Employee Q&A: What Is It Like to Work for Tisski?

Managing Senior Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Consultant, Jess Salmon, joined the Tisski team as a support desk representative back in July 2014. With six years working for the organisation under her belt, we caught up with Jess to find out why she loves working for Tisski and where it all began.

Tell us a little bit about how you got into the tech industry.

I got into technology at school. My IT teacher was always my most supportive mentor and he and my business teacher got in touch with a local IT services provider regarding me taking on an apprenticeship there in sales - which was never my true calling - but working there helped me discover a love and passion for IT, especially Dynamics.

How did you hear about Tisski and what attracted you to them as an employer?

I’ve known about Tisski since it was founded in 2011 because I met Anna (the CEO) at the company where I did my apprenticeship. When I finished my apprenticeship, I started working as a Sales Administrator and began to teach myself Dynamics and Anna provided time from one of Tisski’s consultants to mentor me through passing the Microsoft exams so I could learn and grow.

When I decided to take on a career in Dynamics, I asked Anna for advice on how to get started on this new career path. She worked with my employer to support me in moving across to Tisski and I started work on the support desk. Anna has always supported me on my journey and while she allowed me to develop organically, she somehow always stepped in and provided the best opportunities when they were a good fit.

Working for Tisski was always my ‘end goal’ when learning Dynamics, so it’s incredible to have already worked here for several years.

How have you progressed since joining Tisski in 2014?

Joining as a representative on the support desk was a great way to start at Tisski because it allowed me time to get up to speed with the customer base and get used to the different kinds of systems we work with and what implementations clients were getting. Working on the desk gave me a fantastic platform to start my career as a consultant. Having started as a trainee, I went from a junior position to being one of the most senior consultants within our CRM team, working with some of our largest customers.

I haven’t just developed technically - I also line manage a large proportion of the Dynamics team. Management is something I hadn’t even thought possible by this point in my career. Tisski has allowed me to grow beyond my expectations. Anna and the team are always open to discussing when something doesn’t feel right and excellent at presenting opportunities that suit people’s goals.

Tisski was encouraging remote working long before it became the norm. How does it work, and what impact does it have on you as an employee?

Remote working can be challenging at times, as I’m sure many people will know nowadays. Tisski does have an office in Coventry which, before the pandemic, provided space to work collaboratively, and people from different departments would work there regularly. When allowed to reopen, the office will be a great asset once again in linking together the wider Tisski team.

As an organisation we are making the most of the technology available to us to keep us connected, especially Microsoft Teams. The Dynamics team have introduced regular team catch-ups so we can check in with each other; we have a company-wide call on a Monday, where we hear from Anna and the board; and we have lunchtime sessions delivered by different members of the team, so there’s lots going on.

Remote working does provide that extra level of flexibility. It allows you to have a better work-life balance and save on travel time. You get more hours in the day to make the most of, so there are lots of positives and I believe Tisski does remote working exceptionally effectively. It suits the nature of our work.

You’ve been at Tisski for over six years now – what makes it such a great place to work?

My number one reason for loving working here hasn’t changed since the day I joined, and I don’t think it ever will - it’s the people. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most skilled individuals and form friendships with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

It’s so comforting to know that if I ever need help with something or just having a bad day that there is always someone who I could call on to help or just for a chat. Support from peers has shone through more than ever through Covid-19, where remote working is more of a constant. It’s easier to become isolated, but I can honestly say I’ve been surrounded by supportive and caring friends.

The team at Tisski has such a willingness to work together and help each other out, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this team.

Finally, what makes you get up in the morning and keep doing what you do?

There are a few things. The technology industry is ever evolving so you never know everything there is to know - you can always grow and learn and build on your skills, and the possibilities of what can be achieved are endless. Also, it’s knowing that the people you’re going to be working with will put in as much effort and hard work as you will, knowing that you’re going to enjoy working with them, and learn from them. At Tisski, we all have different strengths, and every time I work with a colleague, I learn something new. Lastly, I am slowly starting to realise how proud I am of all I have achieved so far in my career journey and I’m excited to see what more there is to come.