James Staples joins Firemind as a Junior Data Scientist
This is a post for testing purposes.
And here we are, January 2023. After a much needed rest and relaxation over the Christmas break, the team is back with a new starter to Firemind.
Welcome to the team Khalil 🥳
We hope you all had a great break over Christmas and like us, are raring to jump back on the cloud band wagon. We’ve got big appetites for this year and in order to feed them, we’re delighted to welcome the first of many new additions to the team for 2023.
He’ll be focusing on enhancing customer outcomes by leveraging the latest technology, ensuring that Firemind continues to deliver exceptional, forward-thinking service.
Q&A
Hello and welcome to the Firemind team Khalil! It’s great to have you with us. To our viewers, could you please tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?
I’ve got a degree in Computer and Communication Engineering from my home country Lebanon, after which I applied directly for a Master of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence at City University of London where I passed with a Distinction. I have a passion about everything related to computers. I like to spend most of my time behind a screen, exploring new things. AI/ML is my primary focus, however I am really interested in general cloud computing and software engineering.
How did you find out about us and what made you decide to apply for a role with Firemind?
When I got my AWS CCP Certificate, I was invited to an AWS job fair at Queen Mary University where I met some of the Firemind team. A few weeks later, I had an interview and got an offer shortly after!
Which areas of our business interested you the most?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m really interested in AI/ML, as well as cloud computing, especially within AWS. I couldn’t find a better place than Firemind to start my career.
What will be your main goals/objectives whilst working at Firemind?
My main objective is to grow with the company, learn from everyone and become an expert in what I do.
What are some highlights of the job over the last few days?
I just started and so far everyone’s been so welcoming and very helpful, especially the directors Ahmed and Charlie.
Which aspects of the job are you most excited about?
I feel like I have a lot of information in my head, I want to use my skills and knowledge to solve real world problems, once my initial training is over.
What do you hope to achieve within your first 12 months here?
This year, I’m planning on getting 3 more AWS certifications (I’ve got 2 so far). In addition, I want to work on projects at scale. In other words, I want to work on enterprise projects (end-to-end).
Outside of work, what do you get up to? Tell us about your hobbies.
Gym, reading, cooking, watching movies or television series.
What’s your favourite song on your playlist right now?
Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran. Love this guy!
Any fun nicknames we should know about?
Back home I used to be called Khello.
If you could only chose one dish to eat every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would say chicken with rice and some vegetables.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
To be expert in what I do professionally. I like to be the best always.
What is one skill you would really love to learn?
I’d like to learn how to play Piano, I like Piano!
How do you wind down after work?
Go to the gym, do some exercise, list to music or watch movies/series.
Careeers
Interested in a role with Firemind?
We’re expanding quickly and always on the lookout for talented people to join our team. For more information about Firemind’s culture and current opportunities, head over to our Careers page.