREER GOALS :

• Management route is possible on the IT side.
• I am already a senior developer but I might branch off and learn a new software package which would broaden my skill-set.
• I also wish to develop in business strategy since there are many opportunities in this area since they are always looking for seniors with technological knowledge.