Employee Spotlight: Matthew Bennett, Junior App Developer

Employee Spotlight: Matthew Bennett, Junior App Developer


Each month we take a closer look at one of Lolly's fantastic team members and find out more about how they help drive Lolly's success. This month the spotlight is on Junior App Developer, Matthew Bennett.


How long have you been with Lolly?
‍I’ve been with Lolly for 5 months now.


What does your job entail? What are the highlights?
As a junior app developer, my job mainly involves adding new features to our existing apps - usually smaller but important updates - and fixing bugs or issues within the existing code. I also spend time researching new technologies or ideas that could be implemented to improve our apps. Beyond that, I help out with any tasks my team assigns, which gives me a chance to learn and grow in different areas of development.
‍

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My friends were a big inspiration for me pursuing my career. I’ve always enjoyed the support side of IT - that’s where I started after high school, working as an IT Technician. However, after theCOVID-19 pandemic, I struggled to find work in that area. My friends really motivated me to revisit programming, which was something I’d always been interested in. With their encouragement, I spent time practicing and studying, and eventually, I was able to start my career as a developer.


‍What are you most proud of achieving during your time at Lolly so far?
‍I’m really proud to be part of an exceptional team that works together to create products that improve people's experiences. It’s fulfilling to know that my contributions help enhance the functionality and usability of the apps. I’m also proud of how much I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been here. Seeing how a fully functional app is coded has been incredibly valuable in helping me work toward my goal of becoming a better developer.


Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years, I see myself becoming highly proficient in .NET technologies and using that expertise to contribute to impactful projects that drive the company’s success. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow within the company, building on my skills as a developer by taking on more challenging projects. Over time, I aspire to step into a role where I can mentor others and help support the growth of the team.


What are your outside interests and hobbies?
I recently moved to the UK from South Africa, and one of the things I’ve always loved about the UK is its medieval history. It’s been amazing to actually see some of the places I’ve only seen online and on TV. I’m also really into motorcycles and hope to get one soon. My goal is to take some road trips and explore more of the UK - combining my interest of motorcycles and history.