Financial Services

Summary

"Our Business Development team are keen to expand our business, and the Technology team are helping to implement ideas and feedback to the business on what technology we could provide and improve. I’m excited about moving the business forward, together." What’s your role in AFSL?I’m currently working in the Technology team as a Senior Software Engineer. Some of the work I do includes managing the existing cloud infrastructure, as well as maintaining and developing our products per business growth needs. I also work closely with third parties on the systems integration, and there’s plenty of other things going on to keep me busy!How did you get into your role?After working in my previous team for almost 5 years, I was looking for an opportunity to expand my technical knowledge, particularly around the cloud platform and Kubernetes areas. I was also interested in joining a start-up team, where I could get involved in putting software delivery processes in place. Fortunately, AFSL were looking for someone new to join their Technology team to start on the new in-house infrastructure and system!In the long term, I see myself continuing to support our cross-functional teams in AFSL, and spending more time investigating and pushing our technology forward to satisfy business needs.What do you like about working in AFSL?The transparency across AFSL. A communication gap is a common issue in many workplaces, but AFSL makes a good effort to be transparent and honest about what’s happening in the business. There are lots of different forms of sharing information and news here, which encourages people to be honest about their ideas and feelings.Secondly, the people – this is really important to me. Not only are people friendly and always willing to help, but I’ve also been learning a lot from very talented people with lots of different experiences and backgrounds.What excites you about the future of AFSL?Lots of things! Our Business Development team are keen to expand our business, and the Technology team are helping to implement ideas and feedback to the business on what technology we could provide and improve. I’m excited about moving the business forward, together.Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of joining AFSL?AFSL is growing at a fast pace, with plenty of exciting and various opportunities. If you’re willing to take on a challenge, explore new areas or want to take a step forward in your career, grab the opportunity!In the Technology team, I’d say that having a drive to learn is essential. We all know that technology moves incredibly fast, so keeping up to date with modern technology will hugely benefit yourself and AFSL. This business also encourages you to challenge our existing technical solutions and processes, so shout about your ideas.

Summary

"Having seen the Technology team grow from just two others and myself to a full team, it’s really exciting seeing our progress accelerate. There are lots of exciting projects going on!"What’s your role in AFSL?I currently work as a Python Backend Software Engineer in AFSL’s Technology team.How are you finding it so far?I’m having a wonderful time working for AFSL. I have been working here full-time for a month, and part-time for the last two years. Work is always interesting and there’s never a dull day with my colleagues!How did you get into your role?I came to Admiral during Sixth Form, after meeting a Business Development Manager at an Insurtech hackathon. I did some work experience here and was invited back to work at Admiral throughout my degree.I joined a small cross-functional team in 2017, which would soon grow up to AFSL’s Technology team. Since 2018, I’ve been working on Admiral One, the new cloud-first microservice platform that underpins our new Car Finance and Unsecured Personal Loan journeys.How does AFSL differ from previous work you’ve done?My job in AFSL is my first full-time position, but it’s very different from the group assignments that I’ve worked on at university. It’s refreshing to work on and build solutions that are related to real business problems, instead of coursework that can sometimes feel a bit artificial.What do you like about working in AFSL?I love how I’m allowed to work and how friendly all my colleagues are. When I’m given a task, I’m left to go away and get it done as best I can. I’ve never felt guilty about spending time to get my head around something that might be less familiar to me. It’s also liberating knowing that you can come to your manager at any time if you need pointing in the right direction, or for a code-chew to see how you’re getting on. I think this playful attitude to development really brings out my best qualities and has immediately killed the impostor syndrome I felt when I first joined.What excites you about the future of AFSL?Having seen the Technology team grow from just two others and myself to a full team, it’s really exciting seeing our progress accelerate. There are lots of exciting projects going on!Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of joining AFSL?I think all you need to thrive here is a real drive to learn and to be happy doing things that are new to you. All the people I work with here are so supportive.