Stories
Our “Day in the Life” series takes an insider look at a variety of Skylab’s roles – today we’re focussing on life as a Senior Developer where we talk to Barry.
Our Senior Software Developers are the ones who ensure project delivery, software development, research and quality assurance for our clients.
Barry Crosby, Senior Software Developer for Skylab
When did you join Skylab and which products have you helped develop?
I joined Skylab in May 2018 and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far. I mainly work on our applications, such as a Login System and Careers platform or API integrations.
What gets you into the right frame of mind for the day?
A nice bike ride in on a sunny morning by the canal, shower and some fruit followed by a massive mug of black coffee.
Are there any sites that you check each day?
A few general groups or channels on twitter and Reddit.
What does a typical day look like?
I start off with a catch up to see progress on projects in flight with other developers, making progress on some work and helping others with issues they might be having, reviewing code and testing other people’s work, a break for lunch and board games with colleagues.
What’s the best project you’ve ever worked on at Skylab and why?
It was working on a prototype project for a client integrating data feeds, visualisations with live machinery status in the field. It was great learning about new bespoke technologies and prototyping and having a brief to explore the technologies.
How do you stay focused throughout the day?
Coffee, regular breaks away from the computer and setting limits on tasks.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
Going to meet friends at a bar, having a long walk or cooking for me and my partner.
Do you think it’s important to work on your skills in your spare time? If so, which skills do you work on?
I think it’s really important to improve ‘soft skills’ that can be difficult to find time to get a focus on day-to-day: like communication, project management or simply team morale improvement. It’s mainly reading and critically analysing things we do every day to improve things.
What’s been a turning point in your career so far?
Realising that no one knows how to do everything: you’re in such a better mental state when you accept everyone suffers from impostor syndrome. I think developing and caring for mental health is something we all need to take more care of.
What’s the biggest misconception about being a Senior Developer?
We know how to solve every problem; that we’ve seen everything before.
What do you look for most when hiring a Senior Developer to join the team?
Knowledge with a supportive attitude: not someone who expects everyone to have the same level of experience as them and the knowledge they have they’re willing and able to explain.
Want to join the Skylab team? Check out our current job opportunities listed here