Recruitment experiences at Rakettitiede – 3/3: This is what everyday life looks like
Rakettitiede’s most recent developers share their recruitment experiences in a three-part blog series. In the final part of the series, we’ll let you know what the actual work looks like onboard the Rocket and what the work has been like compared to the recruits’ previous experiences.
Based on the first dates, our new scientists were already convinced that Rakettitiede was able to provide a straightforward and relaxed working culture, smart coworkers and a good salary. These perceptions were only reinforced during the recruitment process – but how did the newly hired rocket scientists’ mental images ultimately translate into everyday experiences?
How are you liking your moon suit? And how would you say working for Rakettitiede differs from your previous job?
Our most recent resources tell us that they enjoy working at Rakettitiede, which of course is music to the management’s ears. However, it needs to be remembered that in the end the mother ship’s role is quite limited, as the consultants spend almost all of their time with the clients. One tried and tested way to affect the general well-being of consultants is to listen to the rocket scientists when dealing out projects – after all, a coder who is excited about their work is also valuable to the client.
What the projects have in common is the independence of work and clarity of responsibilities, but otherwise the domain, size and duration of the projects vary a lot. The varying lengths of the consultancy assignments are seen as an advantage, since some people like the change while others want to stay with the same client for longer.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Rakettitiede. The reality has matched the impression I got during the interviews. I have also managed to change projects without changing employers, which was one of the main reasons for finding a new job.” Mikko, resource #30
“I’ve been extremely happy at Rakettitiede, and I can’t complain about the clients either. So far, I’ve only been taking care of one client, but that’s a good thing. The work makes you feel really appreciated. People are valued for their expertise and experience. Rakettitiede’s experienced colleagues are an enormous help when it comes to any work-related questions.” Tuomas, resource #34
“It’s nice to be able to tell anyone who asks that I work at Rakettitiede (and to have some sense of pride saying that).” Resource #33
“Everything went well and I am here and still happy. I’m still working for my first customer in the house.” Alexei, resource #32
“What’s the right word for describing something that goes not only well but even better? Everything’s been really great so far. It’s wonderful to be part of a group that clearly has some top-tier experts and masterminds. And the salary really is half of what the client is billed. Whenever the rocket scientist meet, they create a special atmosphere and shoot the breeze like Rambo on steroids. However, the best part is when someone asks me what I do for a living and I get to proudly say: ’I am a rocket scientist’.” Joni, resource #40
“The rocket scientists seem like a nice bunch, and I’ve enjoyed working here. However, it’s the client and the colleagues there that have an even bigger impact, since that’s where the actual work takes place. In that sense, my current job isn’t that different from my previous one. My current assignment probably comes closest to what I want to do.” Hannu, resource #38
“My idea of working the way I want to work has come true. The main thing is that the client is satisfied, and the working hours and free time can be arranged around this principle. As a father of small children, I can appreciate the fact that I don’t have to achieve a 100% billing rate. [- -] It’s great to have coworkers who are much more experienced so that I can try to pick up ideas for what I’m going to learn next.” Joona, resource #36
“Consulting is consulting. As such, there’s no difference between being onboard the Rocket or working elsewhere.” Veli-Pekka, resource #35
“So far everything is really good and I’m happy to join Rakettitiede.” Bao, resource #37
Our new resources enjoy working for us – maybe you’d like it too?
The comments of our recent scientists are revealing: the operating model of Rakettitiede is unique and worth retaining more or less as it is.
As a small company, Rakettitiede lacks complex managerial pyramids and rigid bureaucracy and promotes transparency and openness.
“The company is pleasantly small and gives you a feeling that you are cared for.” Joona, resource #36
“I didn’t even have a job assigned yet, and already ended up in the sauna with my colleagues and ‘superiors’. I love how everyone tries to take care of each other. It’s more a small family, than a dull agency. Had to deal with a lot worse over the years!” Johnny, resource #39
“As Rakettitiede is small, I can say that everything is relatively transparent. You can check the hourly rate of any Rocket Scientists if you want to. Everyone seems to be open about that topic also. Pricing model is transparent from the beginning.” Bao, resource #37
“The best place to work. That’s all!” Joni, resource #40
Well, there is this:
“This is the first place that has provided me with toilet paper with code written on it. It’s exciting to see and hear about the new things and inventions that the other rocket scientists come up with every now and then. It’s also really cool how there aren’t that many secrets in the company – everything seems really transparent.” Joni, resource #40
What about the future? While growth is a great enabler, we’re not going to turn our backs on the basic business or the quality of our coders: we’re going to continue on our path of demanding web, mobile and embedded application development without any fear of corporationalisation.
“I think we have a bright future ahead of us, and would love if we can keep that spirit alive, so that Rakettitiede in a few years, is still something unique!” Johnny, resource #39
And even though our command bridge was upgraded and moved from the forests of Espoo to the hubbub of central Helsinki, we’ll continue investing in our consultants’ pay packets instead of walls.
“The company may not have a fancy penthouse office, but then again I can afford to pay off my mortgage.” Topi, resource #31
This concludes our three-part blog series on the thoughts and feelings of our new rocket scientists! In the previous instalments, we explained how the developers got to know our consulting firm and what sealed the deal and convinced them to work for us.
Interested in becoming a rocket scientist? We’re looking for more embedded, mobile and full stack developers to board our rocket ship – read more and apply!
Read the rest of the series:
Part 1: 1/3 – The first bite