Bethan Palmer: A Pioneering Software Developer at Too Good To Go
Bethan Palmer is an accomplished software developer with an impressive career spanning multiple high-profile organizations, including Too Good To Go, the Cabinet Office, the UK’s Ministry of Justice, and IDRsolutions. With a solid educational foundation and significant contributions to the tech industry, she has become a respected figure in her field. This article delves into her professional journey, expertise, and achievements, shedding light on her pivotal role at Too Good To Go and her broader impact on the tech community.
Educational Background
University of Kent
Bethan Palmer earned her Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Kent, graduating with distinction in 2017. This advanced education provided her with the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills required to excel in software development.
University of Leeds
Before pursuing her passion for technology, Bethan completed a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds, graduating with First Class Honours in 2015. This academic combination of humanities and technology has shaped her into a well-rounded professional capable of tackling diverse challenges.
Professional Experience
Bethan Palmer’s career reflects her commitment to innovation and continuous learning. She has held various roles that demonstrate her versatility and expertise in software development.
Too Good To Go
Senior Software Engineer (Feb 2024 – Present)
In her current role at Too Good To Go, Bethan contributes to the mission of combating food waste through technology. Her work involves developing scalable and efficient software solutions to support the company’s operations across 17 countries. She leverages her technical expertise to optimize the platform’s performance and enhance user experience.
Software Engineer (May 2023 – Feb 2024)
Before being promoted to Senior Software Engineer, Bethan played a crucial role in designing and implementing key features for the Too Good To Go app. Her dedication and innovative approach have been instrumental in the platform’s success as the world’s leading marketplace for surplus food.
Cabinet Office
Developer (Oct 2021 – May 2023)
At the Cabinet Office, Bethan worked on high-impact government projects, focusing on modernizing legacy systems and improving digital services. Her contributions helped streamline critical processes and enhance the efficiency of government operations.
Ministry of Justice UK
Software Developer (Mar 2019 – Oct 2021)
Bethan’s tenure at the Ministry of Justice was marked by her work on legal aid applications. She emphasized the importance of pair programming and continuous learning, contributing to the modernization of legacy systems and improving access to legal aid services.
IDRsolutions
Java Developer (Aug 2016 – Mar 2019)
At IDRsolutions, Bethan specialized in Java development, gaining valuable experience in building robust and scalable applications. This role laid the foundation for her expertise in software engineering.
Key Achievements
Member of Java Champions
Bethan’s recognition as a member of Java Champions highlights her exceptional skills and contributions to the Java programming community. This prestigious designation is reserved for developers who demonstrate outstanding expertise and advocacy for the Java platform.
Speaker at Global Conferences
Bethan has shared her knowledge and insights at renowned events such as JavaOne, Oracle Code One, GDG DevFest, and NetBeans Days. Her presentations cover advanced topics in software development, reflecting her deep understanding of the field.
Author at LinkedIn Learning
As an author at LinkedIn Learning, Bethan has created educational content to help aspiring developers enhance their skills. Her tutorials focus on practical applications of Java and software engineering principles.
Technical Expertise
Bethan Palmer’s technical skillset is extensive, encompassing a range of programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Her expertise includes:
- Java Development: Proficient in building high-performance applications using Java.
- AWS Integration: Experienced in leveraging Amazon Web Services to enhance software scalability and reliability.
- IntelliJ IDEA: Skilled in optimizing development workflows with this popular integrated development environment.
- Legacy System Modernization: Adept at updating outdated systems to align with modern standards and technologies.
The Impact of Too Good To Go
Mission and Vision
Too Good To Go is a certified B Corp social impact company dedicated to reducing food waste. Since its inception in 2015, the platform has saved over 280 million meals from being wasted, equivalent to avoiding 770,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
Global Reach
With 85 million registered users and 150,000 active partners across 17 countries, Too Good To Go is the leading marketplace for surplus food. The company’s innovative approach aligns with Bethan Palmer’s commitment to creating impactful technology solutions.
Bethan’s Role
Bethan’s contributions to Too Good To Go exemplify her ability to blend technical expertise with social impact. As a software developer, she has played a key role in advancing the platform’s capabilities and supporting its mission to fight food waste globally.
Personal Interests and Engagement
Social Media Activity
Bethan is active on social media platforms, where she shares professional insights and personal experiences. On X (formerly Twitter), she discusses topics like AWS integration and IntelliJ IDEA optimization. Her GitHub profile showcases her open-source projects and coding expertise.
Work-Life Balance
Bethan’s Instagram account offers a glimpse into her personal life, highlighting moments spent with family and friends. Her ability to balance a successful career with a fulfilling personal life serves as an inspiration to others.
Conclusion
Bethan Palmer is a trailblazing software developer whose career reflects her dedication to excellence and innovation. From her academic achievements to her impactful roles at Too Good To Go and other organizations, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive meaningful change through technology. As a member of Java Champions, a speaker at global conferences, and a contributor to social impact initiatives, Bethan continues to inspire and empower others in the tech community.
