If you’ve been keeping up with our year-in-review posts, then you know that in 2016 we increased our ranks by almost 60%, going from 35 employees at the start of the year to 55 employees at the end. But this is a fresh new year, and that means we’re clearing the runway for even more wonderful people to join our team. And it’s my pleasure to get things going in 2017 by introducing you to our great new QA specialist, Simon Gagnon!
I recently had a chat with Simon about his background and his new role here at Devolutions. Below is a snapshot of our conversation.
Can you tell me a bit about your background?
I’m always trying to learn new things and am very motivated to increase my knowledge. It’s funny, but one of the most vivid memories I have is back when I was younger and in school. I took a summer job working in a factory that produced food all day long. To put things mildly, it wasn’t the best job ever. But it did teach me a very valuable lesson that I will always remember, which is that I always need to be learning, studying and getting smarter – or else I might end up back in that factory! It’s a very motivating thought and helps keep me focused.
What would you say is your most important career decision so far?
Again, I’d say that my most important decision was back when I was in high school. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in terms of a career. One day, my school had a presentation about a very interesting program called PISC. Basically, this is a special option for students with an aptitude for high-tech. I was accepted into the program, and some of my regular classes were swapped out for IT classes. It also allowed me to work twice as hard and graduate a full year early. No matter where my career in IT takes me, I will always see this as the key decision and experience that changed my career and life.
What was it about Devolutions that made you want to work here?
There is so much to say! The company really has respect for its employees, and the work environment is fantastic. It really is a dream job.
What would you say are your top three strengths at work?
First, I’d say that I work hard and persevere. Second, I work with integrity and strive never to let my team down. Third, I’m friendly and easy to get along with, which is important because working in IT can get stressful sometimes.
What tasks do you carry out in your job, and what are some of the tools you use?
Essentially, my job is to give our users the best user experience by tracking bugs. What makes this so interesting is that sometimes our customers use our products, like RDM or PVM, in new ways – and they will encounter something that they didn’t expect. I’m part of the team that explores these findings and figures out how to eliminate them.
What are your impressions of working here?
This is a great opportunity for me, and I’ve already learned a great deal – which, as I mentioned, is important to me professionally and personally. The people I’m working with are very helpful and supportive. They treat me like I’ve been here for years.
What goals would you like to achieve at Devolutions?
I’d say my main goal is to apply my knowledge to help my team, and also to help our customers.
On a personal note, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
Well, you won’t be surprised to learn that a lot of my free time is spent on IT stuff. For example, I like programming and web development. But I’m not always on my computer. I’m into fitness training, and like sports in general.
Please share a few words with our community of IT pros:
I’m very grateful and excited to be here, and am looking forward to helping all of you solve your IT problems.