Every area of life requires a goal. Interview with Alicja, Software Engineer at AUCTANE
Alicja divides her everyday life into two passions – programming and horse riding. We support the development of both of them by providing the right tools for work and our AUCTANE Active program. Read the interview with Alicja and find out more.
Alicja, tell us, what were your beginnings with AUCTANE. What’s your career story?
My adventure with the company under the MetaPack brand began 6 years ago. While studying at the Faculty of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Automation at the University of Zielona Góra, I decided to carry out my internship as part of the Summer Academy, which was organized by MetaPack. After the interview, the company accepted me as one of several people. Having concerns as a novice programmer, I was not sure if I would be able to cope with all the challenges posed in the classes, but throughout the duration of the academy, I received a lot of theoretical and practical support from the teachers and the group.
It was a good choice and it started my adventure as a programmer. At that time, I met many specialists from the IT industry, which is very important when taking the first professional steps. After the academy, I was offered a job on favorable terms, thanks to which I was able to continue my studies on a full-time basis. Upon graduation, I switched to a full-time employment contract.
So you joined us as a developer. What is your current job title and what are your tasks?
I am currently working as a Software Engineer in one of the teams dealing with courier integrations. My main responsibilities include the implementation of tasks that are defined by our business analysts based on the requirements of clients and couriers. Such tasks include, among others, adding new functionalities to existing modules, creating modules from scratch, or integrating modules between platforms. There are also errors reported by our clients that require analysis and appropriate handling. In addition, I verify the correctness of software created by other programmers from our team by preparing automatic tests. In the company, we practice the implementation of quarterly goals, where we choose the area in which we would like to demonstrate and develop.
You have been working with us since 2016, which is over 6 years. How has the company changed during this time?
Honestly, you can it’s easy to see how the company is changing over the years. When I recall my beginnings in this place, I see a lot of differences in many areas – from the number of people employed, through the method of recruiting and implementing new employees, to the platforms and tools with which we work. The mere fact that the company has become part of the larger AUCTANE group is a change. We, as people, do not like change, but it is an aspect closely related to development.
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This is true, and as you know, development is very important in AUCTANE. Are there other elements that you particularly like about your work?
I definitely like the atmosphere that people create. This is what drives you to act. The environment has a huge impact on how we feel in the workplace, and here it is very relaxed and friendly. I appreciate the cooperation of the members of my team. I think that together we create a harmonious group professionally, but also after working hours.
It is very valuable to have a supportive team and it makes it easier to take on any challenge. Speaking of which, tell us what are the biggest challenges in a programmer’s job?
I think that the greatest challenges for a programmer, especially in our company, include the ability to work on multiple platforms at the same time, where you should know how individual elements work, how to connect them well with each other and how to analyze potential errors that may occur at each stage.
This is a big challenge, but it probably gives you a lot of pride, when each task is completed. What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your work?
Certainly, the most satisfying thing is the awareness that the products we manufacture are used for production by our customers. Whenever I order something via the Internet, I look at the label on the package to see if there is a company logo on it, I check if the label came out of our hands 🙂 I also like the moment when I explain to someone what we do and the person realizes that they are using our platform almost every day.
What you say shows that professional work is important to you and gives you a lot of joy. But we know that programming is not the only passion in your life. You ride horses after hours – where did your love for this activity come from?
Horses have always been close to my heart. I don’t remember anyone instilling a love for these wonderful animals in me. Once in my family home, there were draft horses used for farming, but then I was not born yet 🙂 Since I was a child, I was delighted with the beauty, strength, and possibility of working with horses. I had greater contact with them, apart from just observing, only during my high school years. It was then that my first driving lessons were taking place.
I met different instructors and rode different horses, but surely each of them taught me something different, which I use today to a greater or lesser extent in working with my horse. Yeah, after many years it was time to buy your own horse. It was over a year ago, but I have known Shield (that is the name of the mare) a bit longer from the stable where I had PE lessons during my studies. Today I cannot imagine that I would not be able to work with horses.
What does horseback riding give you? Does it effectively help to get rid of work stress?
It definitely helps to get rid of stress, not only the one related to work. Horses are animals for which calmness and composure are even advisable. Horses sense our emotions. How the horse reacts is a reflection of what we feel at the moment. Therefore, you cannot come to training with the baggage of situations that happened during the day.
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Moving outdoors in the fresh air has a positive effect on relieving tension. Horse riding is a kind of challenge for me every time. For the training itself to make sense, I have to prepare myself and Shield – plan what we will do, what exercises we will perform, and what equipment we will use. Horseback riding is beautiful in itself, but only when we fully cooperate with a horse. It is amazing that such a large animal, weighing more than half a ton, can trust and interact with humans so well.
You are a part of the AUCTANE Active program to pursue your passion. How does the company support your hobby?
I joined the AUCTANE Active program this year. It is a program thanks to which we can develop our passions. In my case, the company supports me financially and thanks to this I can afford to replace the equipment (both for me and the horse), which wears out over time, and is really important when working with horses. Safety and comfort are key when practising this type of sport.
In AUCTANE we set ourselves quarterly goals, is it the same with horse riding? Do you have goals that you are striving for?
Of course, I believe that in every area of our life there should be a goal we want to pursue. In the case of horse riding or working with horses, I do not set a specific time for their implementation, because it all depends on the intensity of training or the speed of learning. In many cases, it takes time to develop something really worthwhile. One of the last goals that I set for myself was to become a Horse Riding Movement Recreation Instructor, which I managed to achieve at the beginning of the year. At this point, I am striving to improve my and Shield’s physical fitness so that our work is pleasant and fruitful at a later time.
Do you take part in organized events or horse racing?
Once, when I was still riding in the Raculka stable, there were social competitions as part of the fun and then I took part in dressage and jumping competitions – it was the only time I did that. I remember that it was my beginning to learn good riding and I defeated the dressage competition on the so-called “bad leg”, which is considered a mistake (then I had a big problem riding on a good leg while standing, that is, to sit in the saddle when the horse’s inner hind leg is touching the ground) 🙂
Generally, I do not take part in the competition as a participant, but I appear as a spectator very often. I participate in various events related to working with horses, dressage and jumping competitions organized in Zielona Góra and other towns in Poland. My little dream is to see the power jump competition live during Cavaliada 🙂
Finally, what would you advise beginners who are just starting their adventure with horse riding or are wondering whether to start at all? What should they know about this form of activity?
I think anyone who would like to start their adventure in the saddle can do it. Most of all, however, a person who wants to learn to ride a horse cannot feel fear. This is the first step to starting learning safely. In the beginning, the rider prepares to maintain balance, and a sense of rhythm on the horse’s back. Then there are elements of proper mounting, leading the horse, changing the pace, or the transition between paces.
It is good if the student is physically fit, but it is not a necessary condition to experience horse riding, because these animals are perfect for hippotherapy classes. Working with a horse requires a certain feeling, experience gained through practice, but most of all will, because in addition to riding, before each training, the horse should be prepared by cleaning and saddling, and after work, saddle, clean, and sometimes wash. This sport is demanding, but it is worth doing because of its beauty.
