Cherise Fialho

IIE Diploma in Information Technology in Software Development
The IIE’s Varsity College Westville
GRADUATED CLASS OF 2018
Company: Derivco

Description of your duties on a daily basis

I am a back-end developer so my duties vary with different aspects of the code bases that I interact with. It always depends on what is required at the time. It changes all the time which keeps it interesting and allows me to keep learning new things which will allow me to become a better developer.

Why did you choose the qualification you studied?

I didn’t do IT in school and I was going to study something else but in my gap year I did an aptitude test and with those results, I researched some of the options they suggested and I really enjoyed the Software Developer option. The constant change and the room for growth as well as the balance with creativity and problem solving really got my attention. I knew it would be hard work playing catch up as well as doing college level work but it was worth it.

Is your qualification relevant to your job?

Yes, my qualification is relevant to my job as a few modules from my course helped prepare me for my role as a back-end developer.

What is your greatest achievement to date career wise?

Getting hired at Derivco (which is one of the best international IT companies in the world) as a Game Developer!

What are your future career plans?

My future short-term career plan is to grow as a Developer and learn as much as I can and eventually as a middle term career plan to move into a senior role as a Full Stack Developer and the end goal is a Software Architect.

How has the Career Centre assisted you while you were at Varsity College and or as a graduate?

They helped me with securing a part time job as well as helped set up my CV properly so that when I applied for jobs after I graduated I would be a step ahead of all my competitors.

What advice would you give to students who are looking for or about to embark on their first job?

Prepare. Do research on the company as well as do research on the position you are applying for. Knowing what you are walking into will help you stay calm. If you don’t know something, be honest and take that as an opportunity to learn.