James McGowan - Getting To Know You

Since joining RPC in November 2023, James McGowan has quickly become a key member of our team, bringing his wealth of experience and technical expertise to the forefront. As a Technical Consultant, James has already made a significant impact, working on high-profile projects for major clients, including the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Recently, he’s been turning integration solutions into code for a further MoD project showcasing his ability to handle complex, high-stakes technical challenges. His collaborative approach and dedication to delivering exceptional service make him an essential part of RPC’s ongoing success and technical excellence.

Where are you based? 

I’m office based in Guiseley.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I'm 24 years old and originally from Ilkley. I'm engaged to my fiancée, Hannah, and we have an 8-month-old puppy named Bertie. 

How has your career path brought you to RPC?

I moved to Stoke-on-Trent for university, where I earned a degree in Computer Game Development. During the COVID pandemic, I returned home and worked at Aldi while improving my coding skills and searching for a more permanent role. One day, I crossed paths with Pete, who offered me a fantastic opportunity to join RPC. I’m now part of the R&D team, working with Oracle Integration Cloud to develop solutions for customers. I've also been able to apply my degree, as some of these solutions have involved coding.

What attracted you to RPC? 

I was drawn to RPC because of the friendly atmosphere and the close-knit, family-like culture. The location is also a huge plus - it's easily accessible for me and offers great views. Most importantly, I saw it as a place where I could expand my knowledge and continue developing my skills.

What are you working on right now?  

Recently, I’ve been working on integration cloud projects for some of our key clients and using my coding knowledge to turn some integration solutions into code.

What do you like best about your job? 

I love that my job allows me to continuously develop my skills in different areas as new challenges arise. I also enjoy collaborating with my colleagues, discussing work, and having open conversations about how the company can grow and improve. And of course, I can’t forget the fabulous lunches from Slice!

What do you do in your spare time? 

Most weekends, I enjoy hiking with my dog. Recently, I tackled Helvellyn in the Lake District. Later this year, I’m planning to climb Ben Nevis, which will complete the Three Peaks Challenge for me. I’ve already done the Three Yorkshire Peaks in a day and even camped afterward.

To keep fit, I go to the gym several times a week and run with my dog over different distances – I’m currently training for a 10K race. I also love spending time with my family playing board games, murder mysteries, and card games.

In my downtime, I enjoy gaming across a range of consoles, immersing myself in great story-driven titles. I’m a huge Marvel fan and can’t wait for the upcoming releases. Finally, I love cooking and baking when I get the chance!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

As a child, I was always fascinated by how things worked, especially electronics. I loved taking things apart and understanding the technology behind them, which sparked my interest in pursuing a career in this field.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

If you're struggling with something, break it down into manageable parts and focus on what is and isn't possible.

What’s on your desk? 

In the office, I have a Back to the Future duck and a cricket keychain. At home, my desk is decorated with various Lego heads, Funko Pops, and artwork of the Three Peaks hanging above me.

How do you like your tea?

I like my tea with no sugar, a splash of milk, and usually choose either Yorkshire or Tetley tea bags.

Dog or cat? 

I’m definitely a dog person, but cats aren’t too bad either.

If your house was on fire, what 3 things would you save? 

If my house was on fire, I’d save Bertie (my dog), my fiancée, and my PlayStation.

What would your superpower be?

I’d choose the power to learn anything instantly.