A year as a marble, my experience

The soul of Pangea.ai’s brand is making human connections. Our tech partners continue to build and strengthen our community’s DNA. We are very proud to have Marble IT as part of our circle, whose unique individuals now inspire and empower all of our team members.

Time to meet the Full Stack Developer at Marble IT, Đorđe!

Why did you join Marble IT, and what has kept you here?

Before joining Marble, I used to work as a software engineer for a large company. I was part of a large team with many responsibilities – writing code, testing, training, designing, teaching, etc. However, I never felt that I was working towards anything. The work was ever-increasing, but the payoff was never there. I felt like a cog in a giant machine - a machine whose cogs never turned.

It was a difficult time, and something needed to change. I didn’t feel like I was making a difference.

I started looking for a different kind of company. Someplace small, where my contributions could be both appreciated and felt. Through sheer luck, I stumbled upon Marble IT and sent my resume over without giving it much thought.

Looking back, I am thrilled with my decision. I am now part of a smaller, more focused team. I get to work on myself more, learn and grow, and experience the fruits of my labor. I am surrounded by amazing colleagues and friends, who make coming to work a joyous experience instead of a depressing one.

Me at the company's 4th birthday celebration party. 

What do you like most about Marble IT?

The folks that work here are nothing short of amazing- they are the company's strongest suit. They contribute to the chill atmosphere and the overall company culture. Besides that, I genuinely feel like this company cares about its employees, and the higher management goes out of its way to ensure everyone's needs are met.

The experience I gained here is invaluable, and I don't just mean the professional part. Sure, I have improved my skills significantly while working here, but I value the social element just as much. I cherish the memories of the various team-building events we've had. I have made many friends here, and it just wouldn't be the same without them.

What are your primary responsibilities and what does your day-to-day look like?

My primary responsibilities include scoping, designing, estimating, writing, and testing code, as well as maintenance, deployment, and providing general support to clients. Sometimes, when I am free, I like to offer a helping hand to my coworkers, especially to those that have less experience.

My day typically consists of one or more meetings with the client, during which we discuss the state of the project, followed by some coding. I usually interrupt my coding sessions with a coffee or lunch break with my friends. After that, I try to wrap up my remaining obligations for the day, so that I have at least some time remaining for personal development. I usually spend this time reading up on new tech, improving my coding skills, or just researching.

In your opinion, what are the hallmark traits of a great Full Stack Developer?

I would say that the most important trait of a good developer is the eagerness to learn. Tech is ever-changing, and a developer without a curious mind would have trouble keeping up.

Another valuable trait is the ability to work in a team but also be self-reliant to an extent. A good developer shouldn't hesitate to ask for help or to speak their mind.

All in all, I believe that the only thing separating a good dev from a bad one is how engaged they are with their work.

Discussing leet code at our monthly dev-hour meeting. 

What advice do you have for prospective Marble IT candidates?

My advice would be: don't overthink it. Even if things don't pan out the way you hoped, you still gain a lot of useful experience and feedback.

Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Try and set the feelings of inadequacy aside, and concentrate on what you can bring to the table.

As I mentioned before, your most significant trait is your willingness to improve.

How do you spend your time outside of the office?

I am a nerd at heart, and my hobbies are everything one would expect. I spend a lot of time tinkering, gaming (I'm a huge gamer), and reading up on various subjects - psychology, science, random bits of obscure history or geography, and the like.

I enjoy spending time with my friends - just catching up and relaxing, or playing pool in a local bar. I regularly exercise and go to the gym.

Get to know Đorđe and the rest of the Marble IT team!

We’re delighted that Đorđe decided to join Marble IT – it’s been great having them on board! If you have any questions or want to get to know Đorđe or one of their colleagues from the Marble IT team, we can put you in touch. Don’t hesitate to reach out!