In our interview series, we present exciting cloud jobs and the people behind them. Ksenia has ventured into development and answered 9 questions for us about herself, her unusual career and her everyday working life:
1. What do you do in your job or what does your day-to-day work look like?
"I am part of the development team and develop applications and automations for customers as well as for internal purposes. For this, I mainly use the low code platform Simplifier
or the no code platform AppSheet.
In addition, I look at new technologies such as Google Glass. The plan is to also develop applications for Google's smart data glasses in the future, but we are still in the early stages here.
In my other day-to-day work, I also write occasional blogposts and, of course, continue to educate myself, also to achieve various certifications."
For context: In the era of digitalization, there is a growing demand for apps to automate processes. However, not every company can afford or has access to a development team. That's why No Code and Low Code platforms are becoming increasingly popular. With these platforms, smaller applications can be created with minimal effort, and they can be developed by a department or team within the company. As the name suggests, No Code platforms do not require any programming knowledge, and Low Code platforms only require a basic understanding of coding.
2.What does the cloud mean to you?
"To me, the Cloud means working without being tied to specific devices or locations. In a nutshell, it offers me flexibility."
3. What was the most exciting project you've worked on?
"I've had the opportunity to work on many exciting projects. One of the most impactful ones was the development of an internal employee development app using AppSheet. It was my first project with this platform, so I had a steep learning curve.
The app guides employees through a questionnaire, and upon completion, it automatically notifies the team lead among other things. The respective person can then add comments."
4. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
“I particularly like the variety. I love working on different projects and getting to know new platforms – but as mentioned, writing a blog post from time to time. I also think that development has a great mix of creativity (frontend) and logic (backend). Of course, the best moment in any project is always when the app works in the end - that's really a moment of happiness."
5. What are your biggest challenges?
"One of the challenges in development is staying up to date. Additionally, when communicating with clients, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of their needs and requirements to deliver the desired results.
Effective time management is also of great importance. Often, you're juggling multiple projects simultaneously, and switching between them can be a challenge. It always takes some time to get into the right mindset for a different project.
Especially in the beginning, it's difficult to estimate how much time you'll need for developing a specific app. Unexpected obstacles can arise, requiring more time than initially anticipated.
As someone who entered this field from a different background, one of my personal challenges is correctly associating technical terms. Sometimes, I lack the technical background, but I'm continuously learning over time."
6. Why did you choose to work at Public Cloud Group?
"One of the most important factors for me is the team. Teamwork is highly significant for me, and a positive working atmosphere is essential. PCG certainly offers that. Additionally, I appreciate the flat hierarchies. We all use first names, there are no formal barriers, and you can approach anyone directly. Communication is very efficient.
Personally, the locations in Berlin and Magstadt near Stuttgart are convenient for me. Berlin is where I live, and when I'm visiting family, I can also work from the Magstadt office. Many of us also work remotely."
7. How did you become a cloud solutions engineer?
"I'm a career changer, which means I didn't start with a technical education or degree. After finishing school, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in International Business with a focus on Eastern Europe. I then worked for over two years at an auditing company.
However, at some point, I felt the need for a change. That's when I decided to enroll in an intensive 3-month boot camp, which is essentially a fast-track learning program. During this program, I quickly grasped the fundamental principles of the JavaScript programming language. The program followed a 'learn by doing' approach, where you acquire essential basics and immediately apply them in real-world projects. This approach allows you to gain practical experience and deepen your knowledge in a job-related context.
Why did I make this decision? Well, I had been considering a career shift towards development for a while, partly because I had friends who worked in that field, and I was always intrigued by their work. Then, I stumbled upon an opportunity to apply for the 'Women in Tech' scholarship, and I decided to go for it.
For the scholarship application, I had to start coding for the first time. I remember there was a test, and one particular task kept me up all night. I spent hours thinking about the solution, and by the next morning, I had it figured out, and it actually worked. It was an incredible feeling, and that's when I thought to myself, 'I absolutely want to pursue this as a career.'"
8. What qualities do you think someone should have for your job?
“I believe having a certain degree of stress resilience and endurance is essential, especially when dealing with bugs. It's important not to get discouraged if finding a solution takes a bit longer or if the code doesn't work exactly as expected right away. Additionally, having an inclination for daily problem-solving tasks is quite valuable.
However, these qualities tend to develop anyway as you gain experience. I also appreciate the positive impact programming has had on me. Since becoming a developer, I've become more solution-oriented and approach problems with greater calmness than before.”
9. What do you like to do in your free time?
“I'm fond of learning and experimenting with various activities. Whether it's picking up a new sport, trying out a new restaurant, or traveling to different countries – I relish gaining fresh experiences and delving into diverse perspectives. It's a fantastic way to meet interesting people. For instance, I've volunteered at several sports events, which has led me to places like the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, among other memorable experiences."
Thank you Ksenia for your time and the interesting conversation
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