The new starters, three of whom will be based in Newcastle, four in Bristol and four in Edinburgh, were welcomed to the firm, which delivers bespoke software solutions to global clients across a number of complex sectors, with a packed programme of activities.
As well as plenty of work, including an introduction to a raft of software development tools and the challenge of creating their first application for the company, the graduates enjoyed a packed diary of activities, including go-karting, pool, remote control car racing, football and an interactive ‘values challenge’. The group has joined four colleagues that kicked off the company’s 2016 graduate programme in February this year.
Recruitment Manager John Wright said: “The graduate scheme is vital to our strategic growth as a company, and it’s great to see so many technically gifted people joining our consultancy.
“Week one is an important part of their orientation. As collaboration is a core business value we want them working together, as well as with their more experienced colleagues on building their technical learning.
“We also realise the importance of switching off so there’s plenty of social activities to allow our people to enjoy themselves and get to know each other.”
Scott Logic heard from hundreds of applicants for this year’s available roles in software development, testing and User Experience (UX) design. The successful candidates represent the cream of the crop of graduates from the UK’s leading Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) degrees; at Dundee, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Napier universities.
One of the new starters, Marcus Redgrave-Close, 21, was worried software firms may not take him seriously as his undergraduate degree was in English Literature, but having been reassured by one of 2015’s graduate intake at the Newcastle Coding Challenge in February, he readily applied to join the firm.
He explained: “After completing an MSc in Computer Science at Newcastle University, I wanted to work for a company that created complex software using state-of-the-art technology. Having heard of Scott Logic while at university, I decided to attend one of its hack days. Overall, I really enjoyed the event, as Scott Logic seemed passionate about technology and its volunteers were overtly welcoming.
“Following the event, I immediately applied for its graduate scheme. So far, I’ve found the role to be really engaging and educational. Currently, we’re learning to use a range of technologies, many of which are new to me, and everyone is really helpful and always willing to lend a hand if you get stuck.”
Returning to Scott Logic in Bristol after spending last summer as interns are Georgiana Ginghina and Ben Howard, both from The University of Bristol. Georgiana said: “The internship with Scott Logic has helped me develop, as well as proving to be both challenging and enjoyable. I feel that I gained so much from working in such a welcoming environment, alongside extremely intelligent and passionate people, that I decided to join Scott Logic full time as a graduate.”
Ben added: “I always enjoyed programming as part of my physics course so I thought I would try spending a summer working in software development. I found my internship at Scott Logic to be both fun and challenging; we were able to get to grips with many new technologies at our own pace. I really enjoyed the focus on learning and the friendly working environment, which convinced me to return full time after finishing my degree.”
And in Edinburgh, James Rice has joined Scott Logic’s UX practice after graduating from The University of Dundee. He said: “I chose to join Scott Logic as the graduate position offered me the ability to combine my skills in design with the opportunity to be an important part of creating complex technology.
“Scott Logic is providing me the platform to evolve my previous education and experience into tangible skills that will give me the best possible start to my career in UX design. Even my first week was spent getting hands on in all areas of the business, learning new technologies and meeting inspiring people.”
To read more about what the graduates got up to during their first week at the firm, visit its careers blog at smarter.scottlogic.com/careers/day-by-day-week-one-as-a-scott-logic-2016-graduate. For more information on roles available at Scott Logic, visit scottlogic.com/careers/vacancies, or for more detail about its services, visit scottlogic.com.
For further information, visit scottlogic.com.