Jarred van Vuuren

5.30 AM - 7.00 AM

My day starts at 5:30 am with a quick shower and the usual morning routine - getting dressed, brushing my teeth, and a quick check of social media. I catch the bus at 6:00 am, transferring once before arriving on-site at 7:00 am, ready to start the day. Having a flexible schedule with rotating start times and office days allows me to choose an earlier start, giving me more time for other activities in the afternoon.

7.00 AM - 12.00 PM

Upon arrival, I review my notes and check for pending tasks. This is followed by checking emails and team messages to stay updated. At 9:15 am, my work buddy and I have a stand-up meeting with our manager to discuss past progress and outline tasks for the day.

Currently, I'm in a project management rotation with the digital team. I'm involved in several cross-functional projects, focusing on the administration and backend of launch processes for our experience centres. This includes setting up and updating frameworks for data collection, protection, storage, digital solutions, on-site hardware, and communication protocols.

I also contribute to improving our project management tools, like Big Picture in JIRA. This involves handling day-to-day project coordination across various projects. Regularly attending meetings with stakeholders and developers ensures everyone stays aligned and addresses potential roadblocks. Additionally, I might create flowcharts or matrices in Lucid Chart and work on project documentation.

12.00 PM - 1.00 PM

The on-site cafeteria offers a variety of meal options, including vegetarian choices, baked goods, and salads. This Wednesday, they have a special "Chicken Ballantyne with Hand-Cut Potatoes and Cauliflower with Pan Jus." It's convenient to have readily available options, catering to diverse preferences.

1.00 PM - 3.30 PM

My afternoons typically follow a similar structure as the late morning, consisting of meetings and pre-meeting preparation, which may involve scheduling, documentation, communication, and addressing any issues that arise. Each day can differ significantly, especially during other rotations. I've completed rotations with the Tech Support, API, BA, and Cyber Security teams, and I look forward to seeing what the other rotations have in stall for me.

5.00 PM onwards

After work, I generally pursue my hobbies. Today in particular, I'm heading to the nearby night markets with fellow graduates to explore diverse street food options. It's a chance to catch up and plan future gatherings.

Conclusion:

As a Graduate IT Developer, I wear many hats. My days are filled with a diverse range of tasks, from project management and data analysis to collaboration and problem-solving. My academic background in data science and finance provides a strong foundation for understanding data management and analytical frameworks. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow, making this role incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the supportive environment and collaborative culture foster my professional development and make this journey even more enriching.

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