Category: Symphony Personas

It’s been a while, but we’re back with another Symphony Persona Interview! This time we’ve talked to Volha Averyna, a Senior Recruiter at Symphony Solutions. Volha shared with us her insightful journey from managing a school of creative thinking to being a passionate recruiter who thrives in matching talents with companies and seeing them succeed. And that’s not all there is to Volha! Be it traveling, sports, or book recommendations – this fascinating interview has got a lot to offer. So, dive right in!

1. You have been a Symphonian for more than 2 years. What are the things you enjoy about working at Symphony Solutions?  

One of the things I cherish the most about working at Symphony Solutions is my amazing team. Each team member is a wonderful individual, characterized by a strong sense of empathy and curiosity. Their compassionate nature and inquisitive minds create a supportive and collaborative work environment, making every day enjoyable and fulfilling. 

At Symphony Solutions, I also appreciate the chance to explore new things and contribute innovative ideas. I highly value the company’s focus on employee well-being and continuous improvement of benefits based on our feedback. This approach fosters a healthy work-life balance.  

Being an active person, I find great enjoyment in the flexibility of working from any location and the opportunity to travel while working.  

2. What values and cultural bases are important to you in Symphony Solutions? 

The inspiring aspect of working at Symphony Solutions is the passion and dedication we have for our work. As Symphonians, we love what we do, and this enthusiasm drives us to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that surpass our customers’ expectations and those of our colleagues. Also at Symphony Solutions, I deeply cherish the values of diversity and teamwork. The company’s commitment to fostering a diverse team is something I truly love. It creates an inclusive and collaborative culture, allowing us to leverage different perspectives and strengths to achieve our goals collectively. 

3. What makes Symphony Solutions different from other companies?  

What sets us apart from other companies are our people, our fresh ideas, and our open-minded attitude. Our team is passionate and skilled, driving our success. We thrive on innovative thinking and encourage creativity. We’re open to change, which keeps us ahead in a dynamic business world. 

4. What do you enjoy about your job as a recruiter the most?  

As a recruiter, the most enjoyable aspect of my job is the meaningful connections I build with people. Working with diverse individuals may present challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I take great pleasure in helping candidates find their dream jobs and enabling organizations to thrive by bringing in the right talent. Witnessing their growth and success keeps me motivated and inspired. 

Moreover, the fact that I stay in touch with many candidates even after placement brings me immense fulfillment. We can discuss life topics, and they know they can rely on my advice and help. It’s a gratifying feeling to know that I’m doing a good job and have earned their trust. Building these enduring relationships is a true highlight of my role as a recruiter. 

5. How do you follow trends in your profession and industry?  

Staying current with industry trends is of utmost importance in our profession. To ensure I stay well-informed, I have developed a weekly habit of dedicating a minimum of 2 hours to learning and self-education about the latest trends and technologies in HR and IT. 

To keep abreast of developments, I follow various HR leaders on LinkedIn, actively engaging with their insights and updates. Additionally, I make it a point to read articles about emerging technologies, as they are relevant to our field. 

Furthermore, I believe in the value of networking and learning from peers. That’s why I actively participate in meetups and events happening in Krakow and other cities online and offline, which serves as an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and professional growth. This year I had a chance to participate in European Women in Technology event in Amsterdam and hear about the latest trends there.  

6. Can you tell us more details about your work background in project management and team building? What motivated you to shift your focus to recruiting?  

My work background includes managing a school of creative thinking with a team of 10+ individuals. I coordinated training sessions for specialists from various industries, focusing on creativity, strategy, and media while working on real client briefs. Additionally, I excelled in communication management, organizing events for renowned companies like Coca-Cola, Huawei, Samsung, and Wargaming. 

As for my shift towards recruiting, there were a few motivating factors. Firstly, I found immense satisfaction in building and managing teams in my previous roles. I enjoyed nurturing talent, fostering a positive work culture, and witnessing the collective growth of the team. Recruiting seemed like a natural progression, as it allowed me to focus on finding and bringing onboard individuals who could contribute their skills and expertise to the organization. Moreover, I recognized the critical role that hiring the right people plays in the success of any project or organization. By being involved in the recruiting process, I could ensure that we attract and select the best-fit candidates who align with the company’s values and goals. 

7. Did your previous experience in human resources assist you in your current position as a recruiter? If yes, then how.  

My diverse background in human resources has enriched my abilities as a recruiter. Having worked with various companies and multinational teams, I can see risks and offer advice from a comprehensive perspective. This empowers me to make informed decisions and create successful matches that benefit both candidates and organizations. It’s all about bringing a well-rounded approach to fueling lasting success in the professional world. 

8. You pay a lot of attention to your mental health. Tell us more about how you keep your life balanced (e.g., meditation, yoga, sport). 

Absolutely, I’m all about taking care of my mental well-being, and I’ve got some awesome tricks to keep things balanced. 

Back in 2015, I got into yoga through a retreat and regular classes. These days, I’m trying different classes in Krakow and doing exercises at home. Meditation is my go-to move, guided by my friend who’s a Vipassana pro. Twice daily, I meditate for 20 minutes in each session. It’s a bit challenging, but it brings me a sense of calmness and new ideas. 

Biking is a big part of my life too right now. I explore Krakow on two wheels, just going wherever. It’s simple and makes me feel great. 

I’m also into squash – a fun way to stay active. You see, I’m an active person, but motivating myself can be tough sometimes. Still, knowing how much my body and mental health will thank me, I push myself to make the effort. 

This winter, I gave snowboarding a shot for the first time. Loved it! I’m all set to do more this winter, aiming to get even better. It’s super fun, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. 

These changes are making a real difference. Finding balance isn’t always easy, but the good vibes and peace of mind are totally worth it. 

9. What sparked your interest in traveling? Could you share a memorable experience or adventure from one of your trips that significantly impacted you? We’d love to learn more about your passion for mountains and nature!  

My love for travel began with a simple idea: exploring beyond what I know. I’ve always believed that understanding people and cultures requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Seeing how different lives and habits are worldwide keeps me curious and excited about the world. Also, it’s helping me better understand people and be tolerant. One particularly memorable experience that encapsulates my passion for adventure took place when I organized a sunrise trip with a group of close friends. The idea was simple yet enthralling – to witness the sun’s first rays painting the mountain landscape in brilliant hues (Babia Góra in Poland). We set our alarms for the early hours, rising at 2 a.m. to embark on our ascent at 4 a.m., aiming to reach the peak just as the sun began to grace the horizon. My friends and even friends of friends rallied behind the concept, despite the chill of November. Their unwavering support bolstered my resolve, turning an idea into a shared ambition. When we reached the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before us. Nature stirred to life. Even the brisk wind couldn’t deter our spirits.  

Completing our hike at 2 p.m., a sense of accomplishment mingled with the surreal feeling that evening had already descended. This adventure remains etched in my memory as proof to the bonds of friendship and the profound impact that a shared journey can have on one’s perspective. 

10. What destinations are at the top of your bucket list for future travels? What draws you to these particular places?  

I adore Disney, and my dreams include Disneyland’s enchantment, Paris’s romance, and Mexico’s vibrant culture. These desires drive my passions. 

11. With your love for theater, books, and music, how would you say these different art forms complement each other in enriching your life? Tell us more about each of these hobbies.  

So, starting with theater – I’ve been part of an amateur theater group for over four years. When I moved to Poland with a friend, I took on the awesome task of setting up a children’s theater. It’s not just about helping kids embrace their creativity and talent, it’s also a two-way street where I grow alongside them. Their curiosity and the fun they have seeking help create an incredible experience. Plus, I’m all about theater beyond the stage – watching performances and having lively discussions with friends afterward is pure joy! 

Now, onto books – they hold a special place in my heart, especially with my philology background. I’ve explored books from different eras, which is pretty amazing. Even though finding time for reading can be a bit tricky these days, I’ve come up with a solution – a book club. This way, I get to read new books regularly and chat about them with fellow book enthusiasts. Sharing thoughts and opinions has become a wonderful way to make time for reading and connect with others who share my love for books. 

Last but not least, music. It’s quite a transformation story for me. Back in school, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about playing musical instruments. I finished musical school. And now music is a big part of my life. I’m all about concerts and music festivals – they fill my heart with happiness. Whenever I need an extra dose of confidence before an important meeting or a speech, I simply turn on my favorite tunes. It’s like an instant mood booster and confidence amplifier! 

So, you see, theater sparks creativity and growth, books provide a space for shared intellectual adventures, and music? Well, music is my emotional powerhouse. Together, they create a wonderful blend that adds so much vibrancy and happiness to my life every single day. 

12. Name top-5 books you would recommend to our readers.  

• “Lighter” by Yung Pueblo 
• “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin 
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear 
• “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach, Russell Munson 
• “Leading at a Higher Level” by Ken Blanchard 

13. What strategies or techniques do you employ to enhance your productivity?  

When it comes to getting things done, I’ve got a special trick: “Reflect and Revive.” 

I take a moment at the end of the day or the start of a new one to give myself a high-five for even the smallest wins. This little pause boosts my motivation and helps me figure out what really needs my attention. I check my to-do list, see what’s important for today, and adjust as needed. Sometimes, I realize that certain tasks don’t need as much effort as I thought. This approach keeps me on track, celebrates progress, and makes each day count.  

14. What is something you have never experienced but would like to try?  

 I can’t wait to try paragliding – the idea of flying and taking in amazing views excites me. I’m also eager to experience surfing, feeling the ocean’s energy.  

15. What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself when you started your career? 

Reflecting on my career journey, there are three pieces of advice I’d offer to my younger self:  

1. Embrace Self-Belief: While it may seem like a straightforward concept, believing in yourself is the foundation of your path. 
2. Embrace Mistakes as Lessons: Don’t shy away from mistakes; instead, welcome them as opportunities for growth and learning.
3. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or guidance. Asking questions shows your commitment to understanding and improving, and it can lead to deeper insights and better solutions 

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

Are you curious about the digital nomad lifestyle? Do you dream of living on a beautiful island while working remotely? Tune in to Symphony Persona Live.  

This time we’re chatting with our exceptional guest Eduardo Remedios, VP of iGaming at Symphony Solutions, about What it is like to be a digital nomad. Here’s a sneak peek into Eduardo’s world:  

• Digital nomad  
• iGaming expert  
• Made in Hong Kong  
• Cycling and swimming addict  
• A photographer capturing the beauty of his travels  
• Vegan food lover  
• I wrote a book and lost it  
• He lives on the island of Gran Canaria with his lovely Dutch wife and a permanently hungry Labrador   

Join us on YouTube for a warm and engaging conversation with Eduardo:  

Or listen to it in Podcast mode on our Spotify account: 

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

At Symphony Solutions we strive to create an inclusive environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. We stand firmly by our commitment to gender parity in the workplace and do what it takes to discover and encourage tech talent. Symphonian Josephneke Etieno, Test Engineer at Symphony Solutions, celebrated her first workiversary and shared her personal experience working as a woman in tech, talked about her favorite part of the job and what interesting challenges she gets to tackle in projects, and pondered on the topic of inspiring girls from a young age to consider careers in IT.

1.You recently celebrated your one-year anniversary at Symphony Solutions. What has been your experience ?

I have worked at Symphony for a year now and I am proud of the progress I have made in my job, both in terms of personal growth and professional development. During this time, I have gained new skills and knowledge, fostered strong relationships with the company’s client and my colleagues, and also had opportunities for career advancement within the company. I feel supported and appreciated by the company culture and have maintained a healthy work-life balance throughout my stay. As a QA Engineer, I have felt motivated and fulfilled in my role, knowing that my contributions have made a positive impact on the company’s success. 

2.Who or what inspired you to become a Software Tester? 

I love to tackle challenges and figure out why certain things do not work correctly. Also, knowing that my work directly affects the lives of countless individuals, even if they are unaware of it, is immensely inspiring to me. I appreciate the opportunities for creative and innovative problem-solving, as I enjoy exploring unconventional solutions to challenges. Ultimately, the thrill of the process of breaking things and the satisfaction of overcoming those challenges is what draws me to this field. 

3.What does your typical day at work look like? 

My day usually starts with a quick check of my emails and messages to ensure that I am aware of any issues that may require my immediate attention. Next, I attend a team meeting to discuss ongoing projects, prioritize tasks, and establish goals for the day. 

Once I have a clear idea of what needs to be accomplished, I begin testing software applications and writing detailed reports on any issues I encounter. This often involves running automated tests, reviewing code, and manually testing features and functionality to identify any bugs or defects. 

In addition to testing, I also collaborate with developers, product managers, and other team members to identify potential areas for improvement in our software development processes. 

4.What is the most interesting part of your job? 

The most interesting part of my job is the problem-solving aspect. The process of identifying, analysing, and resolving issues and bugs in software applications is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with other members of my team. A very interesting thing about my job is that it is never the same day twice, never boring. I have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and applications. This keeps the work fresh and exciting, as each application presents unique challenges and opportunities for learning and growth which broadens my perspective and helps me to develop a more well-rounded skill set. 

5.In the last one year at Symphony Solutions, what is the most challenging project you have worked on? 

In the last year at Symphony Solutions, one of the most challenging projects I have worked on was a website migration for an iGaming technology client. The client had a complex and highly customized website, with multiple pages, features, and integrations. The goal of the migration was to transfer the website to a new platform while ensuring that all the existing functionalities were working correctly. One of the biggest challenges we faced was ensuring that user data was migrated securely without any loss of information. 

6.How has working at Symphony Solutions helped you grow professionally and personally? 

Working at Symphony solutions has had a significant impact on my professional and personal growth. Professionally, I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in my field as a QA Engineer, which has allowed me to take on new and more challenging projects, and to become a more effective and efficient member of my team. Symphony Solutions has a strong culture of diversity and inclusivity, which has helped me grow in my understanding and appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. 

Personally, working at Symphony Solutions has also helped me grow in many ways. For instance, I have learned how to balance my work and personal life effectively, by setting clear boundaries and managing my time more efficiently. 

7.What has been your experience working in a male-dominated industry? 

Working in a male-dominated industry has provided me with a unique opportunity to be a trailblazer and a role model for other women in the field. It has challenged me to be more assertive, confident, and vocal about my ideas and opinions. Over time, I have learned to navigate the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry by focusing on my strengths and skills. 

It has also been a source of personal growth, empowerment, and pride for me as a female engineer. I am hopeful that my experiences, along with those of other women in the industry, will continue to pave the way for greater gender diversity and equality in the tech world. 

8.The diversity in your experience suggests that you read a lot. What do you most enjoy and recommend? 

I don’t read as much as I would like to, but I do enjoy reading when I have the time. I find that I tend to read more when I’m interested in a particular topic or genre. 

9.Which of your successes are you most proud of? 

One of the successes I am most proud of is my ability to help and support others in their personal and professional growth. As a person who is passionate about helping others grow and succeed, I take great pride in seeing the impact of my efforts on the people around me. Investing in people and helping them to achieve their potentials has been immensely fulfilling for me. 

10.What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be a successful woman in technology?  

As a woman working in technology, I have found that the biggest factor that has helped me to be successful is being surrounded by people who support and encourage me in my career. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with colleagues and mentors who have been instrumental in my growth and development as a professional. Also, seeing other successful women in technology has shown me that it is possible to succeed in a field that is traditionally male dominated. 

11.What do you do in your free time, to unwind after work? 

I enjoy spending my free time relaxing and unwinding in solitude. One of my favourite ways to do this is by surfing the internet. I find it a great way to escape from the pressures of work and to explore my interests in a low-pressure environment. 

12.How do you motivate yourself? 

One of the most important ways that I motivate myself is by setting clear goals and benchmarks for my work. I find that having specific targets to work towards helps me stay focused and motivated, as I can see the progress that I am making towards achieving those goals. I also make sure to celebrate my successes and milestones along the way. 

13.Tell us a fun fact about yourself. Perhaps a secret talent you have? 

Well, I’m not sure if this is a “fun” fact, but I like to tell people that I swim like a fish… or at least, I thought I did until I entered my first swimming competition and realized I was more of a fish out of water! 

14.You are also a Test Coach. What is that like? 

As a Test Coach, I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of individuals and teams, helping them to improve their testing skills and knowledge. My role as a coach is to provide guidance, support, and feedback to help testers become more effective and efficient in their work. 

15.If you could, how would you promote a career in technology to young girls? 

As a woman who has pursued a career in technology, I believe that it is important to encourage and inspire young girls to consider careers in this field. If I have the opportunity to promote a career in technology to young girls, I would focus on breaking down some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes that may deter girls from pursuing technology career, provide positive role models and mentors, provide access to education, resources and training, and encourage girls to explore their passions and interests in order to make a positive impact in the world. 

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

Last year, Symphony Solutions launched DevOps School, a new exciting training course that welcomed undergrad students from Ukraine, interested in exploring new opportunities and getting started on their career path. The intense 8-week course became a launch pad for some bright and talented minds who have now joined the company as Junior DevOps Engineers. 

Why is DevOps so attractive to Computer Science majors? What are the perks and benefits of DevOps for professionals? What challenges did the students encounter when the war in Ukraine coincided with their studies? Is formal education a must-have to pursue a career in IT? Let’s hear from our DevOps School Graduates of 2022 and learn from them about this one-of-a-kind experience.

1. What do you like about working at Symphony Solutions? 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Most of all, I like the people who work here. They are always ready to help no matter what. There’s a friendly atmosphere, no concept of “all are equal, but some are more equal than others”, and this makes the work more comfortable. But the main thing is that no matter what team you are working with, the principles remain intact. 

Anton Didenko 

I like the loyalty of the company and that it really values its people. We came together at a difficult time, and it really showed what it stands for. I’m grateful to the company for the opportunity to learn and work at this time, for the support, and that they hire these amazing people that are so cool to work with. And, of course, they are really worthy of respect for all their support of the UAF. 

Artem Stankov 

There’s no excessive time tracking and micromanagement. 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

There are quite a few cool things about the company that I like. But the best part is probably the professionalism of the people that I get to work with. I can say that about my project colleagues, people partners, DevOps leads, managers, etc. I also like how the company tries to help in different complicated situations. Can’t forget about team building, of course, especially at times like these, the company still tries to make a place for live communication. Then there are timely compensation reviews which are also important and not often mentioned. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

What I like most of all at Symphony Solutions are the people who work here. Each one is ready to help out with an issue, either professional or personal. It’s impressive how experienced engineers are so eager to share their knowledge and insights with the younger generation. At the start of the war, when my family and I left Mariupol, at least seven people from the company contacted me personally and offered help. 

2. What was it like to study during the war? Do you have any stories from your time attending the DevOps school? 

Anton Didenko 

February 24. The entire country woke up from explosions, I immediately went to my parent’s place. No one knew what to do or where to run. In school chats, everyone was asking to post status updates. We had an urgent call with the professor, no one knew what to do, and I was the only one who got the idea to ask if we’re gonna have classes that day. At least we had a bit of a laugh out of it. 

What were you doing when the war started? How did you get through this time while attending DevOps school? Did Symphony Solutions provide help? That morning I went to see my parents. This was in Kharkiv and we lived in different districts. I had an emergency backpack ready with all the necessities. I spent a few days at their place until the air raids began and the enemy forces started to enter the city center. We’ve decided that it’s time to leave. It took some time and effort to convince my mother, and my father stayed behind (they’re alright now). So, we went to Lviv, and one of my coursemates offered to stay at his place for a while. Symphony Solutions also offered shelter at their office, and that’s where I helped get settled some of my friends and volunteers from Kharkiv. Continuing studies after that was quite difficult due to exhaustion and mental distress. Thanks to Symphony Solutions, all the students from the DevOps school found projects, which I really appreciate. It’s understandable, that the times were complicated and they had all the legal right to terminate the contract due to unforeseeable circumstances. However, that was out of the question. They kept in touch and supported us throughout. 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Sadly, I don’t have any stories – there wasn’t enough time for something memorable to really happen, and then the war is now everyone’s reality. 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

The full-scale invasion coincided with the studies, so the plans went awry. In the end, everyone managed to get on a project, thanks to management. I spent some time at the office, while they were taking in people for temporary shelter, and I was very grateful for this opportunity. 

3. What was the most challenging part of the course? 

Artem Stankov 

Get up every morning earlier than usual ?

Bohdan Karashchuk 

The most difficult part was probably learning Kubernetes. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

I’d say the sheer amount of information and how fast we were presented with it. It wasn’t always possible to keep pace with the mentors and lecturers, so some topics were more challenging than others. Of course, the speed of consuming information is a personal matter, so I tried to compensate it by dedicating more of my time to studying. 

4. Did you make friends with any of the guys that attended the school alongside you? Do you meet up outside of the coursework (online or offline)? 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Most of the people studying with me on the team were already my good acquaintances. After school, these relations became even stronger, and now we had this professional side to our conversations and many new interests. 

Anton Didenko 

Yes, there was a time when we would meet in the office or outside of work. One guy even offered me to stay at his place while we were looking for accommodations in Lviv. I’m very grateful for that. Although, we aren’t interacting all that much lately. 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

The teambuilding was a great activity. I really enjoyed the team building with all our guys from the DevOps school. We had a great time, and got to know better the people from our projects. 
 
Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Most of the time on the Ukrainian teambuilding I spent with my friends from DevOps school. One positive thing was to see how big and friendly is the company where I work. However, my team is relatively small, so I didn’t know all that many people at the teambuilding, so it was awkward in a way. 

5. Why did you decide to pursue DevOps? 

Bohdan Karashchuk 
I started my professional journey with programming. It’s difficult to say what I like more. DevOps also often requires programming skills; it’s growing rapidly, and this tendency is going to continue into the future. I like what I’m doing right now, and in my free time, I sometimes go back to programming. 
 
Oryna Otkalenko 

While attending the university, I realized that programming and full-cycle software and application development is probably not for me. However, I’ve always found the IT sphere impressive and wanted to be a part of it. DevOps turned out the perfect solution for me. I like all the different technologies that DevOps works with. There’s a lot to learn and explore, so there’s not a boring minute at work. 
 
Artem Stankov 

It’s one of the youngest professions that is expected to grow exponentially. 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

I’m impressed by the opportunity for multi-faceted development in DevOps. Sure, you can pursue life-long learning in any domain and still not have the full grasp of it. DevOps covers such a vast spectrum of technologies, that if you realize that something isn’t working for you, you can pick something else with no fuss and almost completely change your work process. 

Anton Didenko 

I worked as a system administrator for a few years and started approaching this topic. I found it very interesting – more complicated cases, challenging tasks, and automation. I would go to conferences with a colleague from my previous job where we would learn more about it, what are DevOps, and what they do. At the end of 2021, I tried going to interviews. And now I’m here at Symphony Solutions.    

6. In recent years, there has been a lot of concern raised regarding university education for IT majors becoming obsolete. Companies are competing with universities as they are launching their own internships and training schools. Would you agree with this? What would you say is the role of universities in the educational system of today? Do IT professionals need formal education? 

Anton Didenko 

I don’t really have a formal IT education. I studied at the IT STEP academy back when it was still a state university. So, I don’t know what it’s usually like. From my side, I can say that it can give you a good foundation and make it easier to acquire professional knowledge. I don’t think that formal education is all that necessary to be a successful IT specialist. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

I think that higher education is certainly necessary for someone who wants to achieve something remarkable in their life. At the same time, the diploma on its own doesn’t guarantee you success by default. Formal education is more like a resource than the end goal. You can use it to access all the different opportunities for the future. Educational institutions teach you discipline, all the different subjects expand your mind and make it possible to decide on what career you are most passionate about. In my case, the university gave me a lot of useful connections in IT and many good friends. 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

In short, I think that education is not necessary to succeed in IT. But there’s always a ‘but’. University education, at least in my case, gives a broader outlook on the domain in general, which is quite useful. I’ve met developers with a lot of experience, who couldn’t even understand the basics of SDLC if they weren’t directly related to their line of work. I think this isn’t cool because in this case the person may not be considered a professional. Again, it depends on the person and there’s nothing stopping you from expanding your knowledge. One thing worth mentioning is that IT professions have a lot to do with fundamental sciences, such as probability theory, discrete mathematics, etc. It’s more complicated to obtain such knowledge on your own and here’s where universities can help, although, without giving any guarantees.

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

As a 3-rd year student, I completely agree with this notion. I wouldn’t go through the root cause of the problem, but the most obvious issue is the outdated syllabus. In order to teach modern technologies, you need modern specialists with practical experience not from 40 years ago but those who are working with these technologies right now. Or, at the very least, the syllabus should be updated once a year. That’s why, unfortunately, you think that it’s pure luck to get relevant information and universities are not the place where you come to learn but meet new people. For the time being, formal education doesn’t have a lot of weight in the IT field. Hopefully, this will change in the near future. 

Artem Stankov 

I agree that most universities have an outdated syllabus, and for the most part, it’s too broad and all-encompassing. That’s why we constantly compare it to all these courses and internships that are offered by different companies, which can afford to invest more resources and make it more relevant. I think that formal education has its place in modern society, but we need to update both the syllabus and the teaching approach. 

7. More and more young people are interested in entering the IT field. What would you advise those getting started or thinking about IT? 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

First of all, you shouldn’t expect to have everything handed to you. There’s a lot of false information being shared online. They tell you that you’re gonna be earning millions working ten minutes a day, and all you have to do is pay a hefty sum for some unique, never-before-seen one-month course. IT is just like any other area of specialty. If you want to become a specialist, just coming up with this decision is not enough. And here’s where the second fact comes in – you need to study continuously. And, of course, believe in yourself, be more confident, and be aware of the ever-growing competition.  

Bohdan Karashchuk 

I’d advise learning the fundamentals and a broad spectrum of knowledge. I think that is going to distinguish you in the job market from the typical “someone who finished a training course”. 

Artem Stankov 

I’d recommend reading up on all the different professions, picking one, and studying it systematically. 

Anton Didenko 

You shouldn’t pursue this career only for the high salary rates. If you like what you’re doing, then go for it. Otherwise, it’s better to look for something that you really find enjoyable. If it’s IT – welcome and be prepared to always learn something new. There’s a lot of work ahead of you. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

I’m not that far ahead of these ‘young people’ but I’d advise not to waste any time and start deciding on what direction they want to take in their IT career and follow that path. First of all, the current job market requires you to be competitive. Second, the IT sphere never stops evolving, and the entry-level requirements keep shifting further. It’s easier to stand out in a crowd of candidates for a position if you start your professional development early. 

8. After graduating from DevOps school, you were hired on a commercial project. What was or still is the biggest challenge in this regard? 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

We have quite a big project, so I’m still occasionally facing challenges when I need to work with something new. That’s always interesting. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

I guess, the biggest challenge for me right now is keeping up with all the information that I keep getting from working with new technologies. After the DevOps school, I haven’t stopped learning for a minute, quite the contrary. 

Anton Didenko 

Lack of some basic understanding of the development process. I hadn’t worked with it before, so it was all very new to me, which led to some unfortunate mistakes. Then there was the sprint review with the client. But it’s much better now. 

Artem Stankov 

The biggest challenge was to get into the workflow. I started getting tasks assigned to me in my first week on the project, pretty much right after a short onboarding. 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Obviously, the most complicated part of the job is to understand the processes, from first approaching the task to reporting on task completion. Then there are moments when you can’t just ‘google’ and have to come up with your own solutions. However, I think all this is due to the specifics of DevOps and not so much the fact that this is my first job.

9. What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies? How do you unwind? 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

Right now, it just so happened that I spend most of my time at home. And if you account for the fact that you learn while doing something, I spend my free time working and thus learning what I like. On weekends, I like to either bake or cook something savory. 

Oryna Otkalenko 

At home, my main hobby was baking pastry. It’s my big passion. Right now, I can’t really do that, so I’m finding other things to do, like drawing. But what helps me unwind most of all are cats. It’s always been like that. I love cats, but right now, the only cats in my vicinity are those who live near our apartment block. We have our daily routine where we come out to feed them, give lots of head scratches and hang out. That’s a really good distraction from everything around. 

Anton Didenko 

Before the war, I would do social dancing. After coming to Lviv, I met a lot of my friends from Kharkiv and also attended dance classes for some time. Then I took an acting class, which I found very interesting and beneficial for my self-improvement. I like to be active – go snowboarding, diving, biking, and hiking. I like playing board games and gathering company for a game night. I used to play electric guitar and plan on continuing lessons once the situation in the country is more stable.  

Artem Stankov 

I watch movies and TV shows and play video games with friends. 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

Since I’m still studying, a lot of my time free from work I need to dedicate to schoolwork. Otherwise, I can meet up with friends, play video games, watch movies, or play football when it’s warm outside. 

10. Do you have any role models (family members, acquaintances, or public figures)? Who are they, and why? 

Oryna Otkalenko 

I admire the unbreakable spirit of our military and what they are doing for our country. 

Artem Stankov 

I can’t say any specific names, but I admire people who, no matter the circumstance, nurture their skills and share their experiences with others. 
 
Anton Didenko 

I admire my girlfriend Olya. She is a bright example of what I’ve mentioned before. A great level of self-awareness when it comes to studies, work, and rest, so that’s basically all areas of life. I can learn a lot from her. Also, I get inspired by people who really like what they do, and whose eyes light up when they talk about it. It’s interesting to interact with such people, they motivate you to make your life better. 
 
Bohdan Karashchuk 

I admire all the people I know from DevOps school and the projects. They motivate me to stay disciplined and not slack off. They don’t say for anything that the environment builds the person. 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

I wouldn’t say that I have such people. Having any achievements is already motivating enough to keep going. An opportunity to have a happy life in the future is what affects my life decisions. That’s why I don’t pursue an existing ideal but create my own.

11. What do you consider necessary (skills, principles, actions) to become an expert? 

Bohdan Karashchuk 

Definitely discipline. The ability to set and achieve goals. 

Anton Didenko 

It all starts with you expressing a desire to learn and staying curious. Then you need to be disciplined and not rely on motivation, which is very fleeting and not all that helpful. Discipline, time management and a desire to get better in your area of specialty – all that can turn anyone into a strong professional. 
 
Oryna Otkalenko 

You need to have a clear understanding of what your goal is, be determined, and disregard irrelevant advice from those who have no idea what they are talking about.   

Artem Stankov 

I think that in order to become an expert, first of all, you need to study your area of work continuously. However, aside from ‘passive’ learning, i.e., reading articles and taking classes, you need to be an ‘active’ learner, which means applying your knowledge in practice. 

Pavlo Pavlichenko 

As I’ve already said, self-confidence, constant learning, and personal development. Sometimes people stop after having achieved something because of laziness. However, each open door is followed by ten more, meaning more opportunities are to follow. Also, I’ve noticed that teaching others really helps digest the learning material, so you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your colleagues and help them whenever you can. 

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DevOps opens up many opportunities for professional development, whether you are a seasoned programmer looking to switch directions or a recent graduate just starting out. Symphony Solutions has garnered some fantastic results from the DevOps School, and the next season is already hovering over the horizon. 

Follow Symphony Solutions on our social media channels to not miss the call for the next enrollment period. 

Read more from Symphony Personas and their professional insights and experiences working at Symphony Solutions.

Here at Symphony Solutions, our motto is “write code like music” and we love how it resonates with so many of our Symphonians. Next on Symphony Personas, Fredrick Oladipupo told us how he came into his career as a Software Developer, shared some tips and tricks on keeping your focus and finding balance in your daily life. Having joined not so long ago, seems like Fredrick has already found his vibe at the company and that’s what this is all about!

1. You joined Symphony Solutions in January 2022. What were your expectations and has the experience so far been everything you hoped for? 

My expectations were pretty high considering that I had worked with another international company and was familiar with global working conditions. So far, my expectations have been met; in fact, Symphony Solutions has taken my experience to a new level because feedback is sought and appreciated.

2. What’s the project that you are working on? Tell us about it. 

I currently work on two projects related to iGaming technology. Both projects are similar and the tech does the same thing, except one is deployed for casinos and the other for slots. The technology stores and creates a single source of truth for all kinds of data on casinos and slots providers.

3. Do you find the idea of writing code like music interesting? Does it resonate with you? 

Yes, I do. I’m a big fan of music; I listen to it while I do some exercise, write code and sometimes, to sleep. What’s amazing about music is how little bits form an amazing sound. It’s the same with code – the model that interacts with the database, the controller that handles logic… the customer uses the app and only has to click a button but many things came together behind the scenes. Just like music.

4. What do you enjoy the most about your job? 

Definitely, the idea of facing new challenges and solving new problems every day. The beautiful thing about coding is that it seethes into other areas of life and makes you apply the same level of discipline, focus, and commitment. There’s also the fact that coding changes the way the brain approaches problem-solving.

5. What would you say about our culture here at Symphony Solutions? It’s always interesting to hear a new perspective! 

I love the culture at Symphony Solutions for many reasons. The company wants to hear from employees and is committed to bringing people together through digital communities like we have on Yammer. Also, the People Partners are amazing people.

6. What’s your regular day like, working remotely? Do you ever work close to the ocean and watch the waves as you code?

No, I don’t. My day typically starts as early as 6 am with a short prayer or meditation. After that, I exercise a little and make coffee before I sit down to write code. I like to start my day early so that I can do some work before meetings. I block a couple of hours in the afternoon to do more coding, get lunch and write my end-of-day reports. Before bed time, I spare an hour to read a book.

7. How did you decide to become a Software Engineer? Did you always know you wanted to do that? 

I didn’t always know I would become a Software Engineer. I studied Industrial Chemistry and did that for about two years before a friend introduced me to software engineering. I thought it was pretty cool to be able to build great products from scratch and realized I was good at it.

8. Would you say that your love for minimalist living reflects in your work? If yes, how? If no, why? 

Yes. I can’t concentrate when my environment is disorganized, so I try to keep my living and working spaces in order. I also don’t own a lot of stuff so that I have limited things that require my focus and my time.

9. What was the last book that you read? Do you have any cool book recommendations for fellow Symphonians?  

I haven’t read many books this year, but I would recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (I have read it about three times). It’s a lesson on resilience and responsibility to self and others.

10. What do you do outside of your work hours? 

Outside of work, I run, read and hang out at the beach with friends.

11. We’ve heard that you also write ‘on the side’. Is it a creative outlet, or more like an extension of your career in tech? Do you mind sharing some of your articles? 

My English is not excellent and my punctuations are way off, but I like the idea of being expressive through writing. I write my thoughts on my Notion, mostly unpublished. They are personal thoughts, so I can’t really share any.

12. What is your favourite day of the week and why? 

My favourite day of the week is any day that I get to solve problems. 

13. If you weren’t a Software Engineer, what would you have been doing?  

A writer of some sort or a job that would require me to talk to people and ask them questions. Perhaps a Public Speaker if that’s a job.

14. What are your top 3 motivators at work?

I’m motivated by problems because solving them means providing value for clients. A second motivator is being able to look back and appreciate work I’ve done. Lastly, money. Getting paid for the work I do.

15. Can you share some of your productivity hacks?    

Write it down and then break it down. Also, just get to work and do it. 

16. If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give?

Focus is the currency, guard it. Direct your energy into something productive every time whether you are working or having fun.

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

Symphony Solutions has been welcoming so many new Symphonians in the last few years, that were perhaps not the easiest for the world in its entirety. This came with its own interesting experiences and observations, as we were learning to work and live in remote/hybrid mode. And now we love learning more about how our fellow Symphonians came to be part of the company and what drives them in their life and career. This time we talked to Agnieszka Kot, the People Partner in Symphony Solutions Poland, and she had some great tips on reaching that elusive work-life balance, taking ownership of your career, and finding inspiration.

1. Looking back at the last 2 years of your career at Symphony Solutions, what would you say are the highlights?

I started in Symphony Solutions in May 2020, so it was just in the middle of Covid pandemic – total rollercoaster, both in my private and professional life. The kindergarten was closed, it was also my first experience with remote work and IT business. I think there is no person in my team who doesn’t know my daughter and my cat…;) The second experience was being PP during the war time and giving support to others when you are also not in perfect shape.

2. What values are important to you in Symphony Solutions? How do you experience those values here? 

I am a people-oriented person, so Intimacy – I try to be close to people, communicate on a more personal level with them and build strong relationships. And the second one is inspirational – I am passionate about my work and observe it with my colleagues here. We love what we are doing!

3. What are the things you enjoy about working at Symphony Solutions?

1) I am never bored here;) Every day brings new challenges. 2) People and the team we create. I really enjoy our interactions. 3) Flexibility. I like the options whether I work from the office, home, or when I start my working day. In general – freedom of choice.

4. After so many years in the industry, what did you find different about working here than anywhere else?

So many differences! The major one – the direct contact with people. In my previous companies I was working directly with people, I would spend many hours on the shop floor with them, it was easy to build relations, to know what their work is about, and at the same time – being helpful and supportive. When I started in Symphony Solutions, all the people were working from home, the offices were closed. Some of them were not using the camera, and what is more, I noticed I may have a different sense of humor than my colleagues, so I had the impression I was talking to myself. But step by step, we found a common language and now we are laughing together at my jokes.

The greatest asset for me are always people. In Symphony Solutions, thanks to the cultural part of the recruitment process, we are able to select the candidates that fit our values perfectly. I’ve never met a company with a similar process, it really works.

5. What was your lightbulb moment? When did it click in your head that you wanted to work in HR? 

It was during the internship in my first company where I spent almost 8 years. It was the time when we were building the HR processes from scratch, I was able to learn and actively participate in it at the same time. Great experience.

6. Tell us more about your HR role. What inspires you in your day-to-day work?

I will answer in one word: people. I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by people, the differences between us, etc. I cannot imagine myself working with Excel sheets with no contact with human beings. Who would laugh at my jokes then?;)

7. What is the most complicated aspect of working with people?

For me it is to set boundaries. Sometimes I feel responsible for too much, I carry too much on my shoulders, I wanna help no matter what. Work in progress.

8. You had 10 years of HR experience before joining the IT branch. What is the difference between IT and non-IT people? 

Building the relations takes more time in IT, especially when working remotely. And the competition on the job market is higher in IT than in other domains, so we need to put more effort into keeping people in the company, and have them satisfied with the project and the cooperation.

9. We love hearing Symphonians share their larger-than-life goals and plans that go beyond the daily to-do list. What about you? Do you pursue a mission in your HR career?  

I am joking that my life is like one big mission. Both, in my private and professional life, I am trying to remind people that if you have too much on your plate – ask for help, it is not a shame, together we will manage. Be good to yourself – keep the balance between work and rest. Take from life as much as you can – you only live once! And don’t forget that every cloud has a silver lining – always! Sometimes, you just need more time.

10. As we know, you study a lot: Philology, Administration, Coaching, and Training. Why are you so passionate about learning? 

I think it is about meeting people and learning from them. And learning new things comes easily to me. These are the main reasons.

11. It is always interesting to know what it’s like to be a working mom, that is to say that parenting is a whole job on its own. Can you share some of your hacks on how to combine personal and work life?

A lot of lemon balm (melissa), ha-ha. Let’s be honest – it is not easy. And it is not only for working moms but also for dads – yes, some of them feel also responsible for their children. It is always about finding some compromise between what you want and what your child wants. I remember the feeling when I came back from the maternity leave to work, I was so happy and so miserable at the same time. But this is life, I always say: “Happy mom, happy child”. I would not be happy as a typical housewife.

We have our family planner in the kitchen – it helps to organize the week. We are sharing our responsibilities with my husband and it is working so far.

12. What are your hobbies? Do they help you in your work somehow?

I love travelling – it is again connected with meeting people, knowing their culture, eating (this is also my hobby). Before my daughter was born, we managed to visit Asia, Cuba, and many countries in Europe. Hope we will come back to it when Klara is older.

13. What are your professional and career plans? What would you like to achieve?   

There is still a lot to learn in the IT field for me so this is my main goal for the near future.

14. How do you follow trends in your profession and industry?

Webinars, HR blogs. We are also exchanging information with my team, we even have regular knowledge sharing sessions scheduled every week!

15. What is most important when growing as an expert?    

Update your knowledge and keep up with the trends, be open to feedback, take responsibility and feel responsibility – take ownership!

16. Let’s talk inspiration! What are some podcasts, books, or movies you swear by? 

Maja Günther, You Are Enough (How to stop comparing yourself to others and be yourself). I like the phrase: “You develop when you take the first step, not when you reach your goal”.

17. Looking back at your career path, what advice would you give to a young generation now? 

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Don’t be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.

18. Would you mind sharing with us your life motto or principles? 

You have everything you need within yourself to turn your situation around. It’s up to you if you decide to live your life in black and white or rather in glorious color.

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

Symphony Solutions’ talents come from around the world and bring to the company their unique experiences and diverse backgrounds. Not by tech alone, our services and products truly come to life when all the teams work together, leaving a lot of room for creativity. This time we interviewed Yinka Akinbobola, Lead Visual Designer here at Symphony Solutions, who comes from Nigeria and has always been very involved in the life of the local tech community and more. Yinka told us about his entrepreneurial endeavors, his take on human-centered design, and gave some awesome tips on productivity and work-life balance.

1. You joined Symphony Solutions in 2022. How has your experience with the company been so far?

It has been great so far. Working with people from diverse backgrounds has been an enriching experience for me. I also like the flexibility and the company culture because I have been able to grow as a person and impact my community.

2. What do you like most about your current UI/UX Lead role? 

I like the challenge that the work I do poses. Working with designers from different parts of the world with different perspectives has contributed to my learning. I am excited to be part of a great vision and challenge. 

3. What values are important to you in Symphony Solutions? How do you experience those values here?

All the values actually, Trust, Integrity, Innovation, Initiative, Passion, and Intimacy. I believe these values are important and make up an integral part of our culture here at Symphony Solution.

4. Is Symphony Solutions the first remote company you worked with? What’s it like working remotely?

No, Symphony Solutions is not my first remote company. I have worked remotely with startups in the past. I like the flexibility of working remotely because I spend the time, I would use to commute to do more meaningful work. Especially if you’re living in a city like Lagos where commute time can take hours due to heavy traffic congestion.

5. What is the most exciting project you worked on? Or one that you are proud of, and why?  

I was a co-founder and product lead at DropQue. Dropque was Africa’s first interactive and intelligent talent exchange which uses unassisted video interviews and AI to help recruiters find the best talent. Dropque was a first-to-market product with a unique blend of technologies designed specifically to tackle the problems faced in Africa’s unique hiring culture. We won numerous awards and got into the Peace Tech Accelerator in Washington, D.C. But most important for me was the impact we made. After just being around for a little over 2 years, Dropque had helped interview over 7000 candidates across 19 African countries. We won the public vote award at the Nigerian round of Seedstars World 2017 and were later the overall winner in 2018. We were one of the ten startups selected by NITDA to represent Nigeria at the GITEX technology exhibition and conference in Dubai and were also selected as one of the delegates by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to represent at the John Hopkins SAIS ICT Summit. We also got selected as one of the delegates by The NCC to represent Nigeria at the ITU Telecom World 2018, Durban, South Africa, and were awarded one of the 3 most scalable startups at the world summit. I am really proud of our accomplishments; it was a great learning experience for me. 

6. You call yourself a human-centered designer. What does it mean? How did you come up with this concept? 

Human-centered design has been around for a while. It is a problem-solving technique that puts real people at the center of the development process, enabling you to create products and services that resonate and are tailored to your audience’s needs. I like to call myself a Human-centered designer because I use human-centered design principles to inform and make my design decisions.

7. On your media profiles, you mention that you combine technologies and empathy. What does it mean?

For me, technology and empathy mean creating technology that is usable. The idea is understanding people’s needs and build solutions that not just cater to these needs but also consider the context they exist in. Using empathy enables the designer to walk in the user’s shoes in an effort to understand why and how they use technology. This gives the designer a clearer point of view through which they can now build not just functional but usable tech products.

8. You are a Co-founder at Dropque company. Tell us more about it. How did the idea come to you?   

I believe I spoke a lot about Dropque already. On how it started three other cofounders, and I started Dropque during our one-year Entrepreneur-in-training program at MEST (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology). The idea of the training program was to learn about software entrepreneurship and start a company at the end of the program. My other three cofounders and I shared similar experiences around the problem we were trying to solve. We all had had to travel long distances to interview for jobs in the past and also believed that CVs did not provide enough information for recruiters to hire the right candidate. So, after a lot of user research and market validation, we came up with the idea to use asynchronous video interviews and artificial intelligence to help recruiters know more about their candidates early on in the recruitment process. On the candidate side, the solution will enable them to take interviews from anywhere, at any time on their smartphones. This was how Dropque came to life. 

9. How did you find your passion for 360 photography? Is there a business part to it or is it just a hobby?

I first came across 360 photography around the same time I was learning about Virtual Reality. I was intrigued by the idea of being able to capture experiences in more interactive forms. As an entrepreneur I could see the business side but it ended up being just a hobby because of other things I was engaged in. So, I bought a 360 camera and just had fun with it.

10. Suppose you need to choose entrepreneurship or design. What will you choose and why? 

I cannot separate both because they work hand in hand. From my experience, design is a tool for entrepreneurship. So, whether it is creating a service or a tech product, design will always be the center of entrepreneurship for me.

11. Is it true that you are one of the founders of a prominent rock music festival “RocktoberFest”? We’d love to know the details.

Yes, I am one of the founders of Rock Nation, the company that organized RocktoberFest in Lagos, Nigeria. I have always loved rock music and I started out organizing rock music parties. After a while I found myself in the company of people like me who liked rock music. Together, we organized several events, RocktoberFest being one of them. We have had five festivals so far.

12. Designer is a creative profession. What inspires you? 

I have always been creative and I would say seeing what others have created and understanding the process behind it inspires me. Understanding other’s work pushes me to want to do better and more.

13. What are your top 3 motivators at work? 

• Impact
• Value
• Team spirit

14. People usually find it not easy to keep a work-life balance. How do you manage your work at Symphony Solutions, entrepreneurship, and hobbies? 

I always create time for everything. Going to the gym, hanging out with friends, watching movies, are some of the things I do for fun after a long productive week. It’s not easy, but I try not to take work into my weekends and I have also identified my most productive hours, allowing me to get more done and free up time to relax.

15. What are your productivity hacks?  

Set clear objectives for what you want to achieve and visit them constantly to remind yourself of what you are working towards. Avoid procrastination at all costs, and remember to breathe. You are almost there.

16. What is the best advice someone has given you?  

Live for today, hope for tomorrow, and learn from yesterday. The most important thing is to not stop questioning. 

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews. 

Symphony Solutions prides itself on being the company to some fantastic Symphonians who inspire us with their personal values, hardworking nature, and a proactive stance in life. This time we have talked to Gordana Andonovska, Service Delivery Manager from Symphony Solutions Macedonia, who has stories to tell about her work here as well as her own projects that contribute to society and even special education. Gordana also had some insights and tips to share on how to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. 

1. Gordana, you have been with Symphony Solutions for more than six months now. What did you like about Symphony Solutions that made you want to join? 

I have been following Symphony for about two years, and the transparency, the clear messages, articles, the company’s presence in multiple markets, the original ambience, the philosophy that coding can grow into symphony, all these were the reasons for my interest.  

2. What are the things you enjoy about working at Symphony Solutions?  

The supportive atmosphere, the focus on making processes better, the good treatment of the employees and recognition of results, the implementation of the Anywhere concept because I have previous experience in managing remote and international teams.  

3. You are probably already familiar with Symphony Solutions’ core values. Which of these values are important to you? How do you experience them here? 

All the values reflect my personal philosophy and work ethics. Probably most of all, Initiative and Inspiration. Firstly, because these two require more energy that I am ready to give. Secondly, because they keep me out of my comfort zone. And thirdly, because these two values require not only responsibility to yourself because of the goals you have set, but also because of the motivation which makes everybody do their best and continually feel good. 

4. You hold the position of Service Delivery Manager at Symphony Solution. Tell us more about your responsibilities. What part of the job do you love the most? What would you consider a challenge?  

I work on augmentation projects, where a fast response is crucial to the needs of the clients for specific profiles in their existing teams. The challenge consists in good organization from the start with every team included in the identification of the best candidates according to the demands of the clients, quick adaptation (agility) to the changes that occur on both sides, positive and proactive reaction to obtain the deadlines and levels of cooperation. 

5. Share with us your top tips for working with a client. What is the most important? 

• Always go beyond client expectations 
• Clearly defined scope of work  
• Be transparent, consistent, and proactive  

6. You have 19+ years of experience in Service Delivery, Project Management, Team Leadership, People Management, and Business Client Relationship. That’s quite a list! How did you get started? Why did you choose this profession? 

I started my career as a project manager with multiple innovative international products which helped me gain experience in the whole marketing mix, production, sales, and customer care. I have had the chance to gain, but also share my experience at many international conferences, webinars, and trainings where I have had both roles. Then I moved to service delivery where team management is one of the most important assets for achieving great results. I would say that this profession chose me, even in high school I was a natural organizer of serious initiatives and was included in the school committee where I represented the students’ needs. In other words, I can deal with people. In the beginning of the first year of my economy studies, I wanted to focus on macroeconomics, but after the first lesson on management, I knew that was meant for me and from that moment, my focus has been on business and entrepreneurship.  

7. What advice would you give yourself when you were starting your career? 

Always get your work done, and get it done timely with absolute transparency so that everybody can learn and grow along the way. Consistent good work and trust make for successful cooperation and relations with clients and make you the best partner for the client. 

8. As we know, you are the person who is constantly developing yourself (certifications, educational programs, etc.). What motivates you?   

Personal growth is one of our  deepest human needs. When we commit to a lifetime of learning and being better, we won’t stagnate or become trapped by our limited beliefs. It seems to me that acquiring new skills is inevitable for success. It motivates me when I succeed in converting learning into practice which becomes a benefit to everybody. Rewards come in action, not in discussion. 

9. You were the Founder of In Optimum company which has to do with education and even helping people with learning disabilities. Tell us more about the business. How did you come up with the idea? 

I have always wanted the day to last 25 hours so I can be more effective, develop a smart approach which will allow me to easily make progress personally and professionally. Reading has always been my passion, so I learnt and certified myself as a coach in speed reading and advanced learning techniques before expanding my expertise in the field of dyslexia. The business idea came from the fact that there wasn’t such an offer in Macedonia, and original ideas have always attracted me. In addition, this was an opportunity to apply much of my gained experience in marketing, sales, and promotion, as well as an outsourced trainer in many companies. I built a train-the-trainee school and more than 3000 students have attended my school. On the other hand, that was, and still is, my way of contributing to society, by helping kids and grown-up people who are facing a difficulty such as dyslexia strengthen their cognitive abilities. Through this extra curriculum, I achieve an energy balance which invokes a special joy in me.  

10. You know so many languages: English, German, Serbian, Bulgarian, Macedonian. A legit polyglot! Is this kind of your hobby or more like a professional need? Tell us more. 

I believe that a person who speaks multiple languages is a successful person. For me, it is a communicative and reading freedom/liberty. I learnt some of the languages because I had to, but I sincerely enjoy learning languages and I know that I am going to learn some other languages, too.  

11. What are your hobbies? How do you keep a work-life balance?  

As a person with big awareness of the balance between work and personal life, I have always been involved in additional activities, such as dancing and playing instruments. I love the theater, reading, writing, and traveling to new destinations. During the pandemic I started practicing yoga, walking in nature, and riding a bicycle. Because I have experienced the burn-out syndrome, I am able to say that the frequent stay in nature, the devotion of time for myself, the limitation of the time spent on my laptop, effective time management, the ability to focus on the tasks in the most important time intervals during the day and not just in the standard working hours, frequent and sufficient sleep, are adjustments which help me deal smartly with professional and personal challenges. The feeling of happiness from a productive day with different activities this way is inevitable and grateful. There is no disappointment for me because I believe that with the right focus of energy and time one can find the solution to every problem. 

12. If having a plan B is an option, who would you become if you weren’t in IT? 
Social entrepreneur.

13. Would you mind sharing with us your life motto or principles? 

• Learning with purpose. 
• No matter your personal growth challenges, there’s a way to achieve your goals. 
• Challenge yourself to think of a larger “why” and “how”. 
• You don’t have to choose between passion and profitability – when you follow your inner call, you can have both. 
• Keep yourself accountable to your personal growth plan.

14. If you were a superhero, what superpower would you have? 
I would work on raising awareness of the importance of clean environment, I would implement zero-waste, I would work on eliminating consumerism and getting people back to their essential needs, “to be” before “to have”, “to create” before “to spend”, “to be grateful” before “to complain”.

15. Are there any podcasts, books, or inspirations you swear by? 

Books: 

“Awaken the giant within” by Tony Robbins 
“Goals” by Brian Tracy 
“12 Golden rules” by Jordan Peterson 

Inspirations: 

“If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” 
“Knowing is not enough! You must take action.” 

16. What are your productivity hacks? 

• Get prepared for the next day  
• Regular cleaning of backlog or within 24 hours 
• Regular collection of input from relevant stakeholders in order to maintain the delivery deadline of the service to the clients and employees  
• Start working on the best ideas immediately instead of waiting for the right time…and do not forget to follow up 
• I avoid working with reminders, but I regularly remind others as a part of my proactive approach  
• Respect others’ time so that they respect yours, therefore come to the meetings prepared and on time 

17. Do you take the world by storm or by plan? What are your plans for the next 3 years? 

Initially, I believe in a good plan and in good preparation, but I also manage well in turbulent situations, which require agility, awareness of priority and urgency, taking decisions, mobilizing, and commissioning my abilities, as well as the abilities of others. I would say that that is one of my advantages. In relation to my plans for professional development, I work devotedly to become a technical SDM and progress in the delivery vertical. 

We invite you to learn more about Symphonians! Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews

We have all come to Symphony Solutions from different backgrounds, bringing our own original experience and opinions. This is what we cherish and appreciate about every Symphonian. Being so unique and different, we still share the same values, passion for innovation and technology, and the ambition to always grow and learn to become better versions of ourselves. 

We have asked Slawomir Umpirowicz, our Poland-based Business Analyst, to share his journey from teacher turned developer turned BA and some valuable insights on facing challenges, achieving harmony in life, and his definition of success. 

1. Starting your career as a teacher, how did you find your way to business analysis? What do you like the most about your current role? 

It is true that I started working as a teacher. It happened by a coincidence. It was a time of an educational boom and dynamic development of education in my country. Straight from my final exams at the university, I went to an interview and I got this job. It is worth mentioning that from the very beginning I was involved in IT projects and it was quite easy for me to talk to both IT teams and the clients. Despite the fact that for many years I was a developer, I like the opportunity to work as a business analyst the most, because it allows me to search for ambitious goals together with clients, and for innovative implementations with a development team.  

2. Looking back on the last 3 years of your career at Symphony, what would you say are the highlights? 

What from the very beginning drew my attention is the constant striving to improve the organization through supporting Symphonians and developing their competencies. The constant support and interest in each person are truly unique. And I have never heard the words “it is impossible”. 

3. After so many years in the industry, what did you find different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked?  

The pandemic has changed a lot recently, but both before and now, Symphony is doing a lot to integrate teams and provide the best possible conditions for work. What also distinguishes is the constant motivation for further personal development. And what I like the most is the focus on Agile-based methodologies. It is not just a declaration or a theory. It is a daily practice in Symphony.

4. Motivation is considered to be very important in our lives – work and personal. What are some of your biggest motivators at work?

In my opinion, there is no secret here. I just like what I do, and I like challenges. In this way, work, even on a difficult project, gives great satisfaction. I must also point out that I am always a team player. And I realize that in the IT world, not much can be done alone. 

5. The pandemic turned our life upside down. What’s special about working remotely with your team? 

Yes, it’s true. Today, nothing is the same as before. However, I am optimistic about every experience that happens to us. I also believe that despite all the problems, Symphony Solutions prepared employees for remote work. That’s why we were able to start working from home practically with no interruption. Supporting team integrity seems to be the biggest challenge right now. 

6. What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself 20 years ago? 

It’s a very difficult question. Maybe: believe in my competences, not be afraid of risks and take up challenges. Although I know that even today, I have a problem with it, so this advice is still valid. 

7. Are there any podcasts, books, or inspirations you swear by? 

It’s nothing special, I’m interested in topics related mainly to the history of IT, so I like biographies of IT-related people like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, and I also really like TED talks.

8. What do you think are Symphony’s most meaningful traditions? What’s your favourite one? 

Symphony has many traditions that deserve recognition. I really think Symphony Solutions has created a unique atmosphere that needs to be cared for. For people like me, even Casual Friday is something special, which I have been waiting for a whole week so far. I would like to note that even now, during the pandemic time, I am in the office every Friday to meet other Symphonians and have time to talk and integrate. 

9. What values are important to you in Symphony? How do you experience those values here? 

“Be the change you want to see around you”. I believe that initiative allows us to improve ourselves and change the environment. These are opportunities that we have the sole influence on, so it is not only our privilege but also our duty. 

10. Hobbies are the moments for the heart and a spare mind. What are some hobbies that help you find other meanings in this life? 

It is definitely photography. Taking a picture seems like an easy task now, but if we take the film camera, then each shot becomes a challenge for us. We will learn to pay attention not only to technical parameters but also to the composition, lighting and colors. We will also learn to commemorate those moments that are most precious to us and to which we will be happy to come back. 

11. If having a plan B was an option – who would you become if you weren’t in IT? 

I believe that whatever we do in life, it is important to do the best we can. I believe that this is a good start for both Plan A and each subsequent one. 

12. It has a different meaning for everyone in terms of life, career and spirit. How do you evaluate success? 

I am not sure if we can speak of success in my case. In my opinion, the most important thing is the harmony between the mentioned factors. This is not easy. I have a problem with the time spent in front of the computer – I try to give my best. However, I have learned that weekends are for me and for my family and I always try to make the coming weekend a special, active time. And from time to time, I am alone with my camera in nature. 

13. Over the time that we explore the world, life teaches us different lessons. What is the best life lesson or advice you have received so far? 

I learned that a man has the right to make mistakes. And that the world won’t collapse because of it. It is a mistake when we do not try to fix what we have broken.  

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future!  

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Filip Kudron and read about his insights here.  

Symphony Personas are coming back for season two with more insightful interviews, this time with behind-the-scenes from the projects they are working on. What we love about Symphonians is their fantastic passion that they have for creating high-quality products that make an impact. This is what we want to share in the new series of interviews Symphony Personas in Tech. 

First on, we’d like you to welcome Martin Kubelka, Quality Assurance Engineer for the Virtualstock project, a digital supply chain and marketplace SaaS platform for Retail and Healthcare markets. Martin talked to us about his job on the project, the perks of closely collaborating with the client, and some tips for newbies just joining the team. 

1. Martin, you’ve been working at Symphony Solutions for 3 years already. In your opinion, how did you grow inside the company during this time? What is your lightbulb moment? 

Apart from the experience that I obviously gained during this period, I grew from Intern to Mid QA. But that’s only the measurable side of the story. On the non-measurable part, I can say I developed a specific work ethic that comes from the challenge to try and find new, creative ways of solving and sometimes making problems :D I also developed domain-specific knowledge related to the projects I was working on.  

Lightbulb moment – Challenging yourself can be fun! While this might seem counter-intuitive, the real growth comes from getting out of one’s comfort zone, and that’s where the real fun starts. It is then when you realize you’re not alone, and there are people around you to support you and share their knowledge.

2. What are some of your biggest motivators at work? 

The combination of making an impact, constantly learning something new while working with great people on great products in an awesome culture.  

3. You’ve been working with Virtualstock for a year and a half. What would you say is your team’s biggest achievement thus far? What work are you most proud of and why?  

My work with the Virtualstock coincided with the Covid pandemic. I was aware that this was the greatest risk I ever faced throughout my career, but from today’s perspective I think we did a great job overcoming it. All of us remained professional and made sure we kept the communication channels open, while at the same time taking care of one another. We kept on delivering value for the end users, but not only that – we also managed to meet as a team in real life and this really helped us build even greater trust that fuels our team work.  

4. What do you enjoy / not enjoy about your work with the client? 

I enjoy the team work and the sense of ownership that each and every member of our team has. At the same time, people are really cooperative and we constantly challenge ourselves. 

5. What is your Virtualstock team structure? 

My team has 4 developers, 1 Product Lead, one CTO, and I am the QA.  

6. What are the technologies you work with on the project? 

The product is developed in Python and also we are using the Django framework. For managing the manual and automated tests we are using Testrail. In general, our tests are written in the BDD standard.  

7. Do open jobs require 100% of the time? What is the development/debugging ratio? 

I would say 70% dev and 30 % QA when a feature is in development. But as part of the team I am included in all the processes from analyzing the requirements, detailing the acceptance criteria and reviewing the user stories.  

8. How is the communication with the client organized?  

We work as one team with the client, so I don’t see the client as a separate entity, the team is mixed and we are one. We use Slack for everyday communication, and we follow the SCRUM ceremonies, which allows us to release new product versions every 2 weeks. 

9. What do you enjoy about your job as a QA the most? 

Many people think that being a QA is all about finding bugs and reporting them. But they lose the end goal – which is what I enjoy most about my job – Improving the quality of the product that users will use.  

10. What do you think is crucial in order to grow as an expert? 

Learning fast, testing and implementing new ideas, processes, and tools. Also, being able to understand and communicate priorities with the rest of the team. 

11. How do you follow trends in your profession and industry? 

By following blogs and podcasts, visiting QA conferences, and communication with other people that are in my field of work.  

12. What advice would you give to your new team members? 

Stay curious and ask questions. Never leave a meeting with questions kept to yourself – your teammates are there to enable you. And try to keep user’s and business’s goals at the core of your work.  

We invite you to learn more about Symphony Solutions’ long-term collaboration with Virtualstock. Read the case study on how we helped them augment their in-house capabilities and secure a partnership with the NHS. 

What to learn more about Symphonians? Check out some of our previous interviews from season one of Symphony Personas, like this one with Aleksandar Gacevski, who knows all about how to take care of your security at work and in the sky. 

Symphony Solutions is always on the lookout for talents, whether innate or acquired. We want to help people find their path and passion, grow continuously as professionals in skills and knowledge. Every day, strive to be a slightly better version of yourself. 

We have talked to Wojciech Dziadura, a Lead Recruiter in the Krakow office, who is on a mission to connect with true professionals and help them find their place in the company. Wojtek talked to us an inspiring story about what is the driving force in his job, some tips for future candidates, and about his dozen of hobbies. 

1. You joined Symphony Solutions 1 year ago. What’s been most surprising about the journey so far? 

The most surprising is “Workation”, the possibility to work and travel at the same time. 

2. Do you remember your first day? It being 2020, was it an unusual time to join the company? 

It was a regular workday. I went to the office in Kraków and met Theo. 

3. What was your lightbulb moment? When did you know that you wanted to be a recruiter? 

When I helped one of my friends to get a job. I wanted to continue on this path of helping others. 

4. Your job is very closely connected with people. What do you feel when you help them find a job? What’s your favorite part of the job?  

When they reply with gratitude for the good job I get them. 

5. What are some of your biggest motivators? 

Ability to develop myself not only in a professional way. 

6. What part of your work are you most proud of? What makes it special? 

I’m proud of making a connection with the candidates. 

7. You have recently been promoted to the Lead of Recruitment at Symphony Solutions. What do you enjoy about your job as a recruiter and lead the most? 

As a recruiter, I love to talk with people, as a lead I’m trying to pass my knowledge to other recruiters. 

8. What’s different about working and hiring remotely without having live interviews in the office? 

You have to try to create a bond with the candidate by using only “remote ways”. 

9. What 3 pieces of advice would you give someone looking to land a new job? 

Relax, ask Yourself what is important for You and what You like. Try to combine all of the above, and then You have Your answer. 

10. You worked in the UK and Sweden for many years. What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked before? What makes Symphony Solutions different from other companies? 

I will let You know when I will find it ?

11. Having built a career abroad and now here in Poland, how do you evaluate success?  

By having people around me who like to work and spend time with me. 

12. You’ve been through many different companies in your career and now it’s IT. If you could go back in time and pick a different path, what would it be? 

Hmmm, I like nature very much, so Lumberjack in Canada might be my choice ?  

13. Staying focused always brings positive results. What are your productivity hacks? 

Tons of coffee and gym after work ? 

14. Are there any podcasts, books, or inspirations you swear by? 

Yes, Forest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

15. Culture retains and motivates talented people. What values are important to you in Symphony?  

Transparency is my favorite here. 

16. You seem like a very busy and passionate person. What are your hobbies? 

Quite a lot of them. Before the pandemic, I was practicing Ju-jitsu. But now I’m learning how to play the saxophone, doing a lot of gym, driving my CBR (Motorbike), playing some computer games with friends to stay connected despite the restrictions. 
And of course, movies, books, science, astronomy… 

17. Out of all the people you’ve worked with, who do you admire and why? Who inspires you? 

Hmm, he was my former boss. He taught me many things that are still reflecting on my life. 

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future!  

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Andriy Pestov and read about his insights here. 

There is no one right way to approach your life and career. That’s why we are so eager to talk to Symphonians about their personal experiences, exclusive insights, and intricate wisdom that comes in a form of somber life stories or lighthearted jokes. We find it fascinating what vast and complex new worlds we discover in each and every Symphonian and want to share their stories with you.

We have talked to Andriy Pestov, Head of Design office here at Symphony Solutions, about his exciting stories from life and work, what to expect in the future for design, and how he found a new family member and travel buddy in his dog Night.

1. You work at Symphony Solutions for 8 years already. What would you say about the journey so far?

Frankly speaking, I can’t even believe that all this time has passed. Maybe it’s the lively events, all the different people, projects, occasional sabbaticals. I remember these 8 years in time spans and occurrences, it was all so different over the years. So, when you’re asking about the 8 years as this one big chunk of my life, it’s hard to wrap my head around it:)

2. Do you remember your first day? 

I don’t remember the first day but I do remember my first party at the House of Scientists where no one had any idea who I was so it was quite an awkward albeit fun experience.

3. What are some of your fondest Symphony Solutions memories of the past 8 years?

Last year, when we still had business trips and visiting clients wasn’t considered excessive, I got to go from Italy, where I was on vacation, to Amsterdam, spend the night at the airport, rush to the hotel to shower and go straight to the client meeting.
That was a startup working in travel and flights business and the on-site was really awesome. I like to joke that my experience helped me better relate to user issues)

4. Going through so many different projects over the years, what do you consider your biggest achievement/success?

It’s difficult for me to pinpoint that one greatest achievement because there was always something worth remarking in each project although on a different scale, yet right now they all look minuscule. One of the most recent ones was helping with the Speedtestcorona project that won a tender from the Dutch government and will help millions to go back to their usual lives, safely visit events without an imminent danger to their health. 

5. You have recently been promoted to the Head of Design Office. How are you enjoying your new role?

There’s a lot of unknown ahead of me and that prospect is exciting? I’ve worked in design for a long time so I understand my colleagues and their needs.
Now, I have so many activities to cover and it’s quite unusual to disperse myself to manage so many different tasks simultaneously. I’m getting used to it)

6. After being with Symphony Solutions for so long, you have probably observed the company change and transform. What is different from when you first joined?

I have watched the company rapidly grow from a small one where everyone knew everyone yet our values and spirit always stayed the same. Then the Covid crisis happened. The company somehow managed to withstand that and know we’re getting back on track.

7. Did you always know that you wanted to be a designer? How did you come to choosing this path? 

When I was a kid, I really liked playing with legos (not following instructions from the box but coming up with something myself? I could probably say that my love for building things stems from back then. Apart from that, I studied Graphics and Design so the transition to IT came to me naturally as it was something familiar. 

8. What is it like working with clients at Symphony Solutions? What projects do you like the most? 

Symphony gives an opportunity to work with different clients, from startups to huge enterprises. This helps stay in shape and never dwell in the same place for too long.
What I like most is how I can influence the business and the product, suggest solutions that improve the user experience and are efficient for the business, when the client recognizes and values your work.

9. What makes a designer good?

The right mindset:) That’s a trendy word that means a lot of different things and can’t be attained through courses or training. You can’t get a certificate for that. It requires years of experience, observations, mistakes… All this accumulates into the designer being able to find the right approach to solving a problem or a task.

10. What’s the hottest topic in design at the moment? What design trends do you see in Ukraine and in the world right now?

I’m happy to say that in Ukraine many designers are now transitioning or trying to transition to the kind of product that is not just a “pretty picture”. It’s not enough to just draw an interface. You want to bring value to your user and business. You want to work in iterations: analyze and improve.

11. What do you think about design without designers? 

That’s an actual possibility! In fact, we can already see it happening in parts, especially in data-driven products.
It’s been possible for some time now that you can build a website or take a cool design system and just “pull” it over your product or even simply make a logo with the help of AI. It all progresses before our eyes, however, I believe that it will take some time till we can see AI solve a complicated problem.
So, even now we can see design systems do the work that in the past would take a designer five years to complete.

12. There are a lot of traditions – from having coffee in the morning to special Friday parties. What’s your favourite office tradition? 

Lunch break:) And to be fair, it’s not all about food. Over time, it grew to something more. We discuss so many interesting topics during lunch, from work-related to something more global like ecology or AI. Lunch is when colleagues can meet up with no obligations and just have some quality time together. That makes it a cool tradition:)

13. We know you like travelling and once had a sabbatical leave to the Canary Islands. What’s the most interesting story from your trips? How do they help you in work?

Tenerife is the perfect place for a sabbatical. It has practically everything – all climate zones, from tropical rain forests to deserts, and a volcano that looks like the surface of Mars.
Too many stories.

14. You have recently adopted a dog from a dog shelter. How does it feel to have a new friend?

We were very lucky with Night as she fit right into our life just like a puzzle piece:) Night is a very calm and well-behaved dog. Just like us, she likes car rides and running, and sometimes she just wants some peace and quiet. I sometimes take her to the office with me and she’s no trouble at all.

15. What are your hobbies? Besides running with your dog:) 

I’ve always loved hiking and from my most recent discoveries, a new experience – mountain running. When in a limited time frame you can relive the same emotions just faster. You can go over the weekend and run for many-many kilometers.

16. What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself when you first became a designer?

Have no fear, finish what you start, invest in bitcoin.

17. Could you recommend some podcasts, books, or anything else that inspires you?

I think that podcasts are the most efficient way to gain new knowledge when it comes to professional development.

• Потестим в проде is about product development, technologies, and just in general, the hosts are cool professionals that always have something interesting to share.
• Дій. Подкаст про бізнес – this one will be interesting for readers from Lviv. 
• Projector online library – I’d recommend getting a subscription for this online library. 
• Большая Рыба с Александром Колбом – this one is about IT entrepreneurs and their business.
• Джобери is about people doing their… job.

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future!  

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Slawomir Umpirowicz and read about his insights here.

Symphonians find their way to Symphony Solutions in the most peculiar of ways. Some knew they were meant to work in the IT industry ever since they have learned the meaning of the words “IT” and “industry”. Others took a few turns before discovering a true passion for technologies and innovation. Then there are those who might even say that it was their destiny that nudged them in the right direction. 

This time, we have talked to Filip Kudron about the trusty path that brought him to Symphony Solutions as a Quality Assurance Engineer residing now in Krakow, Poland. Filip confided in us about what inspires him about his work, what he misses about work in the office, and his fascinating travel stories. 

1. You work at Symphony Solutions for 3+ years already. Have there been any surprises on the journey so far? 

The only thing that surprised and keeps surprising me is how friendly all the people I’ve met in Symphony are. In every project I joined, we had a great team! 

2. Do you remember your very first day in the office? 

Yes. Though it was the Rzeszów office. It was my first second job so I felt very intimidated 😀 But I also remember the first day in the new Karaków office! It was amazing 🙂 

3. What are some of your fondest Symphony Solutions memories of the past 3 years? 

I think all the parties we had before the Covid 😀 Even those I may not completely remember 😉

4. What was your lightbulb moment? When did you decide to become a QA? 

I had no such moment. My brother persuaded me to give testing a try and then I was super lucky with all the circumstances that led me to my first QA job. I like joking that it was my destiny because of how things aligned in time. I realized quickly that this job is a natural fit for me. 

5. What are some of your biggest motivators and sources for inspiration in your work? 

The quality of the software is like a puzzle with many moving pieces for me. Solving this puzzle is a major motivator. For the inspiration part, I think that what inspires me most is all the great people that I work or used to work with. 

6. Attention to details is key for you. What do you enjoy the most about your job as a QA? 

The feeling when I start to truly understand the software. When it becomes “mine”. 

7. You used to live and work in Symphony Solutions Rzeszow office and then you moved to Krakow. What motivated you for this change? What was the most surprising discovery in a new city? 

I met someone 😉 And for the surprising part – Kraków has more pubs, but Rzeszów has better pubs 😉 

8. It’s a regular deal meeting everyone in the office daily. What’s different about working remotely with your team now? 

No coffee break chitchat. And no dinners. All the best things at work gone! 

9. What values are important to you in Symphony? How do you experience those values here? 

Trust. Especially in our current situation, we need a lot of it 🙂 

10. Tell us about your cats. Do they help you in your remote work? 

I have only one but she’s a real piece of work! For some reason, her favourite sleeping place is on my keyboard. 

11. You like travelling. What’s the most interesting story that happened with you during trips? 

It was the most lovely evening. A warm wind from the seaside was gently caressing our faces. We were wandering in a labyrinth of the old town of Bari. Suddenly, a raindrop fell. And a minute later I witnessed the most intensive rain in my life. From a clear evening to a downpour in a matter of a minute.

12. Where do you plan to go when the quarantine is over? 

Those plans change daily 😀 There are so many places I’d love to visit. I was considering Greece, Spain, Italy (MORE!), more or less exotic islands. But the more I think about it the more I want to explore the Polish Bieszczady National Park. It’s time to finally discover what my own country has to offer 🙂 

13. If not IT, what career path would you pursue? 

A cook. Or a baker. Or a farmer. Or a sausage maker. Anything related to producing food.

14. Are there any productivity hacks you use in your daily work and life? 

You know what they say, do what you love and you don’t have to hack anything to force yourself to do it 😉 

15. Could you recommend some podcasts, books, or anything else that inspires you? 

Not anything in particular. But there’s a cool trick – find an event that is organized regularly (like RzeQA, KraQA, TestingCup) and go through their archives. There are tons of videos on various topics. Pick the ones you find most interesting and soak up the knowledge! 

16. What do you like to do outside of work? What are your hobbies?

Depending on the mood, I play video games or play guitar/learn music. I also like to chill out in front of a TV from time to time. 

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future!  

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Oksana Yaroshko and read about her insights here. 

Just like in one big family, you have the youngsters who are still finding their way around, and the elders, keepers of family history and wisdom, protectors of tradition. Could we say that about Symphony Solutions? Absolutely! Some Symphonians are just now jumping on board, while others have stuck with the company since the early years and watched it grow and evolve into something new and exciting. 

We have talked to one of our “elders” Oksana Yaroshko, the Service delivery manager for the OMP project, and asked her to reveal to us the insights that she has gained in almost a decade with the company. 

1. Oksana, you work at Symphony Solutions for 9 years already. What surprised you the most about your journey so far?

People. I’m lucky to be surrounded by the best inspirers, teachers and friends. At the same time, I’m always impressed with how my colleagues grow, open up and find their own way in this journey. 

2. Do you still remember your first day? 

Of course, I do! In the streets, it was one of the coldest winter days, but in the office, it was certainly one of the warmest! I remember how Oleksandr, our team lead at that time, introduced me to the team and showed me my working place – the best one in the office, as it seemed to me 🙂

3. When did you first decide that you wanted to be a developer? Was it a lightbulb moment? 

Back at university, I never considered becoming a developer. But when almost all my course mates jumped into the IT world, I decided that it’s time for me to try as well. By coincidence, at that time Symphony recruiter “found” me, and from that moment on I never doubted that I belong here. 

4. You have started your career at the company as a software developer and now you’re leading the whole team as Service Delivery Manager. Was it something you intended from the beginning? What did you learn through that path? 

No, I didn’t have a plan to become a manager. I always liked the developer’s job, solving architectural riddles, building elegant solutions. At the same time, I was curious and quite courageous to gradually take over some more responsibilities, to help my team until a point when I felt personal responsibility for protecting my team and ensuring favorable environment for them. One of the things which I’ve learned is to be true to myself and people around me. 

5. After being with Symphony Solutions for so long, can you tell how the company has changed since you joined? 

First of all, it expanded a lot – from only 50 people to the current size. The company became stronger, recognizable, more dynamic and modern. 

6. What’s your favorite part of the job? What do you enjoy about your job as a developer the most?

Favorite is the everyday-morning part. Saying “Hi” to everyone, sharing smiles, planning the day. Jokes apart, as a developer, I love the creation part. When your n lines of code (just letters and numbers, right?) create the magic of making a new feature work. 

7. You’re a developer and team leader, which is a heap of responsibilities. What are your biggest motivators at work? 

As you might guess, it’s my team. Seeing people laughing, feeling that they are motivated and happy. It’s also reaching some common goals as the team and OMP company when our commitments work out and we see the result of our work. 

8. We also know that you’re teaching at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Do you share any of your work experiences with your students? What is their response? 

When I was a student myself, I always liked when our teachers, IT gurus, were sharing their experience, their not-written-live-knowledge. I try to bring the same to my students. However, as these are just first-year students, I think that scares them more than inspires. 

9. After almost an entire decade with the company, you probably have so many stories to tell. What are some of your fondest Symphony Solutions memories of the past 9 years? 

At OMP project we have the luxury to go on business trips to Belgium. But what happened in Belgium stays in Belgium 🙂 

10. To you, what are Symphony’s most meaningful traditions? Which one is your favorite? Do you have any special traditions in your team?

I think, my most favorite tradition at Symphony is the Christmas party. This is a very special event, very bright and memorable. As for our team, we have a nice tradition of celebrating the birthdays, when the team prepares a present and the culprit of the holiday brings a cake (well, the cake part was in before-quarantine era). This is always fun, but sometimes not easy when there are 5 birthdays (and thus 5 cakes) in a row 🙂 

11. What does your team mean to you? Would you agree with a saying that your team is like your second family? 

I think it’s not second – it is an extension to my family because my parents hear me talking so much about my team, that those 30 folks can take ‘Yaroshko’ as their second surname. Seriously, the team means a lot to me. They are my smile and my headache, my main motivation and pride. 

12. “Find people who share your values, and you’ll conquer the world together,” said John Ratzenberger. What values are important to you in Symphony? (How do you experience those values here?)

In my opinion, the key value is trust. When people can rely on each other, help and support each other. When they can share the feedback in an open and respectful way, find the way to grow and overcome difficulties. 

13. Finding a balance helps you keep going and take on everyday challenges. How do you keep a work-life balance? 

I’m afraid, I’m not the one to provide a recipe for balance. It’s important to leave work at work and find time to focus on your family, friends and yourself. Luckily, I live close to the forest, so walking in the fresh air is one of the simplest things I can do to recharge my batteries. 

14. Let’s talk inspiration! What are some podcasts, books, or movies you swear by?

I find inspiration rather in travels – discovering cultures and people. But there is actually a very strong movie Karol. A Man Who Became Pope. It talks about love and hope in desperate times, it reveals some kind of light in the soul. 

15. What are your hobbies? Besides teaching at university.

I’m fond of the mountains – hiking in the Carpathians is one love. Then, come winter and it’s the skiing season! I like sports – doing and watching. Travels, photography, simple walks in nature with my dog and friends. 

16. If you weren’t in IT, who would you become? 

Maybe, a journalist. Or a cartoon artist. Or a pastry cook.

17. Would you mind sharing with us your life motto or principles?  

I don’t have a specific motto. I just love life and love people. 

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future! 

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Oleg Chekan and read about his insights here. 

Symphony Solutions strives to build a strong narrative of professionalism, agility and innovation. The driving force for that are Symphony people who form the core of the company, reflecting its distinct culture and strong values. 

Oleg Chekan, Head of technical Pre-sale and Service Delivery Manager at Symphony Krakow office, started his professional path well over a decade ago. Having come a long way, from a QA to SDM, Oleg brought his invaluable insights and experience to Symphony Solutions in 2018, since then becoming an integral part of the company. 

We have asked Oleg to share with us a few thoughts on his vast background in the IT industry, moving from Belarus to Krakow, tips on adapting to remote work, and even his newly found passion for playing the piano. 

1. After so many years in the industry, is it hard to find motivation in your work?

Not at all. When you are constantly learning new things and trying different roles, there’s not much time to stagnate. Here at Symphony, my main motivators are Machine Learning and hands-on work.

2. Now that you’re the Head of Technical pre-sales, what do you enjoy the most about your job?

Ability to learn about different business domains and their needs. Getting acquainted with different technologies. 

3. You moved to Krakow from Belarus a few years ago. What was the most surprising discovery in Poland?  

Pirogi Russkie are not the same as Pil’meni. 

4. With the recent changes in the world, have you noticed an impact on your life and work?  

Not that much in terms of work, as I had a remote team a year before Covid and already got used to WFH. There was an impact on our personal life though, as we were not able to travel much and visit our parents in Belarus. 

A year into the lockdown, I can say that I definitely want one more room in my apartment, but I can’t do anything about it 🙂 

And I have started to use online shopping much more frequently. 

5. People usually find it not easy to keep a work-life balance. How do you manage to do that?  

In the context of WFH, my go-to three tips would be: 

• Having a dedicated room/space for work 
• Dedicated hours for work with fixed start and end time 
• Spending time with family during the breaks  

6. At last week’s Online Corporate party, you amazed everyone when you performed a piece of music on the piano. What was that piece and how long do you play? 

That was Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune. 

I’ve decided to start learning piano 1 year ago, since we already had lessons organized for my son, who started 1.5 years ago. I’ve decided to join to challenge him a bit. I’ve actually studied at a music school when I was a kid, I was playing button accordion. (I still have a photo with the accordion somewhere).   

I’m playing a mixture of classics like Vivaldi, Liszt, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary music (AC/DC, OST from Witcher, Movies/Anime, etc.).  

7. Coming from your vast professional experience, what would you say is important to grow as an expert?  

Never stop learning new things. Go out of your comfort zone and do something that you are not used to doing. 

8. Are there any podcasts, books, or inspirations you swear by?  

I would recommend Gerald Weinberg’s books An Introduction to General Systems Thinking and Becoming a Technical Leader. As for more of a “light” read, I’d say The Power of Full Engagement by James E. Loehr and Tony Schwartz. 

9. What will be your next country after the quarantine is over?

Belarus, Austria, Croatia. 

10. If you weren’t in IT, what career and/or life path would you pursue?  

A chief cook in a family restaurant, perhaps. 

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future! 

But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Aleksandar Gacevski and read about his insights here. 

Symphonians come in all shapes and forms, and Symphony Solutions prouds itself on having gathered a strong team of talented and goal-driven people, many of them residing in the Skopje office. 

Sanja Jovanovikj, Front End Developer at Symphony Solutions, has been a Symphonian for close to five years already. In this time, she became a valuable and respectable team player in the company and an active participant of the SHE. community having spoken about defying gender stereotypes in the IT industry. 

Taking the opportunity to speak about her time at Symphony Solutions, Sanja answered some questions about her experience, how she got into software development, working remotely, productivity hacks, and even some book recommendations. 

1. What was your lightbulb moment? When did it click in your head that you wanted to be a developer? 

I was interested in technology since I was a little kid, so when it came time to think where I will continue my education after high school, it was an easy choice to make. Using the Internet without knowing how the websites and programs were made, was the lightbulb.    

2. What do you enjoy about your job as a developer the most? What are the highlights of your career at Symphony so far? 

Every project is a story of itself, with every new task, one grows both, personally and professionally. Every project that will see the light of day is a success. So, every Symphony project in my CV grew my creativity and highlighted the potential I have.   

3. What motivates you at work? 

First of all, the awesome people I am surrounded by, the team spirit that we are building together and the cozy atmosphere that we have in our Dutch styled office.  

4. How did you grow inside the company after coming here 5 years ago? 

Grew up as a person, not just as a developer. Learnt to work with a lot of different types of characters which developed my soft skills, skills that Symphony values in each one of us. The variety of different cultures, approaches and mindsets helped me become more professional.

5. What’s different about working here than anywhere else you’ve worked? What makes Symphony Solutions different from other companies? 

Symphony is more than a company, it is a family, way of life, way of working. Nobody cares more for their employees than Symphony does. And the greatest benefit of all is the trust we gain between us, and the clients. 

6. What are your professional and career plans?  

One day I will be a team lead of a huge team, running a project on a long-term basis!  

7. Is Symphony like a second home to you? How do you keep work-life balance? 

Yes, it is! I would not be at Symphony for almost 5 years now if it was not. I keep my work-life balance by switching off from the tasks I have at work after the working hours and devote completely to myself, my family, and friends.  

8. What do you think are Symphony’s most meaningful traditions?  

It is almost the New Year, the happiest time of the year, so I love when we all decorate the office in order to feel the Christmas spirit and wish the best for ourselves and others in the office. I personally love all of the events because those bring us together more.  

9. What values are important to you in Symphony? How do you experience those values here? 

Honesty! I appreciate that the most. I prefer ugly truth before fake smiles. Intimacy as well, since I feel about Symphony as my second home, which means that my colleagues are like family to me.  

10. What are your hobbies?  

A lot of things. I like riding a bike, but most of all I love to go fishing. It calms me being out there in the nature, near water. Reading books also. Verity is the name of the last book I read and I strongly recommend it. 

11. With the recent changes in the world, how did it impact your life and work? 

Lockdown was hard for all of us. You cannot travel, you are in constant fear for your health and wellbeing, our jobs were in danger also, in one word, very unstable period. It changed the way I look at life itself. I cherish every day and all the little things that are coming with it much more, the freedom that we had and will have I hope in the near future again. 

12. What’s special about working remotely with your team? How do you like the hybrid model of working and Symphony Anywhere? 

Working remotely brought us even closer as a team and friends, and I think that the opportunity to work from wherever is awesome, but still, I love the coziness of the office.  

13. What are your productivity hacks? 

Clean desk, the most important one, and some peace and quiet. A bottle of water on the desk is a MUST ?

14. Are there any podcasts, books, or inspirations you swear by? 

Yes, the book You Don’t Know JS Yet. Never stop learning!  

15. What is the best advice someone has given you? 

It always seems impossible until it is done!  
In other words, there is a solution to every problem. 

16. If you weren’t in IT, who would you become? 

No matter the IT, I still want to run a restaurant on my own one day: )   
So, the answer would be – A Chef ?

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are Symphonians? Stay tuned and look out for more interviews in the near future!
But, for now, get to know our Symphonian Aleksandar Gacevski and read about his insights here.

Symphony Solutions welcomes a plethora of diverse people in its family, from different locations, of various backgrounds, with peculiar interests. What brings them all together are the shared values and a high level of professionalism. 

Aleksandar Gacevski joined Symphony Solutions Skopje office earlier this year and took on the role of an Info Security Officer. However, over the course of the year, he brought so much more to the company. Aleksandar stood on guard of our security performing his duties as the Infosecurity manager. He shared with us his passion for paragliding, being a long-time member of the Macedonian national paragliding team, a world cup pilot, and the owner of his own paragliding school. 

A year comes to an end since Aleksandar Gacevski joined Symphony Solutions. On the occasion, he answered some questions about his experience working for the company so far, his achievements and career plans, tips on handling stress, and so much more.

1. What motivates you in your work? What do you enjoy about working at Symphony Solutions? 

The pillars established within Symphony were the perfect match for me, especially the TRUST. Trust = Freedom = Responsibility. 

2. What achievements in your work are you most proud of? Why? 

When I am able to coordinate lots of people and at the end to have a positive outcome for all of them. 

3. What do you enjoy about your job as an Infosecurity Manager the most?

I enjoy the given opportunity to level up Symphony Solutions in a way that everyone (Symphonians, partners, clients…) will have the feeling that they are in a healthy organization. 

4. What are your professional and career plans?  

To establish standards of proper information security and data protection management. 

5. How has the company changed since you joined? 

Well, to be honest, I have arrived just before the COVID-19 and at the beginning it was a bit stressy for me. 

Fortunately, the colleagues, my team, the coziness of the offices, made me feel good and confident at all times. 

Now I am sure that we will become stronger in every single area. 

6. What are your hobbies?  

I have a few hobbies and all of them have something to do with outdoor activities. My number one hobby is paragliding. I started flying in 2000 and, since then, I have attended many world cups and European championships as a part of the national team. 

For me, paragliding is a sport that if done wholeheartedly has the power to completely transform your personality and character by guiding you to take responsible actions, to bring brave decisions, and to learn when to be patient and when to do it as fast as possible.  

During summertime, I am sharing my passion by performing paragliding tandem flights with people whose dream is to fly.

7. How do you keep work-life balance? 

Easy. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be able to postpone my job activities (of course in nothing urgent) and go out to do some sport activity. 

Flexible working hours is what I enjoy because sometimes I am more productive during the evenings. 

8. How do you handle stress? 

By hanging out in nature and spending some quality time with my family and with people who give off positive vibes. 

9. With the recent changes in the world, how did it impact your life and work? What has changed for you personally? 

You know… You can see your reflection only in still waters… Since we are in a constant rush, maybe this crazy time was the right one to escape from the loop we are all in. 

Probably, this was the best time for me to fully reset myself, to slow down and to re-prioritize life. 

10. Your tips and tricks for remote work? 

Create a cozy working area where you will be able to stay productive and efficient. Sometimes a midday activity like a short run or a hike might be useful to refresh the mind. 

11. What is more important to grow as an expert? 

Just not pushing it too hard in my opinion is the best approach. Learn new stuff, learn new technologies, stay busy, keep your will power at high levels, commute a lot and do not force yourself too much. 

12. What do you value the most about Symphony Solutions? 

Culture, flexible working hours, open-mindedness when it comes to implementing changes. 

14. What will be your next country after the quarantine is over? 

Definitely Italy! 

15. If you weren’t in IT, who would you become? 

Ski instructor ?

Want to learn the essence of Symphony Solutions that are the people? Get to know our Symphonian Sanja Jovanovikj here. Stay tuned as more interviews are to come in the near future!

1. Oleksandr, you’ve been working at Symphony Solutions for 11 years already. What surprised you the most about your journey so far? 

I was surprised by the journey. Symphony was the first company I started to work for. So even after 11 years, I can say it’s always a tremendous continuous journey with many changes, team buildings, bright and flaming phoenixes. The majority of ex-Symphonians and ex-ex-Symphonians I know, also share the Symphony vibe as a great company to work and meet people for many years so far. It’s a pleasure when I see how many of them are back. 

2. When did you first decide to be a developer? What lead you onto this career path? 

I fell in love with computers when I was 6 years old. The first time I saw a computer with a black and white screen, I realized that’s the beginning of a journey. Over the years, I have tried many different activities related to computer science: OS/Network administration, hosting after-class workshops at school, gaming events, design, video and audio montage, hardware setup, programming. 
In university, the journey continued to open new paths in software engineering. After 4 years, it smoothly transitioned to Symphony, as I joined the company as a ASP.NET developer. 

3. You’re working as React Software Engineer Lead on one of the biggest projects in the company. What is the most challenging in your current position? 

In short, keeping the agile balance between work and life might be a problem when you don’t realize it. In situations where you “work hard” always remember to “play hard” as well. Be carefull to keep the balance. 
Another challenge may be keeping in mind updated references to continuous information and evolving technology as it requires additional time. 

4. When it comes to work with the client, in your opinion, what’s your team’s biggest achievement thus far? What work are you most proud of and why? 

It’s always a pleasure when there is two-way communication with the client and Symphony team. Lessons learned on our previous biggest project allow us to think a step or two ahead. Despite many issues with data providers, additional request changes, and not planned features, we deliver even more. At the same time, we have a flexible CI/CD process and infrastructure. It makes the deployment process for build artifacts easy to use with any configuration per country and environment.  

5. What advice would you give to young specialists who are at the beginning of their career path? 

Always find something to do that is interesting, terrifying, revolutionary. Please share your ideas with your colleagues, do it together. Enthusiasm is mighty, and shared team enthusiasm is much more powerful. And doing things with passion always results in outstanding achievements. 

6. What technologies do you work with on your current project? (the team in general) 

Everything stands on three whales: React, Angular, Java. There are much more details in GCP and CDN networks and other specific areas in infrastructure. But in general, three FE apps (mobile, desktop, CMS) that are managed in one mono-repo (NX workspace) communicate with BE designed as micro-service architecture by several communication protocols. All these are wrapped into CI/CD with parallel builds, quality gates, automation testing, integration into slack and bitbucket. Build artifacts for BE and FE are ready to use with any configuration. CMS is designed as a framework on top of Angular 13 and supports multi-language 3 platforms configurations per many countries. Last but not least, an Android wrapper on top mobile FE application is also in use already. 

7. What do you enjoy about your job as React Lead the most? Is there something you would change about it? 

I enjoy seeing how the project evolves, step by step, when input from me and the team matters. It’s a pleasure to work in self-organized teams where product mindset is not an option but default behavior. Change? No. Improve? Yes. As the project grows and Symphony grows, new roles might be coming into the organization. 

8. What do you think is crucial in order to grow as an expert? 

Use your super power. 
Problem solving skills are ultimate. 
Always give and receive feedback. 
Finding passion might not be so easy after many years, but excellent team spirit increases chances for sure. 

9. How do you follow trends in your profession and industry? Any tips for good resources? 

I’m not a big fan of reading technical books. I get much more fun when I have a sandbox, technical documentation, and my imagination. 
I like IT-related podcasts, medium articles, hot discussions in topic threads. Live fresh information is better than examples with deprecated APIs and old school patterns.

What to learn more about Symphonians? Check out some of our previous Symphony Personas interviews, like the one with Martin Kubelka.