Full name: Ben Braine
Age: 24
Job Title: Designer/Programmer
University attended: Bath
Degree obtained: Computer Science
Joined: 6 September 2004

I first came to IPL as a placement student while studying for my degree. I had a fantastic year with the company; almost too good, as I didn’t want to return to university. So when IPL offered me a job at the end of my final year, it was a no-brainer.

I’ve always said that I would rather do a job I enjoy than do a job just because it has a decent salary. However, with IPL I found a job that’s rewarding both financially and personally. The work at IPL is varied and often presents new challenges to tackle. You’re often given the chance to play to your strengths, but IPL will not shy from pushing you in a completely different direction, thus developing new skills. There’s an excellent in-house training team, who will help you right from day one, and of course you’ll always find someone around willing to impart their knowledge.

There are also opportunities every now and again to do something really different; for example, since rejoining the company I have become a Technical Support Engineer. I am now part of a team supporting, developing and maintaining IPL’s testing product, Cantata++. This involves anything from identifying and resolving support issues in close contact with the customer, porting the tool to a new compiler, and even jetting off to foreign parts to provide on-site support or training.

However, the work aside, it’s often those whom you work with that can make or break the deal, and at IPL you’ll find no cause for complaint. There’s a great atmosphere here and everyone’s incredibly friendly. The size of the company also lends a sort of ‘big family’ feel to the place, which is incredibly evident at company socials.

You’ll also not find anything wrong with the location. I’d lived in Bath for a few years, having been to the University, and so I knew what a lovely city it is. It’s a little more relaxed than some of the bigger cities out there, but with Bristol just a short train-ride away you get the best of both worlds. The company offices are located right in the city centre, meaning there’s always something to do at lunchtime. There are even several IPL sports leagues/clubs for the more energetically inclined.

I really enjoy working at IPL. Not only is the work here fun, but it also challenges you and provides the ability to get better and do the whole ‘personal growth’ thing. I almost feel a bit guilty as I get to have my cake and eat it. Oh sure, the work can be hard, but then who ever said the best things in life come for free?