How foodie Ronan developed a taste for tech

Published 18th September 2024

Now in its 11th year, National Coding Week is held from 16-22 September 2024. This year the focus is on artificial intelligence and encouraging people to develop technical skills. We talk to ICONI software developer Ronan Wilkinson about his coding career, its rewards, and opportunities.

ICONI’s programme delivery and case management software helps its customers effectively help others – and it gives a special sense of reward to Ronan, one of its developers.

Stuck with a technical challenge or stubborn bug, knowing that his work will ultimately help improve lives is a great motivator: “Our platforms help our customers do good work for other people, other communities,” says Ronan, one of ICONI’s Belfast-based ‘dev’ team. “I love problem solving and cracking a challenge – I’ll happily work late just to get something working properly.”

“Originally, I wanted to be a chef, but then really enjoyed maths and the technical IT subjects,” explains self-confessed foodie Ronan, now 25. “I realised there was so much scope with a coding background, lots of different career routes, so studied a degree in Software Engineering at Queen’s University.”

Ronan has worked at ICONI for almost three years. He updates features in the ICONI platform, translating customers’ requirements into technical specifications. This helps to develop the best, most cost-effective approach. He is on track to progress, leading teams and mentoring others and credits secondary school for helping him find his stride.

Embracing AI

Ronan hasn’t looked back, loving the camaraderie of the team and the opportunities that working on the ICONI platform has unlocked.

“We’re always looking to add and improve features to make working life even better and quicker using the platform. We’re currently working towards an ERSA product showcase coming up at the end of the year,” he adds.

“AI is a catch-all term, and can be misunderstood. But developing solutions with AI capability can simplify a whole lot of things. It has exciting capabilities when used responsibly, cutting laborious processes, prompting collaborations, suggesting solutions. It will never replace the skills of an advisor; but will give them more time to focus on the people they’re helping.”

Moving with the times

In the fast moving world of IT, continuous learning is a must. “You sit still, you get left behind,” says Ronan. “Learning new skills – AI skills right now – just adds to the job satisfaction. We have training resources and tailor-made tutorials developed by our senior developers that teach us how to understand and implement new technology. It’s very collaborative at ICONI, we constantly debate the best way to approach something and I’m learning so much.”

Recipe for success

So, as National Coding Week aims to tempt the appetite of our nation’s future developers, what does Ronan think are the key attributes to bring to a coding career?

• “The ability to problem solve is essential, looking at things logically, but inventively, to find the right solution,” he concludes. “I found my maths background helped me there.
• “Being flexible to change is also a must, and respecting different thoughts and ideas. No one thinks the same and IT attracts a diverse range of people. Sometimes the most off-the-wall ideas can be the most brilliant.
• “Having a knowledge of coding – that problem solving ability – helps in the most unexpected of places. From playing games to fixing the dishwasher, it’s a valuable skill to have.”

If you’re interested in learning more about coding, you’re just one click away. Type Coding for Beginners into YouTube and see if your tastes change too!