#GradStories Richard Mikulskij, Software Developer at An Post

What are your main tasks in a typical week?

I work on click and post. That's the way you are able to buy return labels and buy postage labels. As a software development, I attend morning standups where we discuss what we've been working on and what we’re planning to work on and talk about any issues we’re facing. I then get assigned a ticket which is normally a bug fix or to develop a new piece of code. The majority of my day is spent debugging or writing code.

I also work on another project called the IMI project which is a grad program we do here. We get assigned a project that has nothing to do with our careers. I got assigned a project with four other graduates to on the EXO move. So we're moving from the GPO to the EXO building so I'm helping out in this process of moving 900 people from one building to another and doing some of the tour guides, gathering information, preparing badges and things like that.

What skills do you need to have to be successful in your role?

I would say the best skill to have for this kind of role as a software developer is problem solving. It’s the main thing we do every day and you have to come up with creative ideas.

It's not easy to practice but I would say try problem solving all aspects of life.

What advice would you give a new graduate?

I would say that the most important thing is having a beginner's mindset. Always be willing to learn, learn how to learn. I think the most important thing is being able to learn, drop your ego, there's a lot of people above you that have a wealth of knowledge and I think it's really important to soak that all in. The whole point of a grad program is for you to learn.

How did you get into your job?

I went into level seven Computing, it's a three-year program at Dundalk. Then I went up to level eight after three years. I did a gap year after college to figure out what I wanted to do. Then I found this opportunity with An Post.

How have you adjusted to working from home?

With the EXO move I do come to the office two times a week and try and help out as much as I can there because I am on that project and I would come in to GPO every now and then for graduate speaker series. What I like about hybrid is that it gives you a good sense of work-life balance. When you’re at home you don't have to commute and instead you can just focus after work on things you want to do like working out or reading. I am more energetic when I stay at home.

What do you love about your job?

My favourite part of the job is the culture of An Post. I think it has a really great culture, anytime I want to learn from someone they're always willing to help, they're always willing to teach me something and they'll give you all the time you need. I also like their commitment to sustainability, it's a really message that I could get behind.