We caught up with DevOps Engineer Gador to learn more about her journey into the Home Office, why she decided to retrain to start a new career in tech and what she enjoys about her role.
Tell us about yourself, your journey into tech and what did you do before joining the Home Office?
When I was a teenager, I struggled to choose between computer science and mechanical engineering. I loved physics and being hands on fixing things, but I was also very techie and built my own PCs, networks and servers. Having made my decision, I spent 15 years in mechanical engineering, where I specialised in building services with a broad range of skills from design to maintenance to asset management. When I reached my role as Head of Building Services for a property portfolio of over 35 hotels across Europe, I started to miss being a true engineer, so I decided to retrain and move into a more tech focussed role.
What attracted you to pursue a career at the Home Office?
Before landing my role as a DevOps Engineer, I joined the Home Office through the Digital Development Programme at a junior level because the prospect of joining a fast-track programme that could foster my development excited me. Initially, I had concerns about the level of tech tools on offer within the Home Office, particularly in terms of legacy code and old systems as I didn’t view the Home Office as a ‘traditional’ tech company. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not the case, and I have had the opportunity to work with the latest technologies and tools such as Kubernetes, Docker, and Kafka, among others.
What does your day-to-day work involve?
During my time on the Development Programme, I was able to rotate between three teams to ensure that I met the Home Office Engineering standards. I found this flexibility to be really rewarding as it has allowed me to engage with colleagues who have different skillsets and experiences, and I was also able to gain further knowledge within the Engineering profession. In my role as a DevOps Engineer within the Shared Applications Service (SAS) department, we use agile ways of working and while I was initially assigned to the Forms Team where I handled small components and small changes in Kubernetes, I quickly progressed to leading the development of entire pipelines and setting up monitoring tools in a crucial service for border control.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a DevOps Engineer?
I love troubleshooting issues and finding solutions, which is essential in a DevOps role where continuous improvement is key. While I enjoy working independently, I also value the support and collaboration of other engineers when needed. Additionally, I find great fulfilment in knowing that my work has a meaningful impact on millions of people.
Have you been involved in any interesting projects?
I have been involved in three different projects during my time at the Home Office, all unique and very meaningful. One of the most significant projects was the modernisation of a 20-year-old data system. I helped with designing the microservices and save the data of millions of people that allows airlines and border control to share information, quicker and easier. It was great to be part of this project and really interesting to learn more about the history of how an airlines data is made.
Tell us about the support available to you at the Home Office?
My department consists of over 300 professionals across various tech disciplines and there is the flexibility to move between teams. This has been particularly beneficial for me as it has allowed me to learn new skills and technologies through team rotations. You have access to extensive training programmes and conferences that are tailored to your skill set, and the engineering engagement team also keeps you well-informed of any continuous professional development opportunities. There is a genuine commitment to helping you develop your career and improve your skills.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in tech at the Home Office?
Go for it! The Home Office is a fantastic place to work where you can use your tech skills to make a real difference in society. I would recommend taking the time to read the guidance on writing your CV and personal statement when applying, as this will greatly improve your chances of success.
