Behind every seamless app, clever feature, and elegant line of code is a problem solver turning logic into the digital world we live in every day. In this month’s Company Spotlight, we chat with Addison, a software developer here at DiRAD, to explore how his career has changed over the years and more. Whether you are an aspiring coder looking for inspiration or just curious about the human side of tech, here is what it really means to love the craft of development.
You’ve been at DiRAD for almost 7 years now. How has your job evolved/changed?
In my time here, I changed roles from a support coordinator to a software developer. From the start I always handled some programming tasks, but now I’m more focused on that aspect. In another way, the job also shifts with changes in technologies. Many services we offer to our customers are completely different from what was available in the past. There’s so much experience I’ve gained in that time.
Looking back at your career journey so far, what key experiences or decisions do you believe have significantly contributed to your growth?
Overall, I think my interest in technology has been a big factor. My dad introduced me to computers when I was young and I’ve been fascinated by and gaining experience with it ever since.
Are there any skills or knowledge areas you are actively developing or plan to develop to enhance your career/skills in the coming years?
Everything moves pretty quickly and there’s always something new to be working on or with. Right now I think we’re all adapting to the changes AI has been bringing to the table. It’s been fun to experience that.
What are your favorite aspects of your job?
There are a lot of things going on at DiRAD and this gives us the opportunity to explore cutting edge tools and services. It does not get stale here. There are new experiences all the time.
Are there any mentors, professional networks, or resources that have been particularly valuable in supporting your career growth, and/or what advice would you give someone seeking a similar career?
There are always mentors – whether it’s somebody at your current job, a friend, or somebody offering advice in an online community. Maybe this is true of any field, but most people in tech are happy to bring more people into the fold and share their experience.
In your previous Company Spotlight, you said one of your favorite hobbies are board games with lots of pieces and complex rules. Is that still the case today? Any specific game you’re loving lately? Tell us about it.
I still enjoy the complex board games. It’s hard to find time and other people with patience for pouring over rules before (and sometimes during) a game, but it’s still enough of a hobby my wife and I take a trip to Philadelphia at the end of every year for PAX Unplugged, a board game expo. Reflecting on this now, we have so many games I don’t think I’ve played the same one twice recently. Does that mean I have too many? I have managed to stay part of a group of friends getting together for Dungeons and Dragons near weekly for the last two or three years. I think that will always be a favorite game.
In your previous Company Spotlight, you said one of your favorite quotes was “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.” Is it still? If so, why do you think it still applies? If not, what is your new favorite quote?
Who said that? Me? Well… Any “experience” I mentioned in previous answers wasn’t the “from bad decisions” kind. It was the other kind. The better kind. Maybe I should have started with this question.