“Also being trusted with the flexible hours, it can take the stress away when you hit the unexpected roadworks, knowing you can just work a little later or shorter lunch etc, or for any appointments that you may have, being able to work around them.”
What did you study and where?
I originally Studied Physics at the University of Edinburgh when I left school then in 2016 – 2019 I studied Computing and IT with the Open University. I had a lot of experience in labs doing Physics and a specific course with the Open University (Cisco Routing and Switching) was an in-depth study of packets/protocols/networks etc, both of these perfectly apply to being a test engineer at Calnex.
What initially attracted you to the Graduate role at Calnex?
It was interesting as I always had it in my mind that I wanted to do some form of Software Development, but after having done a course at university on testing, I quite enjoyed that and decided to pursue the job here. I do a good bit of coding as well which satisfies the ‘software development’ aspect
Tell us any highlights you have experienced since starting with Calnex
One particularly good highlight was soon after I started, either near the end of my probation or just after it finished, was testing a patch release of Paragon X, It was good to be trusted with something that was soon being handed over to customers quite early on in my career here.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m not sure of one thing I enjoy most but a few are being hands on in the lab, the hybrid model, there are a few pros and cons to both working from home and being in the office so splitting the week almost half and half is nice. Also being trusted with the flexible hours, it can take the stress away when you hit the unexpected roadworks, knowing you can just work a little later or shorter lunch etc, or for any appointments that you may have, being able to work around them.
Most challenging aspects of your job?
The most challenging aspect is probably understanding exactly what is required. Having to go and read some very exciting standard somewhere and understand exactly what is going on.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a Graduate role at Calnex?
Advice? I would recommend they pursue the role here, it is a very friendly and welcoming place to work, with plenty of activities/things to do during lunch (or after hours) eg circuits/Pilates/football/badminton/gym/showers.
Tell us something that surprised you about Calnex when you came?
Something that surprised me was perhaps receiving the hamper at Christmas two years and the chocolate pizza slice for the 100million in orders and the card for working from home for a year, they were very nice and unexpected gifts to receive.
