The Brains behind our ML/AI team: Dominika!

Tooploox is a team of professionals from different areas. So whether you have just written down a fresh idea on a napkin or already went live with your product, we can provide you with high-quality software development, product design, and strategy services and take your product to the next level.

Time to meet one of our AI/ML researchers, Dominika Basaj!

What is your role at Tooploox?

I joined Tooploox as a Machine Learning engineer, but thanks to the company’s flat structure, Tooploox employees can engage in so many activities that the roles are very fluid.

Apart from developing machine learning models, I have begun working hand in hand with our business development team as a pre-sales engineer with a focus on AI, which basically means that I am helping them understand the technical needs of the client and keep them apprised of what we can offer the client as a company.

Thanks to the fact that a client-focused engineer is present during the initial meetings, we are able to constantly adjust our offer to the needs of the market.

How has Tooploox helped you in your career development?

Tooploox is a great place if you wish to develop your skills, both technical and soft.

First of all, I have had the great opportunity to work with top startups and to develop my skills in how to best answer the needs of our business partners with technology, making sure that what we offer is what the client needs and expects.

I have had a lot of exposure to our clients from my early days in the company and it has been a very valuable experience.

In terms of technical skills, even though I joined Tooploox as an AI engineer, I am encouraged to work as part of other teams and learn new skills from experienced engineers.

At one point I felt that I needed to expand my knowledge in Data Engineering and MLOps, as it is a necessary part of the ML pipeline, and I had the opportunity to join the DataOps team and learn by doing.

What are your three most overused words/phrases?

I am a very expressive person, so many echoed phrases can often be heard when I am around, especially when I am working on something hard.

Past experiences have shown me that sometimes good enough is very good, so although I always do my best, the new mantra for me when I am too fixated on a project is to “go with the flow” - I do not really overuse it, but maybe I should!

And the last one - “Look at my dog!” - I am really crazy about my dog (no surprise there) - fortunately at Tooploox we are super friendly with all sorts of animals.

We used to have an office cat, we do have an active slack channel where people can share photos of their “loved ones,” and we have internal charity actions for helping out animals in need.

Dominika Basaj from Tooploox

How do you spend your time outside of the office?

I’ve always read a lot and I still enjoy doing that. It’s a real pleasure to delve into a fictional world or, on the contrary, travel without leaving the house by reading some great piece of nonfiction.

To be honest, when I was little my dream job was to be a librarian.

My other dream was to study political science - and although I am glad I ended up doing statistics and econometrics, I vigorously follow articles, analyses, and editorials on foreign politics. Maybe it sounds kind of boring but trust me - it is extremely engaging!

My biggest challenge is to get off the couch (which is highly correlated with reading ;) ) and I am very proud to say that during the pandemic I’ve started playing tennis - the only sport I’ve tried, so far, that I utterly enjoy.

How do you balance your career at Tooploox with friends & family?

To be honest, Tooploox has a great work-life balance policy. Working hours are flexible and the atmosphere is laid-back but professional, so there is no unnecessary work-related stress.

If there is a need to do some overtime in order to deliver on a deadline for the client, it is widely adopted to take time off in exchange for the extra overtime.

I’ve never felt pressured to sacrifice anything :)

Are you an iPhone or android type of person?

iPhone! I love their usability and inter-connectivity. In Tooploox we work on MacBooks and I know that it would be super hard for me to change my hardware.

The first time I was enchanted with Apple products was when I read that Madonna went crazy for the iPod Mini and my Dad bought one for me on a business trip to the US :)

Get to know Dominika and the rest of the Tooploox team!

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