Enigma placements: Stefan's year as a software developer

Hi, Stefan! So, tell us what are you currently studying?

Hi there! I’m currently studying Computer Science with Web Development at Northumbria University and have just completed a year-long placement at Enigma Interactive. I’m now heading back to uni to complete my final year of studies.

Why did you choose to study Computer Science?

So, I actually enrolled on a Journalism Course at Northumbria University and was studying that for a total of 2 weeks before I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me.

I had previously completed an online course in Java and really enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of it. With this basic understanding of programming concepts and a general interest in software development, I decided to explore my options.

I was further inspired by my friend, Nikos - who actually worked at Enigma a few years ago - to apply to study Computer Science. Throughout our friendship, we’ve had many conversations about his work and how fulfilling he has found a career in Software Development. This is what pushed me to take the leap.

Nikos was actually the one who recommended that I apply to Enigma directly for their placement vacancy. We have very similar values so I knew that if he was recommending somewhere to work it would definitely be a good fit for me too.

What do you think you’ll be doing once you finish your final year at university?

I'm really excited about the idea of working at a digital agency again. It's amazing to have the opportunity to work on such a diverse range of projects. It really puts your problem-solving skills to the test. You're not just dealing with the same old IT issues but actively contributing to a company's product development and user experience.

What has been the coolest project you’ve worked on at Enigma?

The main project I worked on was the front-end development of an interactive resource hub for people with respiratory issues. This involved working closely with the Design Team and dedicated Digital Producer to identify what the user journey should look like when applied to a live website. It's been super helpful for me to see how my work fits into the bigger picture, and I've been able to give my thoughts on the design and functionality of the hub. I've had a great time working with the Digital Producer and Design Team - they're all really creative and I love hearing their perspective on things.

I’ve also worked on a back-end project for National Grid Electricity Distribution. I was tasked with coding an external API, which allowed for data filtering and exporting from their web portal. After receiving a briefing from my Producer, I was given the freedom to work on the programming and development aspects of the project. This level of trust and independence helped me gain confidence in my problem-solving and programming skills. If I ever required guidance or had any questions, the Senior Software Developers were always willing to help whilst explaining the reason behind their approach. This has really helped me to learn best practice techniques.

What has been the most valuable skill you have developed during your time at Enigma?

As a software developer, you have all the tools you need to solve problems, but what really sets you apart is your unique thinking and skills. During my time at Enigma, I was able to hone my problem-solving abilities by taking on complex challenges that required me to consider the end user's experience.

I also picked up a range of techniques that I can use in future projects. For example, the programming work I did on the back end of a website for the National Grid Electricity Distribution project, which needed to pull information directly to the front end was the first time I had worked on a data implementation and filtering project of this complexity. Having the opportunity to work on something as advanced as this has given me the confidence to tackle more projects and I know that I will be able to apply this practical work to the theory I will learn in my final year.

From a non-technical perspective, I've seen a big boost in my communication skills. Being part of a team where everyone is working towards the same goal has shown me the value of collaboration, seeking out others' perspectives, and effectively sharing my own ideas. These softer skills are key to developing good working relationships with my peers and I know they will prove invaluable throughout my career.

How have you found the culture here at Enigma?

The culture here is second to none. It's a relaxed environment with no blame game, making it enjoyable for everyone to do their job well knowing that it’s ok to not necessarily know everything for every issue you’ll come up against. The best part is that we all take pleasure in our work and have a great time doing it, which reflects in the quality of our output.

We all get on really well in both a work and personal manner. Although we all have different interests and personalities, we all bring out the best in each other and work in synergy. It makes coming to work an even more enjoyable experience.

How would you summarise your placement year at Enigma?

Being in the Enigma studio has really given me a new appreciation for how businesses work - it's not something you can get from just reading about it. Plus, I'm so grateful to be able to learn from my colleagues and see how they work firsthand. It's amazing to see how our work can make a real difference for our clients. Since I started working here, I've noticed that I'm more confident in my own ideas and more willing to speak up in meetings. It’s been great to be part of such a supportive team and I know we will all stay in touch as I progress in my career.

Interested in a career at Enigma? Check out our vacancies here.