Coding to make a difference
Meet Amrutha
Amrutha, software developer at WorkSafeBC, knew when she was growing up that working in the tech industry was the career for her.
"I've loved programming ever since I was a kid in school. I had a great computer science teacher and I was good at it, so I wanted to pursue that path."
After completing her undergraduate degree in computer science and engineering in India, Amrutha worked as a software developer there before moving to Canada in 2021 for her master’s degree in engineering. She joined WorkSafeBC for what was supposed to be an eight-month co-op term — and has stayed on ever since.
Opportunities to learn and have an impact
One of the things Amrutha appreciates most about WorkSafeBC is the supportive and collaborative work culture. Her colleagues are always willing to offer insights and experience, whether it’s sharing the history of a system or their expertise with specific technologies.
Amrutha is currently part of the team that supports WorkSafeBC’s claims management system (CMS) and creates the code for both the front and back end of the system. Since starting in her role, she’s gained more experience in JavaScript coding, learned how to use Curam software, and received her Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) certification.
"At WorkSafeBC, you can use and explore different technologies and there are a lot of opportunities to learn," she says. "My role enables me to work in front-end development, which was one of my career goals as I'd only worked in back-end programming before this."
One of the most interesting projects Amrutha’s worked on was to update CMS by making the gender field optional. Previously, the system required the gender field to be filled in for every injured worker, even if it wasn’t relevant for their claim. Now, the field can be left blank. While this may sound like a small change, it’s a significant and meaningful step for many of the people WorkSafeBC serves. It also aligns with WorkSafeBC's strategic priority to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the organization, and reflects our belief that valuing EDI is a key contributor to a healthy and safe workplace and community.
She says: "As a developer who loves programming, obviously the coding part of my job is fun. At WorkSafeBC, I know that I am making a difference and I can see in real time how my work can change people’s lives."
Learn more about opportunities in our Innovation and Technology (I&T) division.