A recipe for good working conditions

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Rocket scientists come in many different shapes and personalities, but they all share a set of hardcore programming skills acquired through many years of industry experience. What aspects of their work do these experts appreciate? One of the consultants who enjoys riding the Rocket is Alexei Danilov. He knows what he needs to enjoy work.

Five years ago, Alexei Danilov found himself on the lookout for a new work environment that would take his career to new heights. “I consider professional development important, so I wanted to work with experts who approach their work with the same level of passion as I do,” he says.  

In 2018, Alexei took part in an industry speed-dating event geared at IT professionals and companies. Afterwards, he quickly decided to start negotiations about boarding the Rocket. After learning some more about each other and carrying out a technical validation, we sealed the deal with a handshake. And here we are, years later, and the relationship is still going strong! “There was – and still is – something extraordinary about Rakettitiede compared to other companies in the field,” Alexei says. 

But what makes for good working conditions for an expert like Alexei? What boxes need to be ticked to make things work?

Good working conditions?

The concept of good working conditions encompasses the meaningfulness of work, an appropriate challenge, job satisfaction and the feeling of meaningfulness, as well as various aspects related to one’s personal life, wishes and needs. On board the Rocket, we live what we preach and aim to offer only the best for demanding needs. The same applies to the working conditions we create and offer to our experts.

While Alexei was looking for a new job, he paid particular attention to three things: interesting assignments, fair pay and a supportive work community. 

Assignments according to consultant’s interests and development needs

Rocket scientists demonstrate a high degree of expertise in software and effective teamwork. Most have also gained experience in customer work before entering the Rocket. All rocket scientists are passionate about the work they do, so the content of the assignments has a significant impact on how meaningful the work is perceived to be.

“Client cases have to be interesting enough, and I must have a say in choosing them,” Alexei says. He says that to pique an experienced consultant’s interest you need a sufficiently challenging problem as well as an assignment that supports personal development and uses modern technology as a tool. 

At Rakettitiede, consultants are involved in the planning discussions concerning new assignments. 

Alexei mentions he feels confident about the variety of assignments available and the fact that the entire team will carefully consider the suitability of each assignment for him. “Right from the get-go, I felt I could have a strong influence on what my workdays at the Rocket were going to be like,” Alexei says. Everyone is also welcome to participate in discussions about the direction the company is headed, and all employees get an opportunity to own a piece of the Rocket. Employees own approximately 40% of the Rocket.

Great pay = appreciation of expertise

The second, obvious, item on Alexei’s list is fair remuneration for work done. There’s no going around this one: solving complex, albeit motivating, problems doesn’t pay the bills. The Rocket’s salary model seemed more than fair to Alexei. He had never before in his career come across a model based on this kind of client invoicing. 

Did the adoption of a new salary model bring about any noticeable changes? 

“The model forces the consultant to take more responsibility for their work. At the same time, it also tells me that my employer has complete trust in my competence. The salary model is fair to everyone involved,” Alexei says. 

“I assume full responsibility for the outcome of the assignment, and that suits me just fine. I now have a deeper understanding of what goes on at the client’s end and why things are the way they are.”

Alexei is a strong advocate for the model, not least because of its transparency. “I assume full responsibility for the outcome of the assignment, and that suits me just fine. I now have a deeper understanding of what goes on at the client’s end and why things are the way they are.”

A community of hardcore professional where no one is left behind

First impressions can only be made once. Alexei recalls his first date with the Rocket with fondness: “I remember having paid attention to the rocketeers. All of them seemed so relaxed, easily approachable and passionate. The spirits were high, and there was no pecking order that would’ve prevented the people from getting along.” 

There was no need to resort to the whole “one big happy family” spiel either; Alexei fit right in and was greeted with open arms. “No one expects you to be best friends with every single colleague. But having a community where people are there for each other and ready to lend a helping hand creates a supportive and safe environment for carrying out demanding work,” he says. 

According to Alexei, one of the benefits of the Rocket’s recruitment process is that it gives the candidates a change to meet other consultants instead of just recruiters. The Rocket has its eye on the horizon: if the candidate feels that the culture is something they’ve been looking for, the employment relationship is all the more likely to be mutually beneficial and successful. 

Makes sense, but one question remains: what are the rocket scientists actually like? 

Alexei takes a moment to think about the question and then comes up with a convincing description: “Rocket scientists are highly competent software experts and proactive professionals, who are open to new people and ideas and ready to assist you whenever you need help with anything.” 

The recipe for good working conditions seems a bit clearer now. The Rocket warmly recommends enjoying the outcome with some competent colleagues.

Looking for interesting jobs, a hefty salary and an encouraging work community? Keep reading!

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