Meet our Academy Consultants – Chris Olet
Read about Chris’ experience at the Ten10 Academy, his transition into client work in the Retail sector, and what skills he uses every day thanks to his training
When organisations are searching for new tech talent, they don’t want someone who will work in a silo. They need people who are flexible, curious, and willing to learn from an abundance of different teams to improve how they work. Chris Olet is just one example of our Academy Consultants who has been working across many teams at his client as he continues to develop his skills.
Take us through your placement – what client teams have you worked with and what specific projects have you been responsible for during your placement?
My placement has provided me with a diverse and enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to work with clinical, automation, and data teams, each offering unique insights and challenges. In the clinical team, I have had the opportunity to work on projects related to the testing of clinical devices and see how this testing ensures these devices meet the highest standards for patient safety and effectiveness.
I’ve also collaborated with the automation capability team, witnessing the transformative power of automation in enhancing efficiency and productivity which optimises and streamlines various processes with the use of automation tools.
I currently work in the data team on projects related to marketing campaign data flow. This role has helped me begin to understand data management and analysis. I have witnessed how data can be harnessed to make informed decisions and drive successful marketing campaigns.
What is a typical working day or week for you?
My role as a Junior Tester involves a mix of database testing, data extraction, continuous skill development and collaborating with senior testers. I play a part in ensuring data quality and integrity, which is vital for informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.
How do you feel you’ve transitioned from the Ten10 Academy to your client work?
After my transition from the Ten10 Academy to working in the Retail sector, I have found the experience to be rewarding and insightful. Working with my client has provided me with practical experience that has enhanced my understanding and problem-solving abilities. The opportunity to apply what I have learned in a real-world context has been challenging yet fulfilling. This transition has been a milestone, as I have gained confidence and a sense of achievement.
What parts of the Ten10 Academy training have been most useful during your placements?
The Ten10 Academy training has equipped me with a strong foundation that has proven to be valuable during my placement. The emphasis on learning Agile principles has been helpful in my ability to adapt and thrive in various projects with my client. The Academy’s focus on problem-solving and adaptability has allowed me to approach challenges with a flexible mindset. Learning quickly is critical in the fast-changing tech industry, and the academy helped me develop this skill.
The training I received on SQL and Java has been useful in my current role. SQL has been a great resource in querying and managing databases, which are fundamental to the projects I am working on. The introduction to Java has helped me to better understand and interact with software applications, improving my overall technical proficiency. Having a basic understanding of these programming languages has significantly enhanced my ability to work with data and automation tools.
What technology, tools, frameworks, and processes have you gained experience with since starting client work?
During my time with my client, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of technologies, tools, frameworks, and processes. These include Intellija, DataCamp, Databricks, Qtest, Jira, and other client-specific frameworks. Working with these tools has enhanced my skills and also given me a broader perspective on industry-standard methodologies and tools.
How is your client supporting your development?
During my time here, I have learned a lot by shadowing experienced colleagues. This hands-on approach has given me valuable insights and real-world knowledge. The regular stand-up meetings have been effective in creating an environment for open communication among the team. It has allowed me to share my ideas and progress with my colleagues, ensuring alignment and transparency. I have also received great support from my team leads throughout my journey. Their guidance and help in addressing my questions and concerns have been very useful to me.
What support have you received from Ten10 during your placement?
I continued communication with Ten10 through frequent Google chats, monthly calls, and update sessions. This has been a great benefit while working with my client, and Ten10 make sure that I am happy in my workplace without any problems.
Have you been given any extra opportunities through your client work?
I had the privilege of gaining an in-depth insight into my client’s production processes during my time with them. I visited one of their UK factories and had the chance to interact with the team in a completely different environment. This experience helped me understand their work better and gave me a new perspective on their operations.
My client hosted summer events, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere to connect with colleagues. They also occasionally arrange food stalls, which is a delightful perk. It’s a small gesture that adds a touch of enjoyment to the workday.