Unpacking the life of a backend software engineer Karlo

Time to hear some interesting facts about Karlo Petrović, an always curious backend software engineer who loves traveling and adventure. Karlo is a real example of the continuous development we nurture at Barrage—engaged and willing to learn new technologies and the latest best practices.

In your opinion, what are the hallmark traits of a great backend engineer?

Constant self-improvement, learning and exploring new technologies, occasional re-evaluation of current knowledge and work processes. In my opinion, these traits will make a backend engineer stand out from the crowd and make him stay ahead of the new technologies and best practices.

What’s been the most memorable experience during your tenure so far at the company?

It’s hard to single out one memorable experience, but I happily remember attending a conference in Amsterdam with my colleagues. Learning about new technologies from their creators from morning to evening was an exceptional experience, especially because some of the technologies were not yet available at the time. Also, each evening we would explore the city and try to win at an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant - we only succeeded once.

Karlo and his colleagues at the Vuejs conference, Amsterdam

How has Barrage helped you in your career development?

Since my first real-world programming experiences started with Barrage in my college years, I can say Barrage made me the programmer I am today. The most extensive help I got was from my more experienced and knowledgeable colleagues, who were always ready to lend a hand and give me guidelines.

What do you like most about Barrage?

The thing I like the most about Barrage is the team itself. More specifically, the excellent atmosphere between colleagues, teamwork, lunches, internal jokes, and positive competition.

What is on your bucket list?

I like to travel, so visiting anything exotic would be on the list. Also, I would love to attend an F1 race, learn to make great sushi, make a major contribution to a significant open source project, and level up my German language proficiency.

Wandering around and trying something new always charges Karlo's batteries!

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?

I would say smartphones. With the internet as a foundation (without which they wouldn’t make much sense), smartphones advanced almost all spheres of life, such as socialization, trade, finance, transportation... you name it. They created vast amounts of jobs and opportunities and made (mainly) positive impacts (directly or indirectly) on everybody.

What is the best vacation you’ve been to?

My current favorite vacation was a trip to the west coast of the USA with three of my friends, partly because I unknowingly got to experience it a few months before COVID-19. It is also because we visited many places with just-the-right balance between nature and cities. We also got lost hiking in Sequoia National Park after the trail got narrower and eventually disappeared. Luckily I was smart enough to download offline maps onto my phone.

Karlo getting lost in Sequoia national park, USA

What did you want to be when growing up?

When I was about five years old, I wanted to be a garbage collector. I would wake up at 5 AM when I would hear them and watch them do their thing. I think I was amazed by them hopping on the back of the truck and riding off into the sunrise. Two years later, my dream was to become an astronaut. Obviously, neither of those dreams came true.

The gadget you can't live without?

Not the answer I am proud of, but I couldn’t live without a smartphone. But who could, right? Not that I am addicted to social media, but I like to waste my time before bed by switching between Youtube, news, and messaging apps.

What's your motto or personal mantra?

Be better than you were yesterday. Learn from your mistakes.

Get to know Karlo and the rest of the team at Barrage!

We’re extremely proud to have Karlo as a part of our team as he is a reflection of the personalities we attract at our company and can be a role model for every current and future employee. If you’d like to know more about Karlo on his duties as a backend software engineer, get in touch with us.