Under the microscope: Claire Roberts, Software Development Team Leader

Under the microscope here is Claire Roberts who is a Software Development Team Leader.

We get asked numerous questions about what it’s like to work at Riverview Law so we decided to profile some of the different roles throughout our business. We have published a series of case studies on Riverview Law employees which will give you a feel for the people within our business, the roles they undertake and what it’s like to work here.

Me: Claire Roberts

My role: I recently got promoted to Software Development Team Leader.

What I did before joining:

Before joining Riverview, I worked for 2 previous companies. The first was an IT company specialising in the development of customisations for Project Server, SharePoint and CRM. Clients were mainly public Sector organisations and my responsibilities included requirement gathering, development and the deployment of solutions.

My second role was for a company with a background in engineering and cabling. My role changed significantly there and I was more heavily involved in custom application development for internal purposes such as project administration and human resource management. I was also responsible for general IT support and some project management.

Why I joined:

Although I had learnt a lot in my previous role, it involved a lot of travelling and there was little room for progression or personal growth.

I joined Riverview because I wanted a new challenge and I also wanted an opportunity where I could have the chance to further my career. It was really important that I worked somewhere with a positive atmosphere where I could improve my skills and be part of a cohesive team.

After going for an interview and finding out for about the role and ambitions of the company I knew it would be right fit for me.

What surprised me most in my first week at Riverview Law:

What struck me first was the friendliness of the staff and the values that are instilled from the top of the organisation down. There was a really positive vibe and the support and structure that was in place for new starters was something I was not used to.

What I’ve learnt since joining:

Having been used to working independently in the past, the biggest learning experience for me has been working as part of a team and collaborating in order to achieve our goals. This has been really rewarding and I feel I’m really gelling with my colleagues.

From a technical point of view I have improved my knowledge of CRM 2011 and 2013 and I’ve also gained valuable experience of managing and leading projects.

What I enjoy most about my job:

I recently got promoted to Software Development Team Leader which has given me the opportunity to think of new ways for us to bond as a team and get the best out of each other. I’ve really enjoyed thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas to do this.

I find I get a lot of job satisfaction from seeing our team succeed and it motivates me to keep trying new things which help us do our jobs better but can also be fun and original.

How Riverview Law compares with other places I’ve worked:

In previous roles, I’ve found that staff are not always valued and given the support and recognition they need. At Riverview there is strong leadership and well defined structure for staff to give regular feedback and raise any concerns they have through their line manager. This helps ensure people are happier and more content with their jobs and I’ve always felt that happier teams are more productive.

There is also set of values that are instilled throughout the company which is genuinely adhered – again this is not something I’ve experienced in the past.

Why I’m still here:

I love working with my team and they give me plenty of motivation to stick around!

I also feel as though there is support to help me improve my skills and achieve my goals and aspirations within the company and so I don’t have any reason to leave.

What I’d say to potential applicants:

If you have worked in other places where you have not been appreciated and you have a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and want to be part of a cohesive team of lovely people, then this is the place for you! I would highly recommend it!