The challenge took the office by storm. We were asked to bring in our show stoppers. Did we dare try make the meringue or the macarons? Would anyone eat my gran’s favourite pecan pie?
In any case, the challenge would prove whether software engineers’ skills were transferrable in the kitchen and, hopefully, raise valuable funds to support Children in Need. And, as you can see in the image on this blog – we started our coin collection by spelling out “Aptitude Software”.
Children in Need
Aptitude Software’s bake off was initiated to support Children in Need, the BBC’s UK charity. Children in Need provides grants to projects that focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. The charity’s first ever broadcast appeal was a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day in 1927 and was met with a phenomenal response raising £1,143, a huge sum in 1927! Every year in November the BBC hosts an Appeal Night with the whole nation getting involved to make a difference.
Why software engineers make great bakers
We’ve since learned that great software engineers make great bakers.
Software engineers and bakers both like creating. By day, our winner, Alexis Faulkner applies his expertise in the architecture, design, development and implementation of large bespoke database applications. By night, Alexis makes carrot cake with a caramel cream cheese icing. A great cake, like a great software application, requires balancing creativity with the ability (and willingness) to apply a scientific, structured approach. The results can be very tasty.
The results are in!
The office really got into the competition. By 9am the lobby of our London office overflowed with cakes, cookies, brownies, biscuits, loaves and pies. It was not a day to be on a diet! We learned that not only can software engineers bake but also consume copious quantities of cake! The company raised hundreds of pounds for Children in Need.
- Winner: Alexis Faulkner, senior Aptitude Consultant, with his carrot cake with a caramel cream cheese icing!!
- 1st runner up: Dr Hannah Chapman (wife of our marketing director) with her pear and chocolate cake
- 2nd runner up: Paige Turner from HR with her Amazing Gingerbread
Are you a great baker, and have finance knowledge? Come and join our team!
