A day in the life of Colin, a software engineer

Colin

My journey to Sorted wasn't exactly a straight line. After years of contract work, hopping from one project to another every few months, I found myself at a crossroads. The contracting landscape was shifting with new IR35 regulations, and honestly, I was getting a bit weary of the constant job hunting and interview cycle.

Enter Sorted. I'd actually done some contract work here before, so I was familiar with the fantastic team and the exciting projects they were tackling. When they reached out about a permanent position, it felt like the perfect opportunity. My kids were older and more self-sufficient, and I was ready to invest my skills in a role where I could make a lasting impact.

A day in the life at Sorted

So, what's it like being a software engineer at Sorted? In short: it's a rollercoaster ride of challenges, collaboration and growth. We operate in two-week sprints, juggling ongoing projects with unexpected hurdles that keep us on our toes.

Our days typically kick off with a stand-up meeting. It's our chance to sync up with the team, flag any roadblocks and map out our game plan for the day. The spirit of teamwork here is incredible – if someone's stuck, there's always a colleague ready to jump in with fresh ideas or a helping hand.

One aspect I particularly appreciate about Sorted is our commitment to continuous improvement. Yes, we have deadlines and targets to meet, but we're also encouraged to look beyond the immediate task. If we spot opportunities to boost performance or tackle technical debt along the way, we're empowered to speak up and make it happen.

Agile in action, the Sorted way

At Sorted, Agile isn't just a buzzword – it's woven into the fabric of our daily work. We've experimented with various methodologies, from Scrum to Kanban, always adapting our approach to best fit the project at hand.

One of my favourite practices is our "three amigos" sessions. It's where we bring together a developer, a QA engineer and a business analyst to dissect new features or challenges. It's a brilliant way to gather diverse perspectives and ensure we're all aligned before we dive into the code.

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. We face our share of technical hurdles, from optimising performance to managing our cloud costs on Azure. But what sets Sorted apart is our collaborative approach to problem-solving.

There's a culture of openness here that I really value. If you spot an issue in the code – even if it's not directly related to your current task – you're encouraged to flag it. We're not about sweeping problems under the rug; we tackle them head-on as a team.

Evolving as a developer and communicator

If there's one thing my time at Sorted has reinforced, it's the importance of effective communication. As developers, it's easy to get lost in our code, but being able to articulate your ideas, listen actively to others and collaborate effectively is just as crucial as your technical prowess.

My advice to aspiring software engineers? Don't shy away from voicing your thoughts, even if you're not 100% certain. Some of our most innovative solutions have emerged from brainstorming sessions where we build on each other's ideas. And always, always double-check your understanding – it's saved me from countless wild goose chases!

Why I chose Sorted

After years in the contracting world, why did I decide to put down roots at Sorted? It boils down to three things: the people, the challenges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Every day, I get to tackle intriguing problems alongside a team of brilliant, supportive colleagues. We're constantly learning, growing and pushing each other to reach new heights.

If you're on the lookout for a place where you can expand your skills, take on exciting challenges and be part of something truly innovative, Sorted might just be your perfect match.

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