Welcome to a special junior edition of our Beyond Anthill series, where in the coming weeks we’ll be delving into the personal and professional journeys of Anthill’s junior software developers. In this edition, we spotlight Raya Zdravkova, Junior Support Application Engineer for one of our key projects. Join us as we explore what ignited Raya’s passion for software development, how her journey began, and her professional aspirations for the future.
Can you share a bit about your background and what sparked your interest in software development?
Raya: In my final year of high school, I was uncertain about my university path until a friend who was passionate about programming introduced me to it. As it became interesting to me, I enrolled in a software academy course and discovered a passion for it. This led me to pursue a degree in software engineering. During my second semester, a lecturer introduced me to an internship opportunity at a company where later they decided to keep me as a full time .NET developer. This experience confirmed that software development is where I thrive and want to continue growing.
Describe your role at Anthill and what a typical day looks like for you.
Raya: In my current position at Anthill, I work as a Junior Support Application Engineer, for our key partner, CCCIS, a leading American Insurtech company. One aspect I truly appreciate about my role is the opportunity to challenge myself by being faced with various interesting problems to which I have to find a solution daily. This not only allows me to continuously expand my skill set but also encourages teamwork as I collaborate with colleagues from different teams to troubleshoot.
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?
Raya: The teams at Anthill use Azure DevOps and I’ve found cloud computing technologies to be quite interesting. I’m enthusiastic about deepening my understanding in this area and further expanding my knowledge.
What was your motivation to join Anthill’s team?
Raya: The reason why I chose Anthill is that I really liked the interview process. My technical interview was very unconventional, and it was somehow different from the others I had been to so far. The interviewer asked me thought-provoking questions and we discussed everything together. Also, when I heard about the project I would be working on, it piqued my interest.
How does Anthill encourage and support you to grow on your software development journey?
Raya: Anthill regularly encourages participation in conferences where we can stay up to date on the latest industry trends and technologies. Additionally, they provide comprehensive learning courses and organize educational meetings to facilitate continuous learning. Moreover, I have a peer buddy whom I can consult with and seek guidance, creating a supportive environment for my growth and development.
Can you share something that you are currently working on that you find particularly exciting or challenging, and why?
Raya: The project that I’m currently working on is quite big so it’s both challenging and interesting for me to explore different parts of it, dig into the code and troubleshoot the problems.
Looking ahead, what aspects of software development are you most eager to explore or develop further skills in?
Raya: I’m keen on expanding my skills to become a Full-Stack Developer. I’m eager to explore front-end technologies such as JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular. Becoming proficient in both front-end and back-end will allow me to tackle a wider range of projects and contribute effectively across the entire development stack.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Raya: Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, reading books, and spending time with friends. Recently, I’ve also discovered a love for snowboarding, which has become a thrilling new hobby for me.
Interested to join our team? Check out our open positions here.