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News October 28, 2024

Beyond Anthill (Junior Edition): Nikolay Varshilov

Nikolay Varshilov Beyond Anthill

In this interview, we get to know Nikolay Varshilov, a Junior DevOps Engineer at Anthill, as he shares his journey from initial curiosity in computers and technology to a full-fledged career in software development. Nikolay talks about what sparked his career shift, his day-to-day experiences in the DevOps team, and the supportive learning environment at Anthill that fuels his growth.

Can you share a bit about your background and what sparked your interest in software development?

Computers and technologies have always attracted me and were of interest to me, but for a long time I did not dare to take a step towards turning this interest into a profession until I went through a short basic programming course and realized that it is not that scary. Then, after taking several courses and gaining experience in a previous company, I am now one of the “ants” in the Anthill team.

Describe your role at Anthill and what a typical day looks like for you.

I’m part of a four-person DevOps team, made up of two senior members and two juniors, including myself. My days are typically focused on starting or completing tasks, attending several daily meetings, and gathering and filtering information relevant to my work. One of the best parts of the role is that the senior team members ensure that the tasks assigned to us are meaningful and geared toward helping us learn and grow as DevOps professionals.

Technology is constantly evolving. Are there any technologies or tools that you’ve discovered or learned about at Anthill that have particularly excited or inspired you?

Previously, I worked mostly with Linux, on-premises servers, and an outdated version control system. Since joining Anthill, I’ve encountered a wide range of new and interesting technologies. At this stage, I wouldn’t say I have a favorite. My current goal is to build a solid knowledge base and become comfortable with the technologies we use. Once I’ve reached that point, I plan to dive deeper into a specific area that resonates with me.

What was your motivation to join Anthill’s team?

My transition from Feature Integrator to DevOps, along with the range of technologies available at Anthill and the supportive, talented colleagues (I was referred, so I had some insider info), made Anthill the ideal environment for my professional growth and development.

How does Anthill encourage and support you to grow on your software development journey?

Since we work with Azure technologies, the company offers to cover the costs of obtaining an AZ-104 certificate. Apart from that, the seniors really help with both experience and suggestions for a development path, but it always depends on our own motives and goals.

Can you share something that you are currently working on that you find particularly exciting or challenging, and why?

In the six months I’ve been with the company, I’ve found it especially rewarding to work alongside one of my senior colleagues, Tsvetan Blagoev, whether we’re collaborating on a task, script, or just discussing ideas. Learning from one of the best in the business is always inspiring. Beyond that, I believe that, as a Junior, every task brings something valuable, as there’s always something new to learn and explore.

Looking ahead, what aspects of software development are you most eager to explore or develop further skills in?

For a DevOps, building good pipelines according to the best practices and technologies, as well as automation are things I like to emphasize and master well.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending my free time in the park with my family. When I have time to myself, I like to hit the gym, and I also have a great love for cinema.

Interested to join our team? Check out our open positions here.