John Owen

John Owen, a Software Engineering Manager at Cirium, graduated from Kent in 1985 with a degree in Computing, Operational Research, and Statistics. Over his career, he’s held various IT roles, focusing on data management, customer engagement, and team leadership. At Cirium, he manages engineering teams and supports career growth.

He credits his Kent education for developing his programming skills and teamwork abilities.  

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

During my career, I've had a variety of IT-based roles working primarily for a large corporation, which afforded me the option to try many things, including middleware software development, process automation (which today would be referred to as data analytics), and program, project and people management. A common thread in all the jobs I have had has been a thread of data management, internal and external customer engagement and helping people get the most from their careers. I have always seen my career as a journey where each subsequent job role appeared as an opportunity along the way, and provided the opportunity for me to try something new, building upon the experience gained.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

In my current role as a Software Engineering Manager, I manage two Engineering Leads and their squads. My primary focus is to help my teams succeed by removing or shielding them from obstacles, helping individuals grow their careers, contributing to my peer management team and supporting my director and executive management team. We have a hybrid working model, so my days are split between working in the office and working from home. My days comprise a mixture of attending agile ceremonies, such as planning and review meetings, one-to-one meetings with my reporting professionals, and time contributing to company programs and initiatives.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

My latest career milestone is always a highlight, whether it's a promotion, getting a new job, starting a new role or achieving something significant like a recognisable accreditation. As mentioned earlier, I am passionate about helping people get the most from their careers so a highlight for me would be to see them achieve their next career milestone, whether it's their first promotion following graduation or promotion to an executive role.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent helped me understand the fundamentals of multiple programming languages, which proved to me that I had the aptitude to learn new things and handle change. The mathematics side of my degree gave me the discipline when approaching new challenges (whether mathematically based or not). Additionally, on numerous occasions, whether on my final year project or during my studies, I had to complete work as a team. This introduced me to the importance of being organised, agreeing on roles and responsibilities and working together to achieve a common aim.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Trying things out, whether through placements or internships, is an excellent way to gain invaluable insights into the way companies work and the things you will need to do. Often, gaining experience with a large company can give you a great grounding in a particular industry and provide you with the chance to try different things internally by moving around. If you want to get into management, try to build a career in different areas of the business first and then seek opportunities to do team building. See if you like it and get one or more mentors to help you grow your skills in managing people. Don't be afraid to switch roles from technical to management, and always look for ways to grow at a sustainable pace that suits your needs. Remember, we're all different, and we need to find the right balance between work and non-work. So, find a way that works for you. If you are not sure how, then do research and get your mentor to help you build a career plan.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Outside uni, I coached juniors to learn squash at the club close to where I was living when not staying on campus.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

As a resident of Darwin College, I had a great view of the cathedral, and it was brilliant walking into the city with friends, although the walk back was not quite so enjoyable! During my time at Kent, I built lifelong friendships that have continued to this day.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Starting uni can be somewhat daunting as you transition from home life to being more independent. Don't be afraid to ask for help with settling into uni life, practical matters - like managing your budget or talking to someone about a problem that is bothering you.  Try out new things (you may not like everything, but then at least you'll know) and don't be afraid to speak up when something's not quite right with the course you are studying.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I'm in contact with a couple who met at Kent and married a few years later, one of whom was on the same course as me.

What are your future ambitions?

I want to continue being a Software Engineering Manager and help my teams, peer community of managers and leadership be successful. Companies and businesses are constantly changing, and I don't yet know where that will take me next. However, I'm excited by my current role and company, and believe I can contribute to both my own and my company's ongoing success.