What does a typical morning look like?
There is never really a typical morning for us, each week there’s a new exciting project, whether it’s with the DfE, coding alongside apprentices or even writing blogs like this one! But even with the change in tasks, most mornings start with a quick meeting with our supervisor, Dom. Before we jump straight into work, we usually play a short game together to get settled and make the rest of the day feel a bit lighter. It’s a nice way to ease into the work.
After the game, we have a catch-up session on what we did the previous week and what awaits us in the following week. It is also recommended to take lots of breaks throughout the day. I then spend some time writing in my journal. This is where we reflect on what we did that week, what we learned, what we want to learn next, and any worries or concerns we may have. This helps me keep track of my progress and reflect on it as part of my development.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about working in tech?
The most surprising thing for me was how collaborative everything is, not just sitting at a chair doing independent work that drains the life out of you, but instead, I find myself constantly pairing up on code and discussing ideas. This opened my eyes to how much I misunderstood what tech is; it isn’t just about writing a bunch of code, it’s communicating with others and solving problems together.
Whilst working on my project of designing and building a simple assessment system for teachers, I realised I wasn’t just learning HTML, CSS, Flask or SQL, I was learning what it’s really like in a junior product designer’s shoes. I was able to pick up on what the user wants/needs to ensure a smoother user experience for a non-technical audience.
What advice would you give to the next group of students?
My advice is to find a routine that works best for you. Both college work and your responsibilities tend to pile up quickly, making you feel overwhelmed. If you can’t manage your time well, then try different ways to see what fits you. And honestly, if u end up doing things last minute (not recommended, but we’ve all been there), make sure you still try your best.
About the Author
Taybah Tahir
T-Level Student
