What’s it really like to start your career in IT? In this series, Harvest students and alumni share their experiences of learning, growing, and finding their place at Essent IT. From first-day nerves to career-defining moments, each story offers a glimpse into their unique journey.
---
Not everyone starts their career with a clear plan. For Wietse Bosman, it was less about having all the answers and more about finding the right questions.
From abstract thinking to real work
With a background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and a Master’s in Logic, Wietse was used to thinking in complex, abstract ways. But turning that into a career path wasn’t straightforward. “Starter roles often expect experience, or they feel too basic,” he explains. “I was looking for something that is both challenging and welcoming to junior developers.”
Harvest offered exactly that balance.
The power of reflection
What surprised him most was the focus on reflection that accompanied the technical work. “I realised how much discussing your work helps you understand it better,” he reflects. Through coaching sessions, he started to see patterns in how he worked, what he enjoyed, and where he wanted to grow.
The reality of starting out
The first few months were intense. Learning new systems, navigating new people, and masterclasses on top of it all...it was a lot to take in.
“I had to adjust my expectations of how quickly I’d get up to speed,” he admits. Once he did, things started to click.
A small win that meant a lot
After weeks of onboarding, one moment stood out. Finishing his first story!
It may sound small, but it marked a shift from learning to actually contributing.
A culture that makes space
At Essent IT, what stood out was the culture. “Laidback, open, and with plenty of room to explore,” Wietse explains.
From building automation tools to experimenting with new ideas, there’s space to figure things out and grow along the way.
His takeaway?
You don’t need a perfect plan. Sometimes, the right environment helps you build one!