Fresh out of university with a maths and computing degree, Sharada stumbled on a junior developer vacancy at Ingeus. Joining us back in 2016, the last decade has seen her build not just IT systems, but a career with three very special attributes. Now leading a team as our Head of Application and Software Engineering, she’s looking to the next ten years at Ingeus, a company she says was ‘right first time’.
Sharada’s in-house team customises and builds bespoke IT systems to support colleagues Ingeus-wide – sometimes deployed across international Group companies. They respond quickly as new contracts mobilise and provide ongoing maintenance and IT support. It’s a responsible and varied role that Sharada clearly enjoys, yet it’s the wider aspects of Ingeus life that she genuinely values.
Putting her analytical thinking skills to good use, she describes the three defining features of her job satisfaction as:
Career development
“I like to learn new things and keep pace with new technologies. Technical training and on the job learning helped me move upwards every couple of years, to senior developer, to team lead, and now to head our function. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and train colleagues and attend senior leadership training which really boosted my confidence and strategic thinking skills. Why would I go elsewhere when there are so many great opportunities to develop here at Ingeus?”
Adding value
“I’m proud of myself for contributing to work that adds such value to people’s lives. It’s amazing to hear the success stories of people that Ingeus helps – and Ingeus is great at sharing them! I may not work directly with participants, but what I do supports them nonetheless. I feel like I’m genuinely contributing to the bigger picture.”
Flexibility
“We’re a very close-knit team and pull out all the stops when required but my work life balance is still spot on. I live in London and work remotely but feel so connected still. We work very collaboratively and make an effort to regularly meet in person. Away from work, I recently got married and love hiking and going to the gym. Ingeus offers Vitality health and leisure perks – the discounted cinema tickets are great.”
As the last ten years passed Sharada in a flash, what do the next ten hold?
“There’s so much more I can achieve, even in my current role. We’re looking to grow the team and further embrace AI and automation tools to support Ingeus’ day to day work. Hopefully I’ll fit a honeymoon in soon too!”
