As I prepare for my next adventure in London, I want to take a moment to reflect on my journey from university graduate to web developer. It's been a remarkable two years filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
I’m Kia, a 2022 graduate from Aberystwyth University with a first-class degree in Business Information Technology. My first job right out of university was at gloversure, where I specialised in backend development, with PHP being my language of choice. Occasionally, I dabbled in frontend development, expanding my skills across different aspects of web development.
My journey in web development began at the age of 16 when I started building websites using basic HTML and CSS. Over time, I ventured into JavaScript and PHP, which solidified my interest in backend development. My academic background in business IT provided a strong foundation, and it was through a lecturer at Aberystwyth University that I first heard about gloversure.
What initially drew me to gloversure was the company's reputation for fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. The prospect of working on diverse projects and learning from experienced developers was incredibly appealing. gloversure’s culture, characterised by friendliness and hard work, resonated with my own professional values.
At gloversure, I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, including WordPress websites, Supercontrol API integrations, and Magento 2 developments. One of my favourite projects was the improvements to the Supercontrol offering, which allowed me to delve deep into backend functionalities.
Working at gloversure surpassed my expectations. Under the guidance of senior developers, my coding skills improved significantly. I learned invaluable lessons in code quality and best practices, which will undoubtedly benefit my future career.
Every job comes with its challenges, and this one was no exception. However, these challenges were pivotal learning experiences that contributed to my professional growth from graduate to developer. The company culture is one of its greatest assets. The team is supportive, friendly, and hardworking, creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to excel.
The dynamic within the development team was incredibly positive. Management was always supportive of my goals and ideas, and the close-knit nature of the team made collaboration enjoyable. This camaraderie motivated me to give my best on every project.
One of the most memorable experiences was the out-of-work events like bowling, canoeing, and the Christmas party. A particularly funny moment was when it rained during our BBQ, and we had to cook the sausages under a balcony. These events helped build strong team bonds and made my time there even more special.
For anyone considering a position at gloversure, my advice is simple: go for it. The variety of projects you'll work on and the supportive environment will provide an excellent foundation for your career in web development.
My experience reaffirmed my passion for web development and significantly boosted my confidence in both professional and social settings. The exposure to different technologies and collaboration with developers from various backgrounds was invaluable.
To the current team at gloversure, I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you all. I wish you the best in your future endeavours. Working at gloversure has been a fantastic experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
As I look forward to new challenges and opportunities in London, I carry with me the lessons and memories from my time at gloversure. The friendly and supportive environment, coupled with the chance to work on exciting projects, has prepared me well for the next chapter in my career. Thank you, gloversure, for an incredible two years!