Coding has been my passion since my school days. I remember being introduced to HTML basics in 8th grade by my favourite Computer Science teacher. Inserting a code and seeing it open on browser was really fascinating. In college, I delved into coding more seriously, especially with Java. I found myself really drawn to this part of my curriculum, and in the first few years of my career, I honed my skills as a Java developer.
I love my role as a software engineer. It's not just about coding, it's about adapting to different work dynamics. The most satisfying moments are when we deliver a project successfully, seeing our collective efforts culminate in a functioning solution, and knowing that it will make a difference, is truly fulfilling.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of creating a piece of code from scratch, refining it over months, and finally presenting it. These moments reaffirm my passion for software development and motivate me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Starting my journey at Lloyds Technology Centre was a significant milestone for me. I’m proud to be one of the first 15 colleagues to join the organisation. My induction gave me a good grasp of what to expect, and things have been going smoothly ever since.
When I applied, it wasn't just about finding any job. Lloyds Banking Group is the largest digital bank in the UK, and I wanted to work with a big organisation after having worked in a start-up ecosystem. Plus, I was excited about the opportunity to specialise in fintech and gain experience in financial services.
I attended a comprehensive three-day induction where I learned a lot about the Group's history and purpose. I met subject matter experts including a colleague in the ID and Authentication Lab, and the Chapter Lead, who shared insights into the organisation’s projects and ways of working. I also got to know our Head of Engineering, whose background as a developer really inspired me.
I really appreciate our hybrid working model. It's a great balance between working in the office and working from home. I get to connect with my teammates in person, which is essential for collaboration, but I also have the flexibility to work remotely when needed.
I've been impressed by the amenities and culture here. Despite joining the organisation at a very early stage, I immediately found the environment welcoming and engaging. It's more than a workplace - it's a place to build connections, and there's a strong sense of camaraderie and excitement among colleagues. There's a shared enthusiasm for the journey ahead and a collective effort to understand and exceed expectations. This dynamic, startup-like atmosphere fosters collaboration and innovation, which I find incredibly inspiring.
Another aspect that really resonated with me was the support I received from the company during a difficult time. In December, I unexpectedly lost my uncle, and I needed to be with my family for a few weeks. I reached out to my manager and our People Director and Head of HR, and they were incredibly understanding and supportive. They simply approved my request and told me to take the time I needed. The level of compassion and support I received during a difficult time meant a lot to me and really solidified my appreciation for the company.
I’ve been passionate about badminton since my childhood. Although I didn't pursue it professionally, I still enjoy playing whenever I get the chance. Recently, I've picked up singing as a hobby, even bought myself a guitar to explore it further. I'm also considering sharing my musical journey on social media. I've also recently developed an interest in tattoos, having gotten one recently. What sets Lloyds Technology Centre apart is that it allows me the space to be myself and encourages me to pursue interests outside work.
Since joining, I've been eagerly exploring our technology capabilities. Being part of the ID and Authentication Lab within the Channel Enabling Platform, I constantly communicate with my engineering colleagues, which really excites me because there's always something new to learn and discover.
One of the perks of working here is our unlimited access to learning courses on Pluralsight. I've been taking full advantage of this by regularly studying courses on Java and the specific technology stacks that we use. My engineering lead even set up a dedicated channel for us, which contains a treasure trove of 123 hours of training material designed to deepen our understanding. I'm confident that after completing it, I'll be ready to deliver beyond expectations. There's always room for improvement, and I'm determined to broaden my skills as much as possible.
This has been an exciting journey for me so far. Being part of the team and bringing new Authentication features to life across different Cloud platforms is something I'm truly excited about.
Overall, my experience at Lloyds Technology Centre has been nothing short of fantastic, and I'm looking forward to continuing this journey of growth and contribution alongside my colleagues.
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