Inside IMS: Julie Reilly

Julie’s IMS Evolve journey as a Full Stack Developer began in November 2023, but she started her career as a trainee developer within a travel information company. Whilst there she gained experience in lots of different technologies and worked on various applications. Julie then started focussing on frontend development, as this was an area of interest she was keen to explore and has followed her throughout her career to IMS.

Julie has plenty of experience in the industry, especially when it comes to frontend user interfaces. After working in IoT companies during the last few roles, she really understands what’s needed from a Full Stack Developer. At IMS, her role is crucial in ensuring minimal issues for the user, as she goes on to explain what the core of her job involves.

“As a software developer, my role predominately focuses on the frontend user interfaces, I have also been working on some upcoming and exciting product developments! A typical day at IMS would start with a standup, as we’re using Agile project management principles, where the team gets together for a short meeting to discuss progress and plans for the day. This is then followed by working on tasks aimed at our sprint goal.”

 It is very much a supportive culture as Julie notes there’s always help on hand within the team and the project management tool offers the opportunity to raise issues if anyone is struggling or needing assistance with a task in the standup each day. “Outside of that the team is always available for each other over Microsoft Teams.”

 Within the day-day role Julie enjoys working on projects and learning how to understand the business on a deeper level. It might be surprising to some; but a Full Stack Developer has its artistic sides to the role. This is Julie’s favourite part of the job and an area in which she thrives upon… “I love the creative side, taking designs and bringing them to life in the form of a working application, that’s one of the best things about my job!”

Julie follows on from this by offering her thoughts on how AI is constantly evolving and shaping the tech world. She comments that it is very interesting and sees a lot of potential, especially in areas such as medical research. Also mentioning that AI is becoming more frequently used in a developer's day-to-day work, with tools like Copilot making an impact.

When looking back at her career so far, Julie recalls there were quite a few women in the department that she had previously worked in but acknowledges in most of the companies she has worked for since has been male dominated. However, she’s clear, it’s not something that would make her consider a different career path.

Julie goes on to note what interests her about the business and what encouraging advice she would give to others, particularly women who are wanting to enter the industry…

“I find software development very interesting and there are so many aspects to it, I don’t think it’s ever boring, although it can be challenging at times. Personally, I love the inventive side of building user interfaces. To any women wanting to join the industry I would say don’t be put off if you think it’s a male dominated environment, there’s lots of different roles available in the tech industry and communities out there like WomenInTech.co.uk to find a supportive network.”

When Julie isn’t developing user interfaces or working on upcoming projects, you can find her keeping active with one of the many hobbies, or absorbed in a good read…

“When I’m not at work I’m usually either at the gym, doing strength training, HIIT, spin or yoga, or engrossed in a book. I’m currently reading a fantasy book but  also love historical fiction." If she's not busy with any of those activities, you can catch her exploring new destinations abroad, venturing on walking holidays in the UK, attending music gigs, or enjoying a night at the theatre!

It’s clear to see why Julie is a great asset to the IMS Evolve team with her experience in the industry and all-round optimistic attitude to work and life… “I feel I’m pretty easy-going and considerate towards others and I like to have fun and laughter in life!”

We can definitely agree with that!

For more information on WomeninTech, visit their website here.