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Giles Lamb

High point so far?

I ran a project to integrate a small KBC entity’s IT infrastructure into ours. This included migrating all users’ mail from Lotus notes into exchange; migrating all of their Data; installing and setting up all of their specific applications; migrating their phone setups & PCs; and dealing with DR requirements. The project was high profile, I was given complete ownership. Thankfully, it went very well.

Why KBC FP?

The people mainly. I met most of the team as part of the interview process and they were clearly a sharp bunch. They looked like they’d get along very well as a team so I was very excited with the prospect of working with them.

Application process?

It’s quite intense – but fair, I believe. I clearly remember thinking just after the interview with the Global Systems Manager that I’d learnt more in that one hour than any other time before. He really pushed me, asking a lot of technical questions that I didn’t know. But he let me work through them.

Any tips?

My advice to anyone is to be honest. Say if you don’t know the answer – but go on to try and work though it with the interviewer.

How is KBC FP different?

It’s quite small, so you get to know most of the company. The culture is kept relaxed. We work hard, but there’s no problem when things are quiet and we have a bit of a laugh. The company is very open-minded and is constantly looking to the market for new business opportunities. This is very exciting, as we have to be able to provide new technical solutions quickly and effectively.

What were your expectations?

Hard work with constant challenges. Has KBC FP has lived up to my expectations? Absolutely!

A typical day?

Deal with any request that needs escalation from the desk. Meet with the team to check the progress of tasks and projects. Work with the business heads discussing any support issued or potential new projects. Video Conferences/Conference calls with my peers in NYC, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Investigate new project requirements – new trading systems, new applications, new server technologies and such like.

Are you challenged?

Definitely. I started as a grad on the Systems Desk. This environment is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with the business whilst learning the breadth of technologies we support. Like, Windows XP, Solaris, Solaris x86, Linux, Sybase, Oracle, Networking, telecoms and trading systems. Plus the countless third party applications that financial organizations run: Swift, Bloomberg and Reuters. With all of these different systems one of the biggest challenges is how they fit together. Hence the cross platform skills you develop. First line support here is a world away from the industry perspective. The guys take a problem as far as they can. If they’re new to it – and need some help – they’ll escalate but will keep ownership and work with the senior engineer. The idea, here, being that if it occurs again, they’ll be able to resolve it. No day is the same; a lot of our job is reactive – dealing with technical problems as they occur. Anything from a server – down to a complete phone system outage.

Given responsibility?

I now run the Systems Support and Consultancy team in London. There are eight members in the team.

What about career progression?

Yes, I’ve definitely progressed and many of my colleagues have become senior engineers. Similarly, if you prove yourself at FP – and are keen to move into a slightly different career within the company – then the opportunity is often given.

Do you enjoy going to work?

Definitely. If I didn’t then I would do something else.

Any special qualities and skills?

Intelligence, genuine enthusiasm and bags of motivation.

How about Training?

I don’t think you can beat “on the job training” – and mentoring. All senior members of the team are personally assessed on their mentoring of junior staff. This is a key aspect of the way in which we work. Employees are put forward for external training courses to compliment these skills.

Any Ongoing training?

Yes, you’re encouraged to stay at the forefront of the latest developments in technology through organised training, personal research and participation in global technology communities.

And the ongoing support?

Second to none. If you prove yourself at FP, the company will support you during personal, difficult times.

How about that ‘work/life’ balance?

Yes, it’s certainly not a 9-5 job, but it’s far from all-encompassing. At times, you’ll have to work long hours. But generally you’ll be able to achieve a good work/life balance.

Formal, or Informal environment?

There’s the obvious dress code (or lack of!). Others would include getting together for sporting events. Like the London to Brighton cycle ride, 5K runs etc. Meals outside work; socializing with everyone – including senior management; the table football; watching major sporting events on the TVs at work … during work hours!

What are the working hours?

Standard hours in Systems are 8:30 – 6 (ish) But with our job, if there’s an emergency we need to be flexible with hours.

How about your boss?

We get on very well. (At least I think so!)

What have you learned?

Having worked here now for 7 years, the list could be endless. But one thing that immediately springs to mind is: Treat everyone with respect and to always empathize with colleagues, users and vendors.

What are your career ambitions?

(Not sure if I should answer this!)

Do you have time to socialize?

Yes. Probably a little too much!

Favorite thing? Got one?

The buzz of needing to provide a solution to a major outage or technical requirement – under pressure.

Be candid. Any issues?

My boss and I have weekly meetings. I feel there’s good strong mutual trust.

Describe your personality:

Enthusiastic, easy going and positive.

Lessons from KBC FP?

Working with a good bunch of people, doing a job – with no one day being the same – is a very good thing!

Any outside interests?

Music (festivals, concerts, clubs, carnivals, collecting music), socializing with friends and colleagues, renovating houses, cycling, tennis, skiing