"I am a Unity Developer specialised in software design, geometric algorithms, discrete mathematics and focusing on group management"
Interview with Merel Meekes by Diana Dalenoord
As a Unity Developer at Thales, I develop software for VR and AR from start to finish by coding programming primarily C# in the Unity engine you'll also use if you take the New Media course. With a small team, I design, develop, and maintain applications that use information relevant to the radar systems that Thales as a whole develops.
The great thing about my work at Thales is that I work on practical applications. Radar systems can be set more precisely during operations, allowing the Ministry of Defense to better protect its citizens. With an application of mine, a colleague can review a product that was not yet physically built as though it already were. We can solve the loss of information problems that come with having to show the outside world on a flat screen and help the operators or commanders on the ship interpret the situation faster or more accurately.
Teamwork
I currently work in a team with 7 colleagues, 5 ladies and 2 men. Everyone has their expertise: unity development, 3D modelling, education & training and video applications supplemented by an I-Tech intern. Our product owner leads the team and sets the broad outlines within our team. Because we are a disciplinary team in which everyone has their expertise and background, we complement each other perfectly and come up with well-rounded solutions, which is brilliant. It is not possible to elaborate on projects because within Thales we often deal with confidentiality. Developing innovations from beginning to end often take years and, of course, the competition doesn't sleep.
Group manager
Within the Creative Technology programme, I learned to work within small (4 people) and large (20 people) groups, learn structure, establish hierarchy within the group and achieve good final performances. CreaTe taught me a lot of the required soft skills and means to communicate in groups. Through my bachelor's in CreaTe, following the Pre-master's in Computer Science and the Master's in Game and Media Technology in Utrecht, I realised that I am project-oriented and enjoy taking on the role of project manager. I know how to deal with different people with different expertise, and I take care of planning and translating customer wishes into actions, components and features. That way, within our team, we arrive at the outcome the customer is waiting for or needs.
Plans for the future
My independence has allowed me to grow quickly within Thales and perform high-level work. I would like to grow to properly fill the role of Senior developer. This would allow me to stay involved in the practical side of development and programming work, which I really love. I also enjoy preparing work for junior colleagues and guiding them in their new jobs.
Name: Merel Meekes - to be contacted via Merel.Meekes@gmail.com
Bachelor’s: Creative Technology at the University of Twente, Netherlands
Master’s: Game and Media Technology at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands
Work: Unity Developer at Thales, Hengelo, Netherlands
Internships and graduation projects are difficult to realise within Thales due to the aforementioned duty of confidentiality etc. It is not impossible, but not easy to arrange.