Welcome to the second of our People Behind Pro-Sapien series! In these Q&A articles, we’re speaking to members of the team to learn more about life at Pro-Sapien.
This time we caught up with Callum Watson. He’s part of the Product Team at Pro-Sapien which is always looking for new solutions to help our clients improve their EHS processes.
We caught up with Callum on all things product and how he finds working at Pro-Sapien.
1. What is your role in the product team at Pro-Sapien?
My primary role in the product team is to create and maintain features for the core Pro-Sapien product. I work as a “full stack developer” using technologies ranging from the back-end databases to the front-end web pages.
I collaborate closely with my colleagues, ensuring we maintain open and clear communication not only within our team but also across Pro-Sapien. That way we don’t live in our own little developer bubble and are up-to-date on the overall company’s goals.
2. Which programming languages and industry frameworks do you use?
In my work, I mainly use the languages of SQL, C#, HTML, JS and Angular. I also utilise Microsoft Azure platforms for databases, web apps, Azure functions and Azure DevOps.
3. Can you tell us about your background and your path to Pro-Sapien?
I studied Software Engineering at the University of Glasgow. I was lucky to join Pro-Sapien for a one-year internship after my graduation. Initially, I wanted to return to university to complete a master’s degree.
However, I found learning in the workplace more purposeful, practical, and enjoyable than in an academic setting. So I have stayed on to learn and grow within the company!
4. What do you find most rewarding about your role?
The most rewarding aspects of my role are the variety of the work and the technologies that I use. And that I work as part of a team to solve problems – I enjoy that a lot.
5. You have a full day off – how would you spend it?
When I do pry myself away from playing videogames, I like spending time outdoors running or hill walking while listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
6. How do you make sure that the products you develop are user-friendly for our clients?
I am currently working alongside the client team, gaining firsthand insights into that stage of the development process. This experience gives me the knowledge needed to ensure our products are user-friendly and align perfectly with our clients’ requirements
7. What’s a fun anecdote from your time working at Pro-Sapien?
I really enjoyed the company social events during lockdown where we got together online to play Among Us and Gartic Phone. I quickly found out that I don’t have a career in espionage, or art, but it was fun nonetheless!
8. What’s a hobby you always wanted to try out?
I already like hill walking so I would be interested to try rock-climbing, both indoor and outdoor.
9. What has been your favourite Pro-Sapien team social activity so far?
I had a great time when we went cocktail-making together. I would have never tried this otherwise and it was such a fun thing to do. I have a newfound natural talent in making mojitos quickly!
10. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your job? Are there any industry trends that are exciting to you right now?
On a day-to-day basis, I talk to my team, read blog posts, and listen to podcasts related to the software I am currently using. I am also attending the upcoming European SharePoint, Office 365 & Azure Conference in Amsterdam.
I am particularly interested in ESG software as a method of managing environmental impact within larger organisations. I think this field will rapidly expand in the near future and I’m excited to see how it develops and ways in which we may be able to apply it.
Find out more about how we work and the life at Pro-Sapien. And if it sounds like the kind of place you’d love to work, have a look at our careers page! Watch out for our next post in the series.
