How I Became a Software Developer (Part II)

So in October 2018 I wrote a post about how I became a web developer. A month later I was no longer a web developer, so I thought I should clear things up. On November 26th I started a new job as a software developer at VoiceFoundry, a Waterfield Technologies company.

VoiceFoundry

VoiceFoundry specializes in the delivery of Amazon Connect cloud-based enterprise contact center solutions. Their expertise is in AI & natural language automation, CTI, enterprise integration, user experience design, analytics and workforce optimization. Everyone is moving to AWS these days, and if you want to move your contact center to the AWS platform, VoiceFoundry is the best company in the world to help you do it.

You might be thinking that you hate those automated call center systems and you just shout "representative" at the phone until you speak to a human anyway. I understand your feelings, but VoiceFoundry does it right, and the AWS platform uses the same natural language processing technology that Amazon uses for Alexa. So it is a lot better than the old systems, and you don't have to listen to an endless "press 1 for this, press 2 for that" menu.

My role

I still get to code in JavaScript, which is great, because I love JavaScript! I also get to use python for some projects. I write lambda functions, build Angular apps, create Lex bots, design Amazon Connect call flows, and do basically whatever else needs to be done to give our clients what they need to run their contact center.

I have also been involved in some product development including a voice mail for Amazon Connect product and am currently developing a custom Connect integration for MS Dynamics (a CRM). The job has been very challenging in the best way. I have learned a lot and grown exponentially as a developer. The culture here is great as well.

How I got the job

Before starting this job, I didn't know much about most of the technologies I am using right now (except JavaScript of course). AWS Connect and Lex are pretty new services, so there aren't a lot of people who do have experience with it. As such, when I was hired, they were looking for devs who are fast learners. That is why I was given this opportunity. I intend to take full advantage of it as well. I am going through online classes and trying to learn the AWS ecosystem as fast as possible. I plan to become an AWS certified architect and developer in time. There are plenty of AWS experts at VoiceFoundry to help me along the way, so I think my chances are good!