Meet the team - Ally

It’s been a few months since you joined Venditan. How are you settling in?

I’ve been settling in really well! The team has been incredibly welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed learning more about the company’s processes, technologies, and best practices.

Every day brings something new, and I’m definitely getting more confident in my role as time goes on.

So, what’s your story? How did you get into development?

I grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to England when I was 18. My career in development started in 2022 after I completed my degree in Business Technology.

Even though I’m still early in my career, I’ve had the chance to work on a variety of projects and develop my technical skills along the way.

Outside of work, I love spending time with friends and regularly flying home to see my family. I have plenty of hobbies to keep me busy—reading and crocheting are two of my favourites!

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?

I had some poetry published when I was in school—something not many people know about me! I also love picking up new hobbies and challenging myself in different ways.

I taught myself how to crochet and knit, I’m currently learning Portuguese, and I’ve even dabbled in pottery and ice skating.

I enjoy the process of learning something new—it keeps things interesting!

Take us through a typical day in your role—what’s that like?

My day is a mix of planning, development, and problem-solving. I usually start by reviewing priorities, checking team updates, and assessing progress, blockers, and next steps. Setting clear goals for the day helps keep me focused and structured.

A big part of my role is implementing client requests—whether that’s creating new features, improving existing functionality, or troubleshooting challenges. Sometimes, that also involves estimating time requirements for different tasks.

At the end of the day, I wrap up development work, document key findings, and make notes to ensure a smooth transition into the next working day. I also take a moment to reflect on what’s been achieved and what’s next on the agenda.

I really appreciate the balance between working from home and being in the office. A quiet space is great for deep focus, but in-person collaboration is invaluable for brainstorming and problem-solving.

To stay organised, I try not to get caught up in the details—things don’t always go as planned, and adaptability is key. Structuring my work with flexibility helps me manage shifting priorities, and making plenty of notes always helps!

What’s the best advice you could give to someone starting out in web development?

I’d say don’t feel pressured to specialise right away—explore different areas of development and see what interests you the most. Having a broad skill set is really valuable, and it gives you flexibility as you progress in your career.

Also, be open to learning constantly. Technology evolves quickly, so keeping up with best practices and new developments will always be beneficial. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either—there’s always something to learn from those around you, and collaboration is a huge part of the job.

Finally, build good habits early on. Writing clean, scalable code and thinking about long-term maintainability will set a strong foundation for your growth as a developer.

Are there any eCommerce or retail trends that you find particularly interesting right now?

I’m really interested in how AI and data-driven technology are shaping the future of eCommerce. Businesses are benefiting from more in-depth personalisation and smarter recommendations by analysing customer behaviour and purchase patterns.

From a customer’s perspective, this makes for a more engaging and relevant shopping experience. As AI continues to evolve, businesses will have even more opportunities to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

What’s a key lesson you’ve picked up in your career so far?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay flexible. The tech industry moves fast, and being open to change and new approaches is essential. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so adapting quickly is key.

I’ve also realised how important prioritisation is. When working on projects, there are always competing demands, so understanding client and business needs helps manage workload effectively. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but focusing on what truly adds value makes a big difference.

Problem-solving is another crucial skill I’ve developed. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and being able to shift focus, troubleshoot, and find creative solutions is a huge part of the job.

And finally, communication is everything. Whether it’s collaborating with teammates, discussing solutions, or simply making sure everyone is on the same page, good communication makes a massive difference in getting things done efficiently.

What does a typical weekend look like in the life of Ally?

I love working on personal projects where I can experiment with new technologies and ideas outside of my daily work. But I also make sure to take breaks from screens to reset and prepare for the week ahead.

I enjoy wholesome activities that help me relax and be creative—painting and gardening (when the weather allows) are two of my favourites!

Looking ahead, where do you see your career taking you?

I want to keep expanding my knowledge and technical skills to become a well-rounded developer. Right now, I see the value in broadening my expertise across different areas before choosing to specialise.

Long-term, I hope to work on projects that challenge me and enable me to grow. I also want to contribute to making the tech industry more inclusive—helping other women enter the field and making web development a more accessible career path is something I’m really passionate about.