Siv Sortevik: The bigger the challenge, the more Siv thrives

There's something quite special about ensuring that systems handling hundreds of thousands of financial transactions daily operate flawlessly. 

Software developer Siv and her team at Tieto's business area Banktech, work with systems that connect brokerage houses and banks with the stock exchange, so that stocks are settled and necessary reporting automatically goes to the Norwegian Tax Administration and the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. 

- We work with some of the biggest and most serious players in the Nordic finance industry, and if we make a mistake it ends up on the front page of the biggest newspapers within minutes. So yes, it certainly adds an extra edge to the workday. 

The field is also complex and quite difficult – especially with settlements across borders. It's precisely this complexity that Siv likes. 

- I like both that it takes a long time to become an expert in this area, and that we work with something useful and serious. It makes me see myself staying here for a long time. I have colleagues who have been working with the subject area since the mid-80s, and who still enjoy it and learn new things. 

Plenty of problems 

Fortunately, errors in the systems are rare, but there are plenty of problems to solve. 

- We work with a very large customer base. Therefore, there's always something new to tackle. The codebase is 30 years old, but thankfully we are constantly working on renewing it. Working with such a large codebase is a bit like solving mysteries. You have to leaf through old and new documentation, dig into the details and discuss together, both in the team and with customers. I think solving such tasks is wonderful. 

Moreover, the industry is characterized by frequent and significant changes, both with the introduction of new technology and new requirements from the authorities. In other words, there's enough to keep Siv and her colleagues busy. 

- There are four of us on my team, working both with front-end and back-end. In addition, we have our own business analysts and testers, so there are many teams in the department. In total, we are 64, which I think is a nice size. You can easily get to know everyone and have easy access to solid, interdisciplinary competence.

 

Siv describes the environment as characterized by humor and light teasing. 

- When we work together, we usually start with nonsense before we move on to the subject matter. I like that we have a good tone with friendly teasing among us. The boss is told that he is 'outdated,' for example. He isn’t, but we like to have a go at him since he’s older than most of us.  

New heights 

It's not just at work where Siv likes challenges – in her free time, she likes to reach new heights in the climbing wall. 

- We have our own climbing group here at work, and I guess I'm on the wall 1-2 times a week. Sometimes more. Plus, there's yoga three times a week – it's actually free through the fitness center we have here at the office. 

Training is by no means the only way to unwind at Tieto. 

- We have everything from shuffleboard to ping-pong tables and a sauna connected to the office – but most importantly, we have the flexibility at work to enjoy these benefits. Such breaks are very valuable in a workday. A breather now and then gives extra energy to keep up the good work.