Meet our Platform Engineer

With so many fantastic team members across the Museum, we want to showcase some of them! In this series, find out more about work and life at the Museum.

Next up, we talk to our Platform Engineer, Emma Hyett, about how she got into the role, what she loves about working at the Museum, and her favourite things about the job.

What is the main purpose of your role?

I’m a Platform Engineer in the Technology Solutions team. I work on a diverse set of platforms and applications across the Museum and have a background in MS Dynamics 365. Essentially, in non-techy terms, we work with the teams at the Museum to configure the systems in the best way for us.

What does a typical day look like?

Varied! We have a diverse set of platforms at the Museum so there is plenty of opportunity to switch things up throughout the day. I work from home, or I cycle into the Museum, normally catch up with the team and get on with what needs to be done that day. As I’ve only been here just under two months, quite a of lot of the work is new for me, so it’s quite a bit of learning at the minute.

What are the most enjoyable and challenging parts of your role?

I feel like the most enjoyable and the most challenging part of working with platforms sort of combines into a love hate relationship in my mind. I generally get most satisfaction when I’m able to improve a system/process through automation. However, getting it right can sometimes be a struggle when the requirements are quite complex - you can spend hours troubleshooting. Though when you crack it, and suddenly something that was manually done before is completed by a workflow or other logic, it’s satisfying.?

What do you like about working for the Museum?

I love the feeling of walking into the Museum and being part of something bigger – it’s hard to ignore that when you walk underneath a globe and through the Earth Galleries to get to your desk. Also, the first thing that stood out to me was the Museum’s steps towards inclusivity. By having pronouns on our signatures, it’s a simple way of creating an inclusive, safe space and respecting others, which is refreshing. Essentially, it creates an atmosphere that the person you are at work can be the same person you are at home.

How did you get into the role?

I sort of fell into tech during my previous role, where I started as an intern and became the Subject Matter Expert of an application. I worked on a project where I built logic, which automated a lot of my role. From there, I moved into the tech team. I started working with a consultant on MS Dynamics 365 and looked after all of the applications across the business. I learned some valuable stuff and these skills (plus a touch of personality) got me to the Museum.

What’s the most interesting/weird thing you have learned about the Museum?

That in the past the Museum has received quite odd things from the public in the post for scientists to investigate – dead birds and things like that!

Do you have any fun or special memories you have made while working at the Museum?

My first day was a great experience, everyone was so welcoming and just so enthusiastic to be here. It makes an impact on you straight away - you end up wanting to come in, explore and get to know everyone – no more ‘dread going into the office’ feeling. I’m still newish, and there are many socials to come, so I’m sure I’ll create some great memories here.?