Marli van der Merwe joins Firemind as our new data engineer

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Team Updates
August 13, 2024
Jodie Rhodes

Today, we’re excited to welcome Marli van der Merwe as the newest member of Firemind. Marli joins us as a Data Engineer, bringing her passion for data and AI to our growing team.

Welcome to the team Marli! 🎉

Originally from South Africa, Marli’s professional journey has been an interesting one. Her background in fashion has brought her to the exciting field of data and AI, and she is thrilled to be combining these interests in her new role at Firemind. Marli’s unique perspective and diverse experience are sure to be valuable assets as she takes on her new role as a Data Engineer.

Q&A

Hello and welcome Marli to Firemind! For our viewers, could you please tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?

Hello! I’m fresh in London from South Africa, so yes, I love biltong, braai, and the Springboks. My background in fashion brought me to the exciting realm of data and AI, and where better to combine those interests than in London.

How did you find out about us and what made you decide to apply for a role with Firemind?

I actually joined Firemind through a bit of a funny mishap – Tom Willmott, the Business Development Manager here, received a blank LinkedIn message from me. We ended up chatting, and after a call, I was excited to join the team as a Data Engineer just three weeks later.

What is your new role at Firemind?

I’m starting as a Data Engineer.

Which areas of our business interested you the most?

Without a doubt, it’s the generative AI element. I’m excited to be part of a business where AI is more than just a buzzword, it’s at the core of what we do, in terms of both implementation and innovation.

What will be your main goals/objectives whilst working at Firemind?

My goals are to deepen my knowledge in data engineering while also expanding my expertise into data science, machine learning, and other AI areas. I’m eager to grow and see tangible results from my work.

Which aspects of your role are you most excited about?

I’m really looking forward to working independently on real client projects. The chance to grow and make a real impact is something I’m very excited about.

What do you hope to achieve within your first 12 months here?

I’m aiming to solidify my data engineering skills and also explore new areas like data science and machine learning. I want to make significant contributions and grow both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, what do you get up to? Tell us about your hobbies.

My downtime is all about balance – whether I’m lifting weights at the gym, channeling my inner Federer on the tennis court, enjoying a cold beer (or two or three), or embracing the endless discoveries of my new London life.

What’s your favourite song on your playlist right now?

Right now, my old playlist is on repeat. I’ve been listening to First Class by Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

If you could only choose one dish to eat every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

There’s this little restaurant in a Florence square (Osteria Santo Spirito) that serves the best baked truffle gnocchi. I could eat that all day, everyday.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

This is an unfair question since I just arrived in the UK and haven’t explored much yet haha. Visiting Wales and Scotland is definitely up there (but sounds like a boring answer). Besides that, traveling through South America is a dream of mine.

What is one skill you would really love to learn?

I love food, but I’m not the best at preparing it. I can make a basic beef bolognese, but I’d love to be that friend who cooks amazing Christmas or birthday dinners.

How do you wind down after work?

I like to pretend I have a dog and go for walks in nearby parks and along the Thames River. London can be quite claustrophobic at times, so spending time outside when the weather allows is my way to relax.

Careers

Interested in a role with Firemind?

We’re expanding quickly and always on the lookout for talented people to join our team. For more information about Firemind’s culture and current opportunities, head over to our Careers page.