Employee Spotlight: Supreetha Jayaram – Software Engineer

Ionoptika is very proud of its skilled and dedicated staff, who together with our loyal users make up our global community. Today, we’re interviewing another one of our Software Engineers, Supreetha Jayaram.

Supreetha came to the UK from India to study Computer Science and joined our team in 2020.

How long have you worked at Ionoptika and what career path brought you to us?

It’s been almost three years since I joined Ionoptika. I got my bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Eastpoint College of Engineering and Technology in India in 2016. Then I moved to the UK to continue my studies at the University of Hertfordshire.

After finishing my master’s I worked as a software developer for a few years before finally joining Ionoptika.

Why did you decide to study science when you were at school or university?

I decided to study science because I have always been fascinated by the natural world and had a deep curiosity about how things work. As a child, I was constantly asking questions and seeking answers. Science provided a structured and systematic approach to explore these questions and find evidence-based explanations, so I was drawn to it.

The ability to solve complex problems and engage in critical thinking was also a major point of interest for me. I enjoyed the challenge of analysing data, conducting experiments, and connecting the dots to understand the underlying principles. The process of unravelling mysteries and finding solutions was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

What got you interested in computer science?

I first became interested in coding when I was in high school. I was curious about how computers work in general, so I grew interested in all the coding languages that were behind it.

To this day, I still remember that my first programming was in C++, and our computer science teacher would give us small tasks, like designing backgrounds, displaying images, graphics and others, which I always enjoyed and had fun with.

Also, I recognized that studying computer science could open doors to various professions, from research and academia to industry and entrepreneurship. This versatility and the potential for growth and success in the field were also significant factors in my choice.

Did you encounter any hardships in your career path?

Being a foreigner in a new country is never easy, especially when looking for a job. Also, in previous roles, I often found myself to be the only woman in the room, which wasn’t necessarily that bad, but sometimes it made me feel like I didn’t belong, and I didn’t have someone to truly confide in.

The underrepresentation in the software engineering field can make it more challenging to find role models, mentors, and supportive communities, which can affect the sense of belonging in the industry.

Compared to my previous experiences, at Ionoptika there are more women working in technical and scientific roles and this is incredibly empowering and enriching.

It also fosters a sense of solidarity and support because we can share our unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, creating a strong network of mutual encouragement.

I think this brings more diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, leading to more innovative and well-rounded solutions.

What is your role here?

I’m a software engineer, which means that I work on the existing legacy projects and handle the IT of the company, so that everything is running smoothly.

I write code and develop software applications, which includes analysing user requirements, designing software solutions and efficient software, maintaining the IT infrastructure and moving to a better platform when needed. I also test software to identify and fix bugs, ensuring that it meets quality standards and helping customers when they encounter any issues.

Part of my job is interacting with product managers and test engineers to ensure that software development aligns with project goals and requirements, so you will often see me around gathering information from different people in different departments for the work that needs to be done.

I also talk to the customer support team if anything is needed and with other suppliers, if there’s any issue or information needed.

Can you describe a typical day working here?

It depends, sometimes I may have a busy start in the morning trying to fix a software bug of higher priority so the work can be carried out smoothly.

Sometimes, my day revolves around testing different units as a part of research and development and then documenting all the findings, and sometimes I’ll just be writing codes in general.

It depends entirely on what needs to be done so the work goes smoothly!

What do you enjoy most about working at Ionoptika and what do you love most about your job?

What I like the most about working here is that the atmosphere is homely, and people are very friendly.

My job includes adapting to changing requirements, learning new programming languages or frameworks, and embracing best practices in software development, so there’s always something new to learn.

I really like that people are so supportive and encouraging when I want to explore something that is outside my field of knowledge or even when I make mistakes while learning.

What I like most about my job is writing codes, because helping other people get their work done in a smarter and more efficient way is very important to me.

Also, I like talking to different people regarding the requirements needed for writing codes and getting the job done.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love travelling, I’m always looking for the next places to visit.

I also like dancing; I do Salsa and now I want to learn Tango as well.

Finally, I’m also taking piano classes online.

Interested in becoming part of our team? Visit our Careers page.