Training the next big data professionals at NPAW

The first candidates for our opening as a Backend developer trainee are now enrolled in an online training course in Java programming and  MySQL databases funded by NPAW free of charge.

We’ve created an online training curriculum in that’s integrated in the recruitment process for those looking for start their career path as a backend developer working with big data & real-time analytics.

What kind of skills we do expect to find in a successful candidate when looking for people in the engineering team? For us, ideal candidates are:  

• Abstract intelligence
• Ability to understand and solve complex problems
• Strong skills in mathematics and algorithms
• Fast and eager learners
• Open minded individuals  
• Pragmatic problem solvers
• Efficient workers
• Those with a passion for exploring the world and applications of Big Data
• Programming skills (in Java, those joining our backend team)

After analyzing these requirements, we are able to identify 3 different kinds of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Transversal skills and traits in science professionals: abstract intelligence, ability to understand and solve complex problems, skills in maths and algorithms, interest in Big Data.
• Personal skills and attitudes: Those related to the ability to learn & individual personality
• Technical skills: Java programming

If we apply these different filters when searching for candidates, we  reduce the number of results every time, especially once we ask for the third one, Java programming- as we all know, there is a shortage of developers in Barcelona. But don’t forget that technical knowledge is not that difficult to acquire, and here at NPAW we believe that a programming language is not itself an end, nor is it a specific technology. To us, our only end is solving a problem, the technology is the just the means by which we do so.

So, what happens if people fulfilling all the requirements expected of a Backend Team member, except  pre-existing knowledge of Java programming for example, such as mathematicians, physicians, and others of scientific backgrounds? We found a solution to this dilemma, at NPAW we go the extra mile to familiarize such individuals with Java via our online training courses.

Those interested in joining NPAW, and eager to learn Java, will be given the opportunity to complete  another step in their recruitment process, which they can  complete at their own pace. The final step  will be the technical test (after already completing interview and an psychometric test), and if successful they will be offered a position as a trainee at NPAW, continue learning about Java programming, but more specifically about big data technologies and solutions. After this period, candidates  will be ready to join NPAW with a permanent contract.

We expect to continue growing our engineering team by both hiring entry level and experienced developers. If you’re interested in becoming a part this amazing team, do not forget to check our current vacancies.

Research & Editorial Team on August 03rd 2016