IT designer

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as a service manager for the criminal records system at the Legal Register Centre. I am responsible for the development and maintenance of the criminal records system. The criminal records system stores data on persons sentenced to imprisonment or corporate fines. The information is used for purposes such as the imposition of criminal sanctions. It can also be disclosed as a criminal record extract to authorities to determine a person’s reliability and suitability for a task.

I resolve incidents and conduct investigations, which I pass on to the suppliers of application and operations services. System development involves designing new system versions, testing and approving changes, and deploying new versions to production.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2003 and, after a few turns, I ended up in the IT sector. I worked in the private sector for a long time before starting to work for the state. Initially, I served as a register secretary for criminal records before transitioning into a role as an IT designer for the same system. Working as a register secretary provided a good foundation for my current tasks.

Describe your typical working day or week.

Throughout my working day, I frequently use email, instant messaging and various systems. Each day, I participate in conversations with clients and application providers regarding issues such as incidents and system development.

My working week also includes several meetings to discuss matters related to systems or new legislative changes that require system development. I also participate in internal training.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work during office hours, from 8:00 to 16:15. We have flexible working hours which makes it easier to combine work and family life. I work both at the office and at home. Naturally, the system needs to function throughout office hours, which is why any modifications are carried out in the evenings. In such cases, I am always involved in making sure things go smoothly.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

This work requires you to be in control of the big picture, which consists of a wide array of tasks. You also need expertise in incident management and cooperation with suppliers, as well as problem-solving skills.

The ability to prioritise work tasks is important. Having a high tolerance for pressure is crucial, as the job frequently requires swift responses to sudden incidents. In addition, you need to be curious, show initiative and be eager to solve problems.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The greatest advantage is the freedom to make independent decisions and prioritise work tasks. I like the versatility of my work and the fact that something new is happening all the time. Furthermore, I have an excellent team with whom I can brainstorm ideas.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

You must learn to accept that you cannot complete every task on your own right away, and that some things will remain unfinished at work. Every time you finish something minor, there are many other projects waiting, which sometimes feels challenging.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a IT-designer?

This profession is suitable for people who like challenges and versatile work. An IT designer has to investigate different matters and consider multiple viewpoints related to changes. Furthermore, you should be prepared to cooperate with a diverse group of people. 

How do you see the future of your profession?

While robots and automation help with everyday activities both now and in the future, they will not be able to replace human expertise and subject-specific knowledge.