From a Graduate to a Software Engineer: Sarah's Career Progression at Dell Technologies Ireland

I joined Dell Technologies in early 2021 as a Graduate Software Engineer with the IT Development program, right after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in computer science. I’ve spent nearly two years with Dell and have progressed to a Level 2 Software Engineer.

How would you describe a day in the life of a Software Engineer at Dell Technologies?

One key aspect of my role is that the work I do doesn’t differ from that of more experienced team members. All engineers are equally involved in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of our product lines. Some days can be full of meetings, while others are mainly spent coding. I have regular meetings with my team, such as our daily standups, where we keep each other updated on work progress and any obstacles blocking our progress. This allows collaboration to identify and resolve problems quickly. We also have meetings involving planning for future work, testing completed features, and reflecting on our performance as a team.

Can you share a project or moment that you have been most proud of during your career at Dell Technologies?

It’s hard to pick just one moment because every time I complete and deploy a project, it’s a great feeling. There’s something very rewarding about building an application from scratch that will make an impact. What makes me most proud, is the recognition I receive from team members for executing tasks or assisting others to succeed.

How has Dell Technologies contributed to your success?

Over the past two years, I’ve learned so much about how to use a wide range of new technologies, mostly through modernizing some of our legacy applications and deploying new event-driven solutions.

I’ve also refined my understanding of good design and coding practices with the support of some incredibly smart people. This experience overall has boosted my confidence, especially when influencing decisions made in a collaborative environment.

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you first started at Dell Technologies?

You’re not expected to know everything, so don’t let a lack of experience impact your confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say you’re not familiar with something. What’s important is demonstrating your curiosity and eagerness to learn.

Outside of work, what else do you enjoy?

One thing I have always enjoyed is traveling, whether it’s a short city break, two weeks in the sun, or a random weekend road trip across Ireland. The great thing about Dell Technologies is that they provide flexibility and freedom to choose where you work through the Connected Workplace program. I also love going to concerts and finding new restaurants to try.