Member Article

Savvy graduate in the money before first day

One shrewd graduate became the envy of his colleagues before starting his new job, after he bagged a starting bonus for referring a friend to join him in a role with his new employer.

Graduate software tester Jack Arnstein, originally from Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, was unaware of the potential reward on offer when he recommended his former housemate Luke Smith to join him at development consultancy Scott Logic.

But as Jack, 28, joined the company’s 2015 Graduate Programme, he was told he had not only earned a cash sum for him and his wife Hannah to enjoy; he could also choose an office treat to benefit everyone that works at the Newcastle office where he’s based.

Jack, a former data entry clerk, who now lives in Heaton, Newcastle, said: “I’ve had a lot of suggestions from the other grads that started with me on the programme as to what I should choose for the office - everything from a 50s-style jukebox to an X-Box - even a pool table has been suggested! It certainly helped break the ice!”

Luke, 25, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, has now joined Scott Logic as a senior developer after a PhD in flood simulation. The pair met while studying at Newcastle University, and Luke’s referral to the firm came about over dinner shortly after Jack was confirmed in post.

Luke, who has dabbled in software for years, despite initially pursuing a career as a civil engineer, explained: “Scott Logic sounded like a great place to work, and to be honest, I missed working in software, so I took a break from academia and came back to it. I used to do a lot of games stuff when I was younger, like writing add-ons and modifications.”

Jack added: “We used to build games together for fun. Luke’s multi-talented and I knew he’d fit in really well at Scott Logic. I was chuffed when he told me I’d be working with him - even more so when I found out I’d be receiving something through the friends and family referral scheme.

“I still haven’t decided what I’m going to choose, though I’m enjoying some of the suggestions.”

Scott Logic, which also has offices in Edinburgh, Bristol and London, is rapidly expanding and has ambitious plans to grow further, with current vacancies across software development, testing, user experience design and project management. Applications for both its 2016 internship and graduate programme are also now open.

For more information on Scott Logic and its services, visit scottlogic.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jule Wilson .