Starting My Software Development Journey at Enform NZ
Beginning a new role in software development can feel daunting – especially when it’s your first professional position. Over the past few months at Enform NZ, I’ve had the opportunity to begin that journey with the support of a welcoming, knowledgeable, and inspiring team. Their encouragement and collaborative spirit have helped me grow not only as a developer but also as a teammate.
Contributing to Ensight – Our Student Management System
Since joining the team, I’ve been working on Ensight, Enform’s very own Student Management System. My contributions have ranged from small fixes, like building search filters into the UI, to larger feature developments across the full software stack.
Some highlights include:
- Designing database tables and implementing backend services
- Developing and refining APIs to connect systems
- Creating responsive Angular components and intuitive UI pages
- Enhancing existing features to improve usability and meet client needs
This hands-on experience has helped me understand the importance of building reliable, scalable, and user-friendly software that aligns with client expectations.
Learning Through Collaboration
Working with a large existing codebase has taught me valuable lessons in design patterns, clean code, and maintainability. Aligning with the standards set by senior developers ensures that my work integrates seamlessly into the broader project.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from our Lead Developer was simple but powerful: take your time to test, explore, and understand before making changes. That guidance has helped me slow down, learn the architecture deeply, and contribute with confidence.
The Value of Asking for Help
Like many developers, I used to push myself to solve problems independently for as long as possible. But at Enform, I’ve seen firsthand how much faster and more effective it is to discuss challenges with experienced colleagues.
The team has built a culture where support and patience are the norm. Sharing knowledge openly not only helps solve immediate issues but also sharpens your intuition for future problem-solving.
Culture That Drives Innovation
One of the things I appreciate most about Enform is the balance between professionalism and camaraderie. Our daily stand-ups are collaborative and often cross-functional, with insights from different departments leading to creative solutions.
Beyond the code, we also make time for team lunches, games, and social events, which help strengthen our bonds and bring fresh perspective back into our work.
Looking Ahead
At Enform NZ, we’re a small but growing team that values learning, collaboration, and delivering high-quality solutions for our clients. I’m excited to continue building my skills as a software developer while contributing to the success of Ensight and other innovative projects we take on.
If you’re interested in software that enhances student management, or curious about how we work as a team, keep an eye on the Enform blog – there’s plenty more to come, or Contact us on 07 949 8000.
Written by Ethan O’Sullivan, Intern Software Developer at Enform NZ