My New Job as A Python Engineer

I just started my new job today and things have been a little slow here, trying to get my computers set up properly. I had the option to choose between Windows computers, Mac-OSX and Ubuntu Linux. Being the person that loves to tinker with systems, and coupled with the fact that I support open source software, I chose Ubuntu computers. They came with 2  massive monitors – much bigger than what I even have in my home office.

So, the afternoon is spent installing all the software and tools that I will be using. Another thing I love doing is copy my firefox bookmarks over from my home computers – it has lots of links to good resources that make software development much easier and faster.  Once I’ve got that sorted, I will be looking at some of the code these guys are working on and see where I can slot in.

The company works with the government to produce and maintain automated payment systems across a number of services including parking, driving test payment, meter reading and fine payments. We will be working heavily with XML and web services which I think it’s going to be quite fun.

Instead, the guys are all trying their best to show me how things work, where I can find anything I may need – including where to find spare computers, monitors and how to get the brand new Keurig Coffee Brewer working.

You know that feeling you get when you are the new person somewhere; everyone wants to impress you with the stories and jokes. It all feels nice. Except that I prefer to spend my own time finding out what I need to know on my own rather than someone getting in my face all the time.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate their openness and concern, but sometimes it makes sense to let the new guy get to know their own way around and let them ask if they need help.

Anyway, in this new role, I will be working mainly on Python applications. This is something I have been looking forward to doing since my last stint with another company developing Django application for their A3 Colour Laser Printer business. Talking of which, I have put up a post on Blogspot to write about my experience on that project.

This new company promises to be better than the last one – they have good training programme in place. That allows the developers to either go on specific training course or buy study materials like books, DVDs and conferences that they think will benefit them. This is something my last employer did not even bother to invest in. What good is it when you give your all and get nothing in return…no one wants to spend their time and money on study materials when the directors and the company owners pocket huge amount without investing in their staff.

I once got pointed to a site by my last manager on where to get free Python books online if I needed any study material. I thought it was not only having disregard for the developers, but was not prepare to invest in the staff.

Do you work in a company where you’re not valued? I would like to hear about it. How did you handle it, did you move or spent your own money on training?

Please share your thoughts and experience.

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