#GlueCrew Stories: Lisa Hsu
BY IT GLUE | September 11, 2018
In this edition of #GlueCrew Stories, get to know another awesome team member who dedicates her time to helping build out integrations with our API to enhance your efficiency. Introducing Lisa Hsu, one of IT Glue’s Developers.
How did you end up in your position here at IT Glue?
After spending 4 years studying Animal Biology in school I decided I wanted a complete change of pace. I figured if I was going to choose a different career path, it might as well be something drastic. I always liked computers, so I ended up doing a 3-month intensive coding bootcamp. When I finished that, I spent some time in Europe for about 2 months.
It wasn’t until I got back, and needed a job, that I heard about IT Glue through a friend. I didn’t quite have enough experience at the time for the job I originally applied for, but Nadir Merchant, our VP, Engineering, really took me under his wing to help teach me. I officially changed over my role from QA Analyst to Developer in May.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I enjoy the challenges that the job brings, and that every time I hit a roadblock I’ve got a team of people willing to help. It’s not always easy to find a job like this, and so I consider it quite precious. I have amazing guidance here, and it’s lead to great growth. You don’t find that in every place. We also have an amazing team of developers.
What are you most proud of in regards to your position or the company as a whole?
Our product, and the product knowledge I’ve built. I talk to friends who struggle to have faith in their product – and that faith can be difficult to find. But we have amazing software, and it’s great to be able to say that and say, “you should be using this.”
What challenges have you faced along the way?
It’s my first tech job, so I had a really steep learning curve. Bootcamp itself was only 3 months and was just the bare minimum, so when I got here I had a lot to learn. Everyone’s made it really easy though.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
I have a Bachelor’s in Animal Biology, so originally the plan was to be a vet. After 4 years of school, I decided it wasn’t for me, in other words, that I couldn’t do school anymore. When I was in school though, I had a really strong passion for dissection. UBC has connections to a slaughterhouse, so the specimens we received for dissection were always really fresh. In school a lot of us felt this way, but it’s not something you can tell everyone outside of that.
What inspires you?
My parents. I’m a 1st generation immigrant; I moved here from Taiwan when I was 10. My parents wanted a better future for me, and my dad says it was the best decision he’s made. He’s always giving me advice, unwanted or not, and I believe he has such a truly inspirational story.
What are you most excited for at GlueCon?
I’ve heard through the grapevine that our partners like us, and that they share that a lot at events. But I’d really like to talk to partners first hand about what it is that they really love. I want to see this for myself, and really connect with our partners.
Who are you outside of work?
For about the past year I’ve really built my life around playing ultimate frisbee. The season’s on a break right now, and I don’t really know what to do with my life until it starts back up. In general I’m pretty active, I tend to get restless if I’m not moving.
What advice would you give to colleagues?
Don’t sell yourself short. Sometimes it’s hard not to be a little desperate for a job, when you come out of boot camp or school, but don’t just settle for the first thing that comes your way. When you do, you can often end up feeling stuck. There are a lot of companies out there who will actually recognize your value, you’ve just got to believe in yourself, and sell yourself.
Interested in joining the #GlueCrew? Take a look at our current job openings.
