Q&A with Rongbo Xu, Graduate Software Engineer

Rongbo loves travelling, embracing diverse cultures, and trying new cuisines. She loves to explore different places across the world, as well as new streets and areas across London. Rogbo holds a master's degree in Urban Studies and Spatial Data Science from UCL. Rongbo is a Graduate Software Engineer in the Data Production team based in Vortexa’s London office. Prior to joining the company, Rongbo worked as a research assistant at the University of Glasgow and contributed to an open-source project on GitHub called spopt. Fun fact: Rongbo is the friend you can always count on to find the way – she seldom gets lost and remembers the right routes. We wanted to find out what inspired Rongbo to join Vortexa, what some of her biggest milestones have been to date and what day-to-day life really looks like for a Graduate Software Engineer…

What inspired you to join Vortexa?

I started to be interested in computer science when I studied in UCL, where I started to develop some knowledge about it. After that, I found myself more focused on data engineering, and completed some online bootcamps. The role at Vortexa immediately grabbed my attention! The product introduction on the website also fascinated me.

What would you say is the most interesting aspect of your role?

The most exciting part of my role is the constant opportunity to learn and explore new technologies, pushing me out of my comfort zone. Working alongside talented individuals, solving problems, and making meaningful contributions are all aspects I find captivating. It's hard to pinpoint just one interesting thing – overall, the role keeps me thrilled about the ongoing challenges and progress!

What have been some significant milestone moments for you at Vortexa?

Over the past few months, I've actively contributed to several projects and successfully completed tasks that enhance the overall quality of our product and benefit our clients. Specifically focusing on quality assurance, test processes, and data quality, reaching the point of merging each change feels like a significant milestone for me!

What does day-to-day life look like for you as a Graduate Software Engineer?

My day starts by checking emails and creating a to-do list. I organise my assigned workload thoughtfully and seek help or suggestions from team members when needed. I pay close attention to the issues identified by analysts, including bugs. In the initial phase of joining, I also dedicated time to oil product courses to enhance my understanding of the domain.

What key qualities make a Graduate Software Engineer successful?

To be proactive, persistent and cooperative are the key qualities to become a successful engineer, from my perspective. It's crucial to constantly think about the value one can bring to the system and identify areas for improvement. The ability to stick with a task and delve into it thoroughly is also essential. Overall, successful engineers excel in both individual focus and effective teamwork.

How would you describe the culture at Vortexa?

Diverse, energetic and inclusive, which I love the most! We take pride in enhancing our products and creating a warm and welcoming environment that embraces different cultures.