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https://pds.blog.parliament.uk/2024/10/09/spotlight-on-abigael-taiwo-devops-engineer/

Spotlight on Abigael Taiwo, DevOps Engineer

Welcome to our new series of spotlight interviews, where we'll introduce you to some of our colleagues working across the Parliamentary Digital Service.

Meet Abigael Taiwo. Abigael started as an Associate DevOps Engineer in September 2023 as part of the Code First Girls initiative and was recently promoted to DevOps Engineer.

How would you explain your job to a ten-year-old?

I’m like a security guard but instead of guarding buildings, I guard applications. I make sure they stay healthy and safe. If something’s broken, I help fix it.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

My favourite thing about my role is being able to work with lots of different people, across various disciplines and on many projects. I love the variety and flexibility it offers as it makes every day interesting and there’s always something new to learn or some way to further advance my skills.

What’s your favourite thing about working in Parliament?

My favourite thing about working in Parliament is that even as I walk down the great halls and take in the magnificence of the Palace of Westminster, the people that make up the heart of it are so down-to-earth helpful and friendly. So, I guess it’s the people.

What has been your proudest moment at PDS?

My proudest moment would have to be working on the General Election. It's so much more than just one day/night. A lot of work needs to happen in the lead up and afterwards, all across Parliament, including at PDS. It was such a huge event at PDS and I felt really proud to be a part of the team. Working with different people from all over PDS and the House of Commons with this joint goal was really inspiring and motivating. It also gave me an opportunity to dive even deeper into my team’s products as many of them played a huge part in the dissolution of Parliament and General Election. On the night of the General Election I worked with my team to update the Parliamentary database and website with new members’ details and photos as the results came in. You could really feel the energy and excitement throughout the night (and early hours of the morning) because, with all the preparation we had done for this, it was now happening!

Which of PDS’s values resonates most with you and why?

The PDS value I resonate most with would have to be Curiosity. As a life-long learner, I think this value is especially important for my role and my personal growth. I believe staying curious by constantly learning as well as sharing that knowledge and passing it on is important not only for myself and my team but for PDS too.

Do you have any hidden talents or interests?

I am very passionate about personal finance. I have spent the last few years reading, watching and educating myself on it to the point where some might even say it’s an obsession (I have a lot of spreadsheets). It’s been awesome seeing my friends and family get motivated to also take control of their own personal finances.

What are you excited about outside of work this year?

I’m excited about visiting more places around the UK and Europe with my family and friends. I’ve lived on three continents and spent quite a lot of my life travelling but sadly that has slowed down in the last few years (as I’m sure it has for many). So it’s been really refreshing getting out of the city and seeing more of the country and the world again.

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