Behind the Scenes: An Insider’s View into Version 1’s Innovation Labs
It’s been almost 2 years since I joined the Innovation Labs at Version 1, and what an incredible experience it’s been! As a technology consulting firm, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and our team is dedicated to helping our customers in embracing new technologies and driving their business forward by helping them identify new growth opportunities. We work closely with them to understand their business needs and develop customized solutions that meet their unique requirements. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact our work has on our client’s businesses, and to be able to help them achieve their goals.
What is the most appealing aspect of working with the Innovation Labs?
Definitely the culture of collaboration and continuous learning. We are encouraged to share our knowledge and ideas, and there are always opportunities to learn from our colleagues and industry experts. As a team, we are constantly looking for new ways to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends, be it on the Digital or Data landscape. No two days are ever the same! From taking on new challenges, exploring new technologies, and developing prototypes to collaborating with clients and colleagues on innovative solutions to their business challenges, we continue to drive innovation.
One of the projects that I particularly enjoyed working on was a Sustainability project. As a company committed to environmental sustainability, we were excited to take on a project that aligned with our values. We spent weeks researching and fine-tuning our methodology, determined to find the best way to help our client achieve their sustainability goals. After countless hours of hard work and collaboration, we finally unveiled our Cloud Carbon Emissions Calculator. The project was a huge success and it was incredibly rewarding to know that we were making a positive impact on the environment.
Another highlight of last year was the opportunity I got to meet the onsite team in Ireland & the UK and also experience the working culture there. I had only communicated with my colleagues via email and video calls before, so it was a thrill to finally put a face to names and spend time getting to know them in person. Despite our diverse backgrounds and expertise, we quickly bonded over our shared passion for the work we were doing. I was impressed by their passion, professionalism, expertise, and sense of humour, and I enjoyed getting to know them over meals and team-building activities. From the historic architecture and cosy pubs to the friendly locals and delicious food, there was so much to love about this trip.
As much as being on the team is exciting, it also comes with its set of challenges. Research tasks often require a significant time commitment, as they can involve long hours analysing data. Also, it can be experimental and may not even yield the desired results. There are certainly days when we all get stuck with a problem, which can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially if it is something that is important or time-sensitive.
Another challenge of being on a research team is the need to constantly stay up-to-date with new developments in the field and to keep abreast of the latest research findings. This requires a significant amount of reading and self-study, which can be time-consuming and demanding.
Despite all these challenges, being on the team can be a fulfilling and satisfying pursuit. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully finding solutions to a problem is unparalleled!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about life in the Technology and Innovation (T&I) practice in Version 1. If you’re inspired to join our team and make a difference, be sure to visit our careers page to see the exciting opportunities that await you!
About the Author:
Geethu Suresh is a Microsoft .NET Consultant here at Version 1.
