I was born in Slovenia and now live in Germany. My journey with coding began a decade ago, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I officially stepped into the tech industry, where I’ve since accumulated five years of professional experience. My work primarily focuses on mobile application development using Flutter, alongside full-stack web development. For front-end tasks, I typically work with React/Next.js or Angular, while Nest.js and Go form the backbone of my back-end work.
My academic path started in Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana. However, as I explored the field, I realized it wasn’t my true calling. This revelation led me to shift gears and pursue a degree in Cybersecurity at IU University of Applied Sciences, where I am currently completing my studies. This pivot wasn’t immediate; my initial fascination with programming took root during a C language introduction course in my early electrical engineering studies. The time I spent mastering C sparked a keen interest in microcontroller programming. And in 2019, that passion led to a role as a student researcher at LTFE, where I worked on various microcontroller projects and earned certifications as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Linux instructor. While these projects presented challenges, they often left me wanting more depth in computer science principles. Fortunately, I had an exceptional mentor who guided me during this period and helped shape my technical foundation.
As time went on, I recognized that my interests extended far beyond electrical engineering and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which was my major. I felt drawn to computer science and software development. Making this pivot wasn’t easy. I quickly realized that my existing curriculum lacked the depth I craved. Switching to the Faculty of Computer Science in Slovenia would have meant starting my studies over, something I wasn’t ready to do. Instead, I took a different path: I dedicated myself to independent study, following computer science fundamentals while juggling my responsibilities as an electrical engineering student, a student researcher, and a backend developer. Balancing it all demanded sleepless nights and significant sacrifices, but the rewards were worth every effort.
By 2020, I secured my first full-time job, pouring much of my energy into staying current with industry trends. Free time became a rare commodity, often reserved for intense study or gym workouts. Then, in the summer of 2021, a close friend suggested applying to Proxify. A few months later, I joined their network, a milestone that set the stage for the next chapter of my career. Thanks to Proxify, I connected with a client in Belgium, taking on full-stack development roles and contributing to the maintenance of their Kubernetes-based infrastructure. I also consult for a Dutch client, focusing on the health and performance of their Flutter applications.
Working in environments with high expectations suits me well. Here, I find purpose beyond writing code, collaboration, meaningful discussions, and shaping project direction matter just as much. My current projects are demanding, but they are equally rewarding. One, in particular, involves efforts to drive digitalization within the Belgian public sector, aligning with broader European Union initiatives. The complexity and potential impact of this work are immense, and I’m optimistic about the opportunity to contribute long-term.
Proxify played a pivotal role in my decision to establish a sole proprietorship in Slovenia, allowing me to embrace an independent consulting career. Before this transition, I was employed full-time at IPM, a small Slovenian company. I’m grateful for the experiences I gained there, which paved the way for this shift. Eventually, a promotion and changing responsibilities enabled me to focus on Proxify client full-time, a decision that has been one of the most rewarding of my life.
Reflecting on my career journey, I deeply appreciate every opportunity that has come my way. The 2020 pandemic was a turning point, demonstrating that I’m far more productive working remotely. The flexibility of remote work has not only enhanced my performance but also elevated my quality of life. Freed from the demands of commuting, I can now focus on career growth, studies, and maintaining an active lifestyle without compromise. As I complete my Cybersecurity degree, my goal is to support clients in both development and security. My mission is to leverage my experience and knowledge to help companies grow, deliver impactful products, and uphold the highest standards of security.
Over the course of my career, I have engaged with a diverse range of projects and clients, experiencing significant professional growth that Proxify has supported and elevated. My natural curiosity drives me to embrace new and unfamiliar technologies, which continuously fuels my passion for my work and sustains my long-term career satisfaction. If I were to offer advice to developers starting out and worried about AI potentially taking over jobs and making roles obsolete, I would reframe it this way: AI is a powerful ally in your career journey. With unparalleled access to information, rapid research capabilities, and tools for sharing insights and seeking advice, you have a unique opportunity to accelerate your professional and academic growth. Today's evolving demands mean employers are increasingly seeking versatile professionals rather than narrow specialists. What sets individuals apart now is a broad skill set, being able to deliver results while having knowledge that extends beyond the traditional developer role. Building a foundation in areas like cybersecurity, networking, and client consultation can distinguish you from the rest. The days of focusing solely on coding for eight hours are behind us. The modern workplace is dynamic, with heightened expectations for collaboration and innovation. Embrace these changes with enthusiasm. Work hard, work smart, and make the most of the tools and resources at your disposal. Above all, prioritize continuous learning and strive to see both the big picture and the finer details in all you do. This approach will not only enhance your skills but enrich your overall professional journey. Keep pushing forward, exciting opportunities are ahead.