Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Miguel Ángel Carmona Quiñones and I’m from Spain. In 2019, I completed my Technical Engineering Degree in Computer Science, specialising in Physical Systems, at the University of Seville. I have been working at ALTEN for approximately four years now. Parallel to this, I’ve decided to broaden my knowledge in Computer Engineering and am currently enrolled at the UOC Open University of Catalonia.  

What is your expertise and how did you acquire it? 

Throughout my professional career, I have worked in both the private and public sectors. This has allowed me to acquire a diversified experience across different areas, using different technologies, and in accordance with the needs of each project. I have led development teams, participated in requirements gathering, and undertook different roles within systems analysis, design and architecture, as well as in database design and optimisation.  

My approach has been to adapt to the demands of both my teams and clients, evolving according to the challenges presented. In recent years, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with clients committed to technological innovation, willing to dedicate time and resources to research, development and continuous improvement of their systems. I am grateful for these experiences that have contributed significantly to my professional growth.  

What does a typical day look like in your position? 

Today, I fulfill the role of functional analyst within a project in the Public Administration sector. However, this role is quite versatile, leading me to vary my methods and support the team in the different areas necessary. For this reason, there is no “typical day” in my position. Throughout the month, there are times I will meet with the project manager and client to identify the best way to address their requirements. On other days, I’ll spend time carrying out technical analyses of developments, designing databases, supporting the development team, or even testing.  

Every day brings new challenges and tasks, so my work is varying constantly, making each day unique. 

Can you tell us about one specific project in which you were able to highlight this expertise? 

One of the projects where I’ve been able to demonstrate and consolidate my knowledge, all while acquiring new skills, has been in the maintenance and evolution of a project for the public administration. This project entails the management of information for the social services of the Catalan public administration.  

Initially, this project was a monolithic system with independent databases, hosted on local servers. However, over time, it was transformed into a cloud system, offering various services to the social services areas. Throughout this transformation process, I was able to apply my skills in analysis, system design and architecture, actively participating in the transition to a more modern and efficient solution. This project has not only allowed me to put my previous knowledge into practice, but it has also broadened my experience in the field of cloud technology. 

What is the most challenging aspect of your job/area, and how do you approach overcoming it?

The most complex aspect of my job, as can be said for many others, is the management of human relations. Fortunately, I am able to share this task with my own manager, who oversees a larger part of this responsibility and assumes the task of managing and mediating these often delicate situations. For a team to function efficiently and for projects to develop properly, it is essential to foster collaboration, understanding, and complicity in the work environment. Similarly, it is crucial to involve the client in the process of building the application, making them feel part of the project and ensuring its success.  

An example of how this complexity can be encountered is in a system we are currently developing, an application for budget management of a public administration. For this project, we are working with three functional clients that each have different needs, as well as several stakeholders with diverse interests. Without the proper management and leadership carried out by my project manager, who has been able to balance and coordinate all these perspectives, this project wouldn’t have been such a success. 

In what ways do you continuously seek to improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends? 

I have been fortunate enough to work with clients willing to invest in the modernisation of their systems, which has allowed me to investigate and implement new technologies in my projects. This factor alone has been key to ensuring I am constantly updated and at the forefront of innovations within the sector.  

In addition, a few years ago I decided to resume my academic studies by pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, which has allowed me to delve deeper into emerging technologies and the latest trends. When I studied Technical Engineering in Computer Science at the University of Seville, access to topics such as Artificial Intelligence was limited, almost relegated to the realm of science fiction. However, in my current studies, I have had the opportunity to follow several courses focused on AI and to practice training models for specific purposes. This combination of work experience and academic training is what has allowed me to preserve and improve my knowledge, all with the aim of adapting to the constant technological advances in the industry with ease. 

What aspects of our company culture do you find most motivating or inspiring?  

What I find the most motivating and inspiring about ALTEN’s culture is its ability to provide support when needed, while fostering autonomy and trust in its employees. This combination of support and freedom allows teams to face challenges with confidence, believing in their own skill and in the judgment of the experts in charge. The trust placed in talent and in the respect for professional independence is undoubtedly an aspect that drives individual and collective growth within the organisation. 

If you could describe your work philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

My work philosophy is based on adaptability and collaboration. Following the principle that the success of a project depends as much on the continuous technological evolution as on trust and teamwork, we will always be open to learning and facing new challenges with autonomy and responsibility.