Stacy DuBois

At any given time, I have several projects on the go. As a result, a typical day is a bit of a juggling act for me. Most of the work I do involves using databases and computer software. I create computer systems that extract information from one place for use in another way. For example, I collect data to create reports that support business decision-making.

When I start work on a new project, I go through a cycle that starts with discovering what my clients need. From here, I design and build a software solution for them. I then work with them to test my solution, making any changes requested. The final step is releasing my solution so that it gets used. Sometimes I work to make updates or improvements to existing software. Always, I am fixing problems as they come up.

The word "solution" is a bit vague and is really a bit of a catchall phrase. Sometimes the work I do is to build the tools that will grab and store data. This data is used for reporting and analytics. Sometimes I'm actually creating the reports. When I do this, I spend my time fussing over which fonts and colours I want to use or how I want to lay it all out.

My computer science and math background is essential for what I do. This background gives me insight into how to best approach each problem I have to solve. In computing there rarely is just one solution to a problem. Having a solid understanding of how things work can allow to you build things better. Making things “better” means that programs run faster, data takes up less space on computers, and reports are authored in a way that is most helpful for the clients that use them.

I do a lot of my development work alone but I work as part of a fantastic team of talented professionals. We all have different specialties and often go to each other to work out problems or ask for advice. It's a very collaborative environment. I love that because there is always something new you can learn in technology. A lot of people think that my work means I'm just stuck behind a computer and hide from people all day. That couldn't be farther from the truth! Not only am I collaborating with my teammates but I am constantly in contact with my clients. I do my best to understand how they go about their business and what their needs are. This allows me to deliver what they are asking. It also allows me to make suggestions for improvement or offer to do new things that maybe they didn't realize were even possible. I spend a lot of time meeting with people in person or talking on the phone.