12 Aug 2024
To create lasting positive change, we take pride in attracting and supporting the development of team members who contribute to our success and gain valuable experience to carry forward in their career.
I recently spoke to one of our Junior Software Engineers, Finlay Kilcullen, who has been balancing working for Predict with his BSc in Software Engineering (Graduate Apprenticeship). He has just graduated from the University of Glasgow achieving first class honours and will soon be leaving us for a new and exciting role.
Interviewer: Hi Finlay, can you tell me a little bit more about your BSc in Software Engineering course?
Finlay: Sure, yes. The course has been very interesting, and a little different from a traditional degree. It’s one day a week in class, and the rest of the week I work at Predict. During the first two years, we focus on foundational skills, like how to be a professional in the workplace, basic coding, and software engineering principles. Then in the third and fourth years, it expands to more complex areas like problem-solving and mathematical skills, and you choose courses based on your interests or specialization. For example, in my third year, I took courses on machine learning, cybersecurity fundamentals, and other technology topics to build a solid knowledge base.
Interviewer: It sounds like a very wide-ranging course. How does your work at Predict fit into your studies?
Finlay: A significant part of the course involves a workplace project, which is like a dissertation but spans each year and makes up about half of our credits. For my fourth-year dissertation, I focused on a project at Predict, where we merged two platforms, Predict and Sensabill, to integrate their functionalities. This involved documenting my work, reflecting on my learning, and critically assessing the technical implementation and its business impact. Working at Predict has given me invaluable hands-on experience that complemented my academic learning perfectly.
Interviewer: What attracted you to Predict?
Finlay: It’s a funny story. I initially reached out to the university about internships, and they mentioned a last-minute opening at Predict. My friend Scott was also applying, and we both ended up getting jobs there. The startup environment at Predict, with its fast pace and high level of responsibility, really appealed to me. It allowed me to take ownership of projects, make mistakes, learn from them, and see real-world consequences of my work. This practical experience has been crucial in shaping my skills and contributing to my academic success.
Interviewer: Can you talk about some of the projects you’ve worked on at Predict?
Finlay: When I first started, the development team were tasked with redeveloping the legacy platform to make it more maintainable. This involved creating everything from scratch starting with fundamental reusable components, like buttons, following brand guidelines, and eventually combining it all into the new Predict’s platform which is live today. I also worked on developing the dashboard for Sensabill, our advanced analytics platform. My role has included both front-end and back-end work, giving me a well-rounded experience. One particularly rewarding aspect has been seeing these products through from initial development to final release and making a difference to the customers who are using Predict.
Interviewer: You mentioned machine learning. Can you explain a bit more about how it’s used at Predict?
Finlay: Sure. When we first discussed incorporating machine learning into our platform, I contributed knowledge I learned in my university course, like regression models. Initially, we used basic regression algorithms, but we quickly realized the data was non-linear and required more complex approaches. The lead engineer, Warrick, developed an advanced algorithm using shifting parameters to make accurate predictions over varying datasets. This involves continuously adjusting the model to improve accuracy based on new data, and it has significantly enhanced our platform’s capabilities.
Interviewer: What other features are you working on at Predict?
Finlay: Recently, I’ve been working on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) features. This involved developing a supplier self-assessment questionnaire on our platform to enable our suppliers’ to record and communicate their sustainability efforts to our customers. As sustainability becomes a more important consideration factor, customers will expect suppliers to follow sustainable business practices in the delivery of their mobile communication services. I’m excited about the potential impact this could have on promoting the importance of sustainable practices.
Interviewer: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Finlay: One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the fast-paced work environment with my academic commitments. I have had to manage my time meticulously, and this experience has improved my organizational skills and made me a better developer and professional. It was challenging, but it pushed me to deliver quality work quickly and efficiently.
Interviewer: What are your future plans?
Finlay: I plan to continue progressing in my career as a software engineer, always focusing on learning and improving. Although I’m leaving Predict soon, the experience and education I’ve gained here have opened up numerous opportunities. I aim to combine my technical skills with a business-minded approach to advance my career and make significant contributions in the tech industry.
Interviewer: It’s been great talking to you, Finlay. Your dedication and insights are inspiring, and I’m confident you’ll achieve great things in the future.
Finlay: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences.
To learn more about Predict, book a call or email us at: info@predictmobile.com.
