Heidi Kogres, who has worked in different software development teams for 17 years, appreciates variations and various topics, and as a team leader she likes to be deeply involved in software development projects at the same time as an analyst and project manager. She is also not afraid of small disputes or disagreements to get the best solution that everyone is happy with in the end.
How did you get to Uptime?
Recruiter Marge called. The time she found me on LinkedIn was perfect for a job change, even though I wasn’t really looking for a new job at the time.
What did you do before?
Before, I worked in a bank, where I held the first career position of my life as a representative of the business side (previously I only worked in the field of IT, as a representative of the technical side).
Have you been involved in software development and how much?
I have worked in software development teams all my considerable career, for a total of 17 years. During this time, I have probably completed all kinds of IT positions: systems consultant, consultant, analyst, project manager, product manager and team leader. Only the developer’s position has not yet been held.
Over the years, I have been involved in a wide range of projects, both in the private and public sectors. I have implemented ERP, specializing in financial solutions, payroll, logistics, in both private and public companies. I have worked for a national IT company, where I was responsible for software projects for EU Member States and internal security. There have been many different topics and clients and I am very grateful for that.
How did you become an IT team leader and what does this job mean?
Apparently, it turned out over time. In Uptime, the role of a team leader is quite different from elsewhere in IT companies, and this is probably one of the main reasons why Uptime fascinated me. However, as a team leader, I can also be deeply involved in software development projects in the roles of analyst and project manager. I consider such an in-depth study to be very important from the point of view of self-development. It is also a good feeling when a solution developed together with the team is put into daily use by the customer, and it somehow helps to make their daily life much easier.
What have you learned the most from Uptime, what has been the most necessary experience?
I have been able to work here on software development in an area that was lacking in my previous experience, i.e. medicine developments. The most necessary experience and knowledge both here, in Uptime, and in the field of IT in general, is that you bring home a good result with a good team. Alone you do nothing in software development.
If you understand things in the same way as the developer, then do not be afraid of small disputes or disagreements – more important is to get the best solution. Then you can be sure that the result is good, and the customer is satisfied.
What are you currently working on, what are the major projects underway?
Our client is currently one of the largest hospitals in Estonia, where we are responsible for about nine software developments. The hospital is a large institution and all software has many connections to other systems, which makes things much more complicated, but also more exciting. We make new solutions as well as maintain existing ones.
What do you like most about Uptime?
People, work, and the work environment. There is no unnecessary bureaucracy here, things are simple, clear, and transparent. Teams operate like small businesses while being part of a larger organization. People are committed and do their work with passion. When I came here to work, it felt like I had come home.
What do you do in your free time, what are your hobbies?
For the last few years, I have been doing kite surfing. If there is a suitable wind, my time is furnished – I can deal with it all year round, from early spring to late autumn at sea, and if there is snow in winter. On some warm windless days, we go to SUP with my family and at least once a year also on a snowboard trip. Traveling is great, we do it with the family as much as possible.
