Starting any new job can evoke a wide range of emotions, from nervousness to excitement. Whether someone is trying to further their career, seeking a change in industry or company, or, like me, who was nearing the end of a degree in software development and was looking for a graduate developer role, the experience can be overwhelming.
Fast forward several weeks into a new role, and some people might start thinking: “I don’t deserve to be here,” “I am not smart enough,” or “There must have been someone better.” Without a solid foundation and support network, this common psychological condition known as imposter syndrome can lead individuals to become victims of self-doubt. This, in many cases, can negatively impact their potential.
Having experienced this before, I knew it was important to find a company that puts emphasis on supporting and developing their staff. After being with Adaptiv for the past six months, I am glad to say that they were exactly the type of company that they sold themselves to be during my initial recruitment phase. My aim for this blog is to cover the things that I have found helpful in my transition from being a Software Student to a Graduate Developer.
In-Depth Training and Development Plan
One of the things that stood out to me straight away was the importance that Adaptiv places on their staff’s development in both their technical and professional development skills. To me this point was strongly emphasised from day one as from when I showed up, they already had an in-depth training plan ready to go. The training plan laid out recommendations of which areas to start with. Each area also came with an estimated time frame of how long it should take to complete.
On top of that, Adaptiv also holds a variety of workshops and presentations designed to help new hires gain a better understanding of Adaptiv as a whole. One of these included an overview of the main integration platforms used daily, held by Nikolai Blackie, one of Adaptiv’s Co-Founders and Principal Architect, while another introduced us to the world of IT Consultancy and where Adaptiv stands within this market which was run by Phil Cullen, the General Manager of Adaptiv.
For me, it was clear from the beginning that Adaptiv is deeply committed to a culture of continuous learning and growth. This approach not only equips new hires like me with the necessary tools and knowledge, but also provides a sense of confidence and belonging from day one.
Positive and Supportive Environment
The second point that I have noticed which has stood out to me in my time with Adaptiv so far would have to be the team. I believe the secret behind what makes Adaptiv’s team a standout would have to be the strong connection both in a corporate everyday working sense as well as in a social aspect. Be it from the regular team social events which vary from quiz nights to axe throwing. Another event that has just occurred was a company conference where the entire expanded team (Brisbane, Melbourne, and Christchurch) came together in Auckland for a whole company conference. This allowed for those of us who are located outside of Auckland to socialise in person with those we work with daily.
Everyone I have met and had the chance to either work alongside or get to know through these events has been positive. Even though I am one of the newer team members, I was made to feel part of the team. I believe these social settings plus the team’s strong work effort displays what Adaptiv’s team is about.
Guidance Through Mentorship
Another standout point I found with Adaptiv was the mentoring programme that they have in place. The idea is to connect the senior staff with more junior staff for a six-month rotational period where the mentors help the mentees towards completing goals and providing support in any areas needed. What stood out in the most in this mentorship was the fact that mentees drive this process which means that you get as much out of it as you put in.
During the first month of the mentorship programme the focus was more geared towards helping me develop my technical skills. This ranged from going through different tasks that I would identify wanting further explanation on. After a few months, the focus of these sessions changed more towards developing my professional skills and learning more about the business/consultancy side of Adaptiv. One part of improving these skills included doing a presentation to the entire team during one of the monthly team meetings.
Conclusion
Overall, my journey from a software student to a graduate developer at Adaptiv has been incredibly rewarding. The company’s emphasis on continuous learning, supportive culture, and structured mentorship has played a pivotal role in my development. Adaptiv’s approach has not only equipped me with the technical skills necessary for my role but also fostered a sense of confidence and belonging. Looking ahead, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead at Adaptiv, confident that with their continued support, I will achieve my professional goals and make meaningful contributions to the team.
