A Software Engineer’s Journey at Street Group

Welcome! I’m Khurm, Technical Lead for the Street Consumer Experience team (CEX) here at Street Group. In this blog we’ll dive into the CEX team’s experiences, insights, and the unique aspects that set Street Group apart in a competitive tech landscape.

You’ve been part of Street Group for six exciting months now. How has the journey been so far?

It’s been fantastic. The onboarding experience was smooth, and the people have been amazing — integrating with the team was easy right from the start. Gathering insights from colleagues was seamless and whenever we faced challenges, there was a wealth of experienced individuals ready to provide guidance. Speaking specifically about the consumer experience (CEX) team that I joined, we initially lacked a clear roadmap, but over time, we’ve developed strong projections and provided the team with the visibility and accountability needed to drive the project forward. So overall, our progress has been great.

What does being a Software Engineer mean for the CEX Team?

I think for us it means putting in the effort to think critically, being genuinely passionate about your work, and not being afraid to ask questions. For my team specifically, especially of late, it’s about stepping up when needed and delivering on commitments.

How does this experience compare to your previous roles?

My last position was at a startup, which had a similar dynamic to this one. In fact, the roles I’ve had in the past few places were quite similar, especially in terms of adopting agile methodologies. We follow the same patterns here — retrospectives, demos, and all the usual practices. The major similarity is the work itself. However, what sets this experience apart is the startup mentality and the pace at which we need to propel the business forward, meeting deadlines and driving progress swiftly.

So, I would say the main difference compared to larger corporations I’ve worked at in the past is this startup mindset and the need to keep things moving rapidly. It’s our speed and agility that sets us apart from the competition.

What’s your favourite memory from the past six months?

It’s challenging to pinpoint a single favourite memory; there have been numerous memorable moments. However, it has to be the people here. The positive work environment and the open-mindedness of individuals is stand out. It’s a stark contrast to previous experiences where aggression and closed-mindedness were prevalent. We specifically seek individuals who value collaboration and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.

What would you consider your most significant achievement since joining us?

We’ve achieved a great deal with our project, especially considering the adoption of new technologies like React, Vite, Redux, Typescript and Cypress with Cucumber BDD that Street had never used before. We’ve embraced innovative ways of working with code. This technological leap sets us apart. I’d rather focus on these advancements than specific releases, as they showcase the difference we’re making at Street Group.

Could you describe a typical day or week for you and your team?

Our team’s pace is quite dynamic. There’s a whirlwind of activities and various meetings. You might think you’re on one path, but suddenly, six other important tasks emerge. I ensure the team maintains consistency in their approach. Planning is crucial, and we’re now looking at projections for the next three, six, and nine months. This provides the team with a clear direction and goals, minimising the stress of uncertainty often faced by developers. Our startup mindset is evident in our agile practices, having weekly all hands meetings, monthly product SCRUMs and a strong emphasis on visibility within the company, which even includes the financial aspects.

Outside of work my time is spent attending to the many requests and issues of my little ones. Here they are pretending to be sweet and innocent:

Why should someone consider joining your team?

If you’re a developer seeking excitement and a fast-paced environment because you feel stuck or uninspired in your current role, this is the place for you. We are looking for individuals who thrive in rapid, dynamic settings and are eager to embrace change. Our tech stack is quite progressive too. We primarily work with TypeScript, Laravel, React and Cypress. Additionally, we leverage AWS for infrastructure. If you’re someone who enjoys working with cutting-edge technologies and is interested in security, architecture, or release management, we’re always on the lookout for these kinds of diverse skill sets!.

Is there any reason why someone might not want to join us?

We have a clear set of criteria for the type of people we want to bring into our team. We seek individuals who are collaborative, hardworking, eager to embrace new technologies, and vocal about their opinions. If you don’t resonate with these qualities, this might not be the right fit for you.

What’s in store for the CEX team in the next 12 months?

Our focus is primarily on the consumer side, particularly enhancing visibility for landlords and vendors. Many upcoming projects revolve around improving visibility for landlords, vendors, tenants, and creating investor portals. We’re currently on a release path for landlords, with tenants as the next milestone in the next six months. Our grand plan involves releasing new features and functionality, providing a unique experience to our users and potential customers, especially in the sales department.

To find out more about life at Street Group, follow us on LinkedIn, see what our team are saying on Glassdoor, or visit our careers site.