The Many Faces of Our #AilleronExperts - Chapter 2

Meet Arek, our #AilleronExpert who, despite his young age, keeps growing with every day, month, and project delivered at our company. Arek is an Android Software Developer and a perfect example that when choosing your career path, it’s worth betting on your passions and interests. Only then will you truly enjoy your work. 😊

1. Arek, the beginning of your education didn’t suggest that a few years later you’d be working in the IT industry, writing code for financial apps and products.

That’s true — when I started technical school, I wouldn’t have called myself a “computer guy.” I remember that when I was finishing middle school, I applied to an electrical technical school without hesitation. I wasn’t really interested in strictly IT topics. I preferred doing calculations, drawing diagrams in class, and working with a multimeter and a screwdriver in hand, building electrical circuits and installations during practical classes. After 4 years of technical school, however, I chose IT studies and graduated in Applied Computer Science from the Cracow University of Technology. Today I can boast an Engineer’s degree in this field.

2. How did it happen that you gave up the profession you trained for and decided to go into the IT industry?

In short, I met the right people at the right time. My uncle, who works in IT, inspired me to take up programming and kept handing me very thick, knowledge-packed books on Java. It was also the period when I became interested in (very broadly speaking) smartphones. Back then I would sometimes modify Android firmware and, based on knowledge found on foreign forums, flash a new system where the manufacturer never intended one. Mastering the basics of Java, combined with the urge to test that knowledge on Android, led me to my adventure with Android Studio and my first working apps. Math was also always close to my heart, and from there it was a straight path to deciding on IT studies.

3. There are currently many ways on the market to gain experience practically from scratch — through university programs, apprenticeships, or internships. Where did you start building your professional experience?

As a student, the best and most popular way to gain professional experience was internship offers at IT companies. That’s exactly how I started. I had previously created a few apps written “for the drawer,” and I decided to publish one of them on Google Play. Thanks to that, I was able to start right away as an Android Developer and didn’t have to begin from scratch at all. I think I had a strong start, and today I believe I could have even sped it up a bit. 😊

4. Tell us more about that app. How did it work and what was it for?

The app was called “Expenotes,” from the word “expenses.” It was used to set financial goals, note down how much you managed to put aside, and track how many of your goals you ultimately achieved. There was also a screen for monitoring current exchange rates and a live calculator for converting small amounts into other currencies. Maybe that’s where my love for the financial industry came from — and I’ve been working in it ever since.

5. With the end of your studies came the next stage — working at Ailleron, where after a year of internship you joined the team as a System Engineer II. This just goes to show that with commitment to your work and high motivation, you can quickly climb the career ladder. What progress have you made at Ailleron over that year?

I can call my year here a breakthrough one for me. Despite the experience I had gained earlier, it was at Ailleron that I became — if I can put it this way — a complete developer. Being here, I got the chance for rapid growth, working with advanced technologies and on a great project. Joining Ailleron as a “mid developer” despite little professional experience, within a year I managed to prove that I’m truly cut out for this. Most importantly, during that time I didn’t become a “prisoner of code” — rather, I tried to be someone who supports the company’s projects on many levels.

6. How does the company support you in this growth?

I found my feet at Ailleron very quickly, and the advanced project and the feeling of being among “my people” only fueled me. I think every young developer eventually reaches a point where they feel really good at what they do. Ailleron is a great help on the road to becoming such a fulfilled developer. Having an influence on decisions and taking part in project meetings at many levels gave me the feeling that working here was a good decision. I also have to mention the atmosphere at the company, and especially in the team. I can’t imagine having this much enthusiasm for work if it weren’t for the people I’ve met here.

7. What do you currently do at Ailleron as an Android Software Developer?

I work on a fairly large and advanced project — together with the team, we’re developing a financial app for individual and business customers of one of Poland’s banks. I’m responsible for implementing new features, maintaining existing solutions, writing tests, doing code reviews for the other members of the Android team, and supporting less experienced developers. I also sometimes stand in for the technical leader when he’s away. Recently, along with a few #AilleronExperts, I’ve been involved in giving talks at technical schools in Krakow.

8. Tell us, what does your typical day look like? Is morning coffee a must for a developer? 😉

I like to take advantage of the flexible working hours the company offers, and I sometimes work at unusual times. But I usually start a typical day between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Often, right after waking up, I check my inbox and go through my messages first, and only then eat breakfast. It may come as a surprise, but so far I’ve managed to resist the need for a morning cup of coffee to get the day off to a good start.

A developer’s day usually involves daily meetings with the client or discussing the progress of tasks in the project. There are also meetings with the team leader about dividing up tasks, and with the other developers about challenges popping up in the code. We also talk with the analyst to clarify the requirements defined in a task. Meetings with testers are important too — they make sure that not even the smallest bug sneaks in. Most of the day, however, I spend focused on my own tasks, often multi-day ones made up of many details and requirements.

9. There’s a well-known saying — do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I can see it resonates with you.

Completely honestly, I love my job. So much so that over the weekend I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in the coming week. It’s not just coding and an interesting project that motivate me. Many factors play a part: the hybrid work model, flexible hours, the ability to organize my working time pretty much however suits me best. On top of that, great, passionate people you can always exchange a few words with — and not just about work and code.

I’ve also heard the saying: “If you don’t feel excited at the very thought of what you’ll be doing tomorrow, you’re probably in the wrong place.” So I’m in the right one.

10. It’s fantastic to hear something like that. And what gives you the greatest satisfaction?

What gives me satisfaction is growth and working as an equal among equals, despite my young age. I’ve found my dream career path. I also help others and see the results it brings. And on top of that, I earn money doing what I like and have fun doing.

11. To wrap up, let me ask you for 3 pieces of advice for people who want to start their adventure with programming.

First of all, a degree isn’t the measure of everything. Learn and grow by building your own projects — practice makes perfect.

Also remember that you don’t have to learn everything at once. Start by mastering the basics of a programming language. With practice and experience, you’ll learn more complex topics. And finally, programming isn’t just coding and strings of digits. It’s also worth focusing on developing your soft skills.

Arek, thank you for this inspiring conversation.

I hope it will motivate young people to pursue what they enjoy doing and what gives them satisfaction. I wish you continued success and nothing but clean code. 😊