E22 - Jaime Buelta at Vectra AI

On today’s episode of the Security Vendor spin-off series, our host Harry Baily was joined by Jaime Buelta, Principal Software Engineer at Vectra AI. During the episode, Jaime shares his experience getting into the industry and whether people should follow a similar route to him. Jaime also talks about the biggest challenge he faced entering the industry and how it actually made him the engineer he is today.

Jaime’s journey into the world of software engineering began during his university degree. While pursuing his degree, he was introduced to the fascinating world of programming. Captivated by the potential and limitless possibilities offered by computers, Jaime realised that this was his true calling. Eager to expand his knowledge and practical skills, he set his sights on gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting.

Jaime’s first step into the industry was as an intern at Telefonica, one of Spain’s largest telecommunications companies. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in the corporate world and witness the inner workings of a major telco. Working alongside seasoned professionals, Jaime honed his skills and gained valuable insights into the industry’s dynamics.

“Do you recommend the university route?”

Jaime shed light on his perspective regarding the relevance of a degree in an industry that is continually evolving. While acknowledging the flexibility that exists today, he emphasised the benefits of obtaining a degree for those with a clear career path and the desire for focused and structured learning.

One thing he learnt during his time in the industry is the importance of developing strong interpersonal skills and highlighted the immense learning opportunities that arise from collaborating and working with others in the field of technology.

While technology lies at the heart of the tech industry, he says that working in this field also involves navigating numerous people-related challenges. From collaborating with colleagues to managing diverse teams, the ability to work effectively with others is a critical skill that can greatly impact success in the industry.

Biggest challenge?

Jaime shared his experience of relocating from Spain to Ireland in 2010, finding himself far along in his career and faced with the challenge of working in a different language and adapting to a rapidly evolving industry. Moving to a new country is a significant change, but Jaime’s move to Ireland came with the additional hurdle of adapting to a different professional landscape. Having already established himself in Spain, Jaime faced the task of starting afresh in a foreign environment where the language, culture, and industry dynamics were distinct.

Advice to his 16-year-old self

Reflecting on his own journey, Jaime urged his 16-year-old self to embrace boldness. He recognised that being bold entails taking risks, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and pursuing unconventional paths. By pushing boundaries and exploring diverse interests, you can discover hidden talents, capabilities, and passions they may not have otherwise realised.

His decision to take a break from tech and set up a comic bookstore may have seemed like a detour at the time, but it proved to be a pivotal experience. He emphasised that failure teaches invaluable lessons and provides opportunities for growth and self-discovery. The experience of running the store, and the subsequent burnout he faced, allowed him to step back and reassess his priorities.

Tune in on the 01/06/2023 to hear the full episode!