Asidua

Stacy

I joined Asidua as a graduate engineer in February 2008 after completing a placement year in the company in 2005 / 2006. I graduated from Queen’s University in July 2007 with a 1st Class Masters degree in Computer Science and Maths.  My degree not only enabled me to improve a number of skills but it also gave me a passion for learning and fuelled my ambition to do well in the future and have a successful career.

Work in Asidua
I completed my placement year in Asidua. I had an excellent year and thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the job.  I gained experience of working in a team environment on a live project for one of Asidua’s clients.   Asidua provided me with a number of excellent opportunities and from day one treated me as a valued member of staff.   I returned as a Graduate in February 2008. I wanted a job that would enable me to firstly gain valuable experience in development – especially using .NET as this is what I had been gained experience in during my placement.  Ultimately my aim is to go into the Business Analyst side of things and then perhaps move on to do project management.  I enjoy working with people and in the future would like a more customer facing role in IT. 

I am currently working on a project that involves MS .NET technologies and SQL Server and XML related technologies. I am developing in C# and using technologies such as SQL Server Integration Services and Reporting Services.  The work is interesting and challenging and I am continually learning both new things; and better ways to do things.

Training at Asidua
I know that Asidua will provide me with all the opportunities I need to build a successful career in the IT industry.  They will provide me with the development experience that I need and also the appropriate training in all areas.  I also know that the work involved will challenge me on a daily basis and that I will never be bored in my work here. The company provides excellent career progression opportunities and they really do take on board your aspirations for the future and will help in every way they can to enable you to meet your career goals.

The majority of the training you will receive in Asidua is “on-the-job”. There are a lot of more experienced employees who are always willing to provide guidance and share their experiences with you.  No-one is ever too busy to answer your questions and no question is ever too stupid – believe me I’ve asked my fair share!  Training is very important in Asidua. When you join as a Graduate you go through the Graduate Development Programme which teaches you valuable soft skills such as communication and time management.

Asidua provide internal and external training courses in a variety of technologies. They are keen for employees to continually better themselves and learn new technologies. I recently went on an SSIS course and MS Biztalk course.  Employees are also encouraged to undertake certifications. I am currently studying for Microsoft Business Intelligence Developer exam. I also plan to do the .NET Certification early next year.

Fun at Asidua
The company has a sports and social club that organises an event every month, for example last month we went to the VIP cinema in the Odyssey to see James Bond. Events range from things like bowling, go-karting, Giant’s match, pool competition etc.  We also have First Friday Drinks every month which always promises to be a good night out!

If you’re into football like me – the boys and girls organise 5 – a – side every week and we also enter both a boys and girls team into the BCS 7 –a – side tournament every year. The boys won last year!  There is also a Wii and an Xbox in the kitchens of the Belfast offices. It means that we do spend time with each other outside of work and we are all generally a very friendly bunch – it makes for an excellent working atmosphere and environment.

Final Thought
Asidua are a company that thrive on the success and ambition of their employees and they encourage everyone to learn new technologies and are also open to new suggestions and new methods of doing things.   Asidua provides an interesting and challenging career in IT. You can be guaranteed that if you come to work for us you will fit in immediately to the diverse but excellent work environment that we have where everyone from the graduates to the directors are approachable at any time. The company strikes an excellent balance between work and social life.