Tech Candidate Spotlight - Fred Campbell, Software Engineer in the UK

Can you share a little bit about your educational background?

I earned a traditional degree in Experimental Psychology. I later trained in my late twenties as a Software Engineer through Makers Academy bootcamp.

It was great and I learned a lot from this practical, hands-on experience. Joining a small startup after that provided a lot of educational benefits. I was able to try my hand in lots of different areas.

What would you like to learn more about?

Tech related: I’d like to skill up as a front-end developer. I only have back-end experience so far and feel I’m missing out a bit! Non-tech related: Gardening as ours is a mess!

What led you to pursue a career in tech?

I previously coded HTML sites in Notepad in the early 2000s and drifted away from it. I felt dissatisfied with my career in Education many years later. 

I then decided to take up coding again since I enjoyed it so much. Needless to say, things have changed since the turn of the millennium!

How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

Developing soft skills has been important alongside technical skills. Good listening and communication skills are so crucial but often overlooked in favour of blunt technical output. Working to become a well-rounded developer rather than just technically proficient is essential.

If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

I ended up moving into back-end through circumstance rather than choice. However, I’ve always had an interest in design and would like to pivot more into front-end if I have the opportunity.

Is your new role different from previous ones? 

It’s in a very different industry. I’m moving from fintech into hospitality. Sometimes it can feel daunting dropping all that domain knowledge and ‘starting again’ within a new industry.

What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role or company?

A highly-skilled and friendly team, a great product with clear direction, and a collaborative working environment. I am also looking forward to learning new technologies I have not worked with previously.

What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

I spoke to a few recruiters but nothing felt particularly targeted and nothing fit my overall experience level. I found the process much more frustrating than it needed to be. There was so much noise and it was hard to find a good match.

What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

Be responsive and get back to recruiters regardless of whether the job is one you’re interested in. When you do find something that seems to be a good fit, it’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for and the skill set you can provide.

What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

Go for it! The process was so smooth and straightforward, and the companies on the platform are very high quality.

Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

Take a break from your screen every once in a while. Don’t work into the evening. Focus on developing core tech skills rather than chasing the latest trends.

Congrats on the job, Fred! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Fred did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

If you’re looking for innovative, talented UK tech talent like Fred, ask for a demo customized to your needs.

About Triptease

Triptease is a SaaS startup building software to help the hotel industry increase their direct bookings. Their industry-leading products bring the right guests straight to the right hotel so they can get the best price direct. Founded in 2013, Triptease has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in London.

Tech Stack

TypeScript, Node.JS, Python, HTML, CSS, React, Redux, Jest, Google Cloud Platform, Docker, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, Redis, Airflow, Jupyter, Continuous Deployment, CircleCI, Test Driven Development (TDD), Pair Programming, Looker, BigQuery, Behavior-driven Development (BDD)

Benefits

Stock options, paid time off, maternity/paternity benefits, tuition reimbursement, career growth, diversity program, job training, and more.