I am currently working as a Lead Ruby Developer at the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). To be honest, I just tend to think of myself as a Software Engineer. The ‘Lead’ title is there, but for me, it’s all about building good software and helping the team solve problems. The ‘Ruby’ in the title refers to the Ruby programming language that we are using.
I LOVE being in the mix
My role is a real mix of things. Some days I’m deep into the code, and other times I’m sketching out the architecture for a new feature. A big part of my job is the team leadership side. That is code for ensuring that everyone has the support they need, whether that’s through code reviews, tackling a tricky problem together, or just making sure we’re all pulling in the same direction.
How coding can keep UK cosmetics safe
I’m working on the codebase for the Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications (SCPN) at the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The SCPN allows the OPSS to monitor the market and, crucially, gives poison centres instant access to product formulas during an emergency. The SCPN is a legal requirement where companies must submit safety data for cosmetic products sold in the UK. The SCPN service was created when the UK left the EU. Prior to this, the UK was using an EU service. This has given us the opportunity to create a more user centred service for UK users, with better user experience and outcomes for UK Plc.
I have been a developer for quite a few years now, and I think the most enjoyable thing for me is building software with a real purpose. Unlike roles I’ve had in the past, the work here at Triad on the OPSS contract feels different because it directly contributes to public safety.
Satisfaction in software engineering
Being a software engineer in general can be really satisfying, especially when you’re tackling a complex problem. Building a clean, effective solution can be like solving a puzzle that you know will genuinely help users in the end.
I have found that I like things done properly, so I do get a bit frustrated when I have to delve into some old code and find it a mess to untangle. It’s that feeling of knowing it could have been built with more care from the start, and now it’s slowing down the new, positive work we’re trying to do.
But having said that, there’s a flip side to it. Once you get past the initial headache, there’s a different kind of satisfaction in cleaning up that mess. That feeling of improving the codebase, knowing it will be in a much better state, making life easier in the future. So, although it is tricky to start with, it can be rewarding.
How to keep up
Over the years, as a developer, I have found the easiest way to keep up with the ever-changing world of development is to be part of the community.
There are some great sites out there that can help you learn and grow your skillset. The Ruby on Rails community is a very supportive group of developers and like-minded people, which is great for people like me who code using the Ruby programming language.
I also try to be honest about where I’m falling behind, so I can focus my learning in those areas to bridge any gaps I may have.
Triad provides us with all the support you’d expect; however, for me, the most important support I get is from our team. During the time we’ve been working together, we have become genuinely close, and we have each other’s backs. There are no egos in the team, and we all help if someone needs a hand. This informal and collaborative support is what I really value the most, and it’s what allows us to do our best work.
What I have learned
What advice would I give my younger self just starting out as a Software Engineer? I guess I’d have to tell myself a couple of things. First, the code is only half the job. Being a good teammate, who people want to work with, is the other, more important half.
Second, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” You’re going to feel like you don’t have a clue sometimes – that’s normal, it happens to us all. Asking the “stupid” question is the quickest way to learn, and being approachable will get you a lot further in your career than trying to be the smartest person in the room.
If you have a question for Alan or the Triad team, please get in touch.
