IT

I have worked for Hargreaves Lansdown since June 2015, having joined the IT Testing Team. It’s a challenging but enjoyable role as I get to work on a range of projects varying from small bug fixes to larger enhancements of our products that we offer directly to our clients, as well as the systems that hold it all together behind the scenes. I love the variation of my role. I get to communicate with different people across the business so it’s never a dull day and I’m constantly learning.

Hargreaves Lansdown have a very good ‘open door’ policy with the managers and senior managers being very approachable and can often be seen out at staff socials, which gives a real feeling of being one big team. We are regularly encouraged to put forward any ideas we’ve had to the managers. Anything from a new process, to a tool we’ve heard about or simply just a way we’ve found to do something in a more efficient way. These are taken seriously and implemented where possible.

I absolutely love working here, the reputation of the company, my colleagues, the variation, the office and the location make getting up for work each day a doddle. I think working for Hargreaves Lansdown is a great opportunity for anyone looking to start or progress their career.

When I moved to Bristol in 2015, after 11 years of working for a variety of organisations in London, I was interested in finding a company with which to make the next step in my career. Joining the web development team at HL has been the perfect choice.

The company operates in a complex space, and the software ecosystem reflects this – so there are many complex problems to solve and lots of fascinating challenges in both adapting existing systems to the changes constantly taking place in the industry and development and integration of new tools and products with which to make our clients’ experience better and more rewarding.

In the brief time I’ve been here I’ve already taken a leading role in a development project to consolidate, simplify, and improve the performance of retrieval of fund & share prices from the various data providers we use. Working on such a high-impact project as that for the UK’s market-leading fund supermarket really keeps one’s mind focused!

Having joined HL in early 2013 I can honestly say this is one of the best places I’ve worked. I started out as a member of the Vantage administration team and was recommended to apply for a role in within the Web Development team, with web design/development being something I studied in my spare time.

Moving to IT and starting out as a Junior Developer I’ve expanded my development knowledge and learnt a great deal. Within a short space of time I was able to become a PHP Developer. I was made to feel very welcome and there is always someone on hand to answer any questions you might have. It’s a really great place to thrive and improve your technical skills.

One of the great things about working within HL is the social aspect, from company events, fitness groups and sports teams to department nights out. I’m currently part of the HL Netball team – HL Hotshots and also part of the Events Teams, helping to organise those aforementioned company events.

I’ve worked in software testing for 18 years in a number countries and industries and I can safely say that working at HL is one of the most dynamic and unique organisations I have worked for during my career.

I really enjoy working for HL because everyone in the company is pulling in the same direction. We always strive to offer our clients the best service and as a consequence the teams at HL work very closely together.

During my time here I have been encouraged to be as innovative as possible when it comes to making the right decision for new solutions. What’s also been encouraging for me is that people who demonstrate ambition are given opportunities to increase their experience.

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with friends. One of the great things about Bristol is the countryside is never far away and I’m very lucky to have amazing countryside walks close by, which I do most weekends.