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Employee Story

Sandhya

Quality Analyst

Sandhya Baratam
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I grew up in south-east India, before moving to Dublin a decade ago. I arrived in Ireland with a degree in Civil Engineering from the GMR Institute of Technology in Andhra Pradesh, as well as a love of mirror writing and extreme sports, such as skydiving and paragliding. Aside from riding the thermals above the stunning Irish coastline, my ambition is to become a test manager.

My current role has opened many doors already. As a lead QA on software applications in a large public sector organisation, I’ve seen a totally different perspective from my previous experience in retail, telecoms and utilities. Before arriving at Expleo, I’d mostly worked in financial services, so the last few years have proved a steep learning curve. Being a consultant and working directly with clients has given me a lot of self-confidence.

Starting a career in tech was no easy feat. My lack of a tech degree or relevant experience was an obstacle to employment. So, I volunteered for full-time work without pay. That experience helped me to break into the sector. And I haven’t looked back.

Take it from me: nothing is impossible. A lot more women are now reaching top positions in the tech sector.

It wasn’t always the case, but I now feel there are equal and transparent opportunities for women to progress in technology, with diverse career paths and a good work-life balance. The tech sector gives access to work in multinational companies, allowing you to work in other countries. You get the chance to network with many people from many cultural backgrounds. 

For young girls with an eye on technology, I would recommend exploring computer programming in schools and participating in enterprise-level competitions. You’ll get to know what area of technology you are interested in. Take it from me: nothing is impossible. A lot more women are now reaching top positions in the tech sector. 

Of course, there’s more to be done to bridge the gender gap. I’d love to see more summer internship programmes with an emphasis on encouraging women. This would help women to overcome any fears or concerns they have about tech, and instead focus on the good reasons to take up a new career.

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Robert Matthews

What is your name and your role and how long have you been working at Expleo?

This year I’m celebrating my 12th year at Expleo. I started my career at Expleo as a Quality Auditor contractor, and then was offered a Staff position in the Life Cycle Management team, where I became a Deputy Team Lead, after which there was another promotion opportunity to an Engineering Manager, and later I was able to join our Marine division where I currently work.

Where and how long did you serve in the armed forces?

I served in the Air Force just shy of 25 years. I started my career as an Aero Engines Mechanic. My first posting was at Brize Norton working on VC 10s, Tri Stars & Hercules Aircraft. Then I went on to a technician’s course and became a Junior Technician, and then progressed into a leadership position as a Sergeant. I left the Air Force as a Senior Non-commissioned Officer.  

Robert Mathews
Rob in 2022 post remembrance parade in his local village. Remembrance day is very important to serving and veterans of the forces as it gives a chance to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country

What challenges did you have after leaving the Armed Forces?

My main challenge was worrying about Job Security. My manager was very supportive when I was still a contractor at Expleo and he transferred me over from contractor to permanent staff. I remember the conversation I had with him about the opportunities for secure job security and promotion.

And he said: “At Expleo, opportunities are out there for you, so go and get them”. And he was right, there are plenty of opportunities at Expleo. You just have to seize them. And every time I saw an opportunity at Expleo, I just went for it. 

I transferred a lot of my skills over to Expleo. For instance, the aircraft and engine experience, experience in fault diagnosis, and more in-depth engineering project management and of course my leadership & Management Skills 

How did Expleo help you to transition into your civilian job?

I found it quite an easy transition, as there were a lot of ex-forces colleagues within Expleo when I joined, some of which I knew already. For those that didn’t have a military background they were equally as welcoming.

How do you feel Expleo allows you to use your expertise you gained during your service?

Expleo gave me the freedom to use my transferable skills that I gained in the Air Force. My manager and colleagues had an open mindset for my ideas. I could bring those ideas into the office and illustrate how they could be implemented within a business setting They very much welcomed my ideas about improvements, and there is always an open environment for sharing ideas and previous knowledge. I also completed an Expleo Leadership Management course, which differed to the one I had in the Air Force. Combining the two gave me a much more rounded leadership and management mindset.

How do you connect with other members of the Armed Forces Community at Expleo?

I participate in careers transition workshops supporting recruiters. When Ex-Forces are looking for a new career, I attend the workshops chatting to the Armed Forces community sharing my experience and what I have learned.

What advice would you give to other members of the Armed Forces Community who are planning to join Expleo?

Expleo has many different opportunities, whether it be leadership management, various jobs in engineering, project management etc. Don’t think that you don’t have the skill set to join Expleo. It is within you; you do have those skills and Expleo can bring out these skills in people.