Staff Spotlight – Kukena Chulu

2 February 2024 Time to read:  minutes

 

 

In our latest installment of Sparta’s spotlight series, we turn our attention to Kukena Chulu, our Software Developer here at Sparta based in London. Join us as we delve into Kukena’s interesting journey in the tech world, understanding the ins and outs of her role at Sparta and discovering what sets her apart. It’s time to celebrate Kukena’s contributions and get to know the person behind the code!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COMPANY?

For just over 3 months; I started at the end of September.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE?

I create services that automate the ingestion of data from various sources and format it so that it’s easily available to be used for other purposes throughout the company.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?/CAN YOU GIVE ME A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CAREER PATH UP UNTIL THIS POINT?

I started working in the industry through a placement program run by my university that allowed students to spend most of their time in an industry placement in exchange for a slightly reduced workload spread over 4 years instead of 3. I ended up at an integration-focused consultancy for 6 years and worked on a variety of public sector projects, developing software to integrate healthcare systems. This role was a natural progression and has allowed me to build on the skills I’ve developed so far in my career.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT SPARTA?

There’s such a concentration and variety of knowledge here; I’ve already learned so much in the short time I’ve been here, and I really appreciate being able to work with such experienced and knowledgeable people!

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON HERE AT SPARTA?

Everything so far has been incredibly interesting; it’s an entirely new business domain to me, and it’s been really fascinating to learn about how things work.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

Friendly and open; everyone is incredibly approachable, and they’re always willing to help out!

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS OUR COMPANY APART FROM OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY?

I think the way the company uses data is incredibly innovative; and we’re able to provide valuable information and insights to our clients.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I would have told her to pace herself a bit; working hard is always good, but a balanced approach to work and being able to pace and manage yourself are much more sustainable and productive in the long run.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

I’m working more closely with the data team, and it’s been fascinating to see directly how the data we extract is used.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

There’s always more to learn and never to get too comfortable in my existing knowledge.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

Having had a chance to work on some incredibly impactful projects in the public sector; we had the chance to work with stakeholders quite often, and it was always really inspiring to know how our work would benefit them and their patients directly.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS/YEARS?

Continuing to learn and grow; making the most of the opportunities I have to learn from others and continuing to push myself.

CAN YOU SHARE A PARTICULAR SKILL OR EXPERTISE YOU’VE DEVELOPED IN THIS ROLE THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT TO ACQUIRE

More market knowledge and awareness; it wasn’t something I paid particular attention to previously, but I have a lot more context and background for it now.

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Another strawberry mochi, for yarn prices to come back down, and for a more peaceful world, of course.

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

“4 Walls” by F(x)!

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGE-WATCHING OR READING?

At the start/end of the year, I like to reread/rewatch old favourites; I’m rewatching the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at the moment.

WHAT’S ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

I think the only big thing left is moving out at the moment.

Kukena Chulu our Software Developer here at Sparta and can be contacted at kukena.chulu@spartacommodities.com


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