Interview with Stefan Zivic, Software Engineer at Atfinity
Stefan Zivic gives you insights into the world of software engineering through this short interview. Learn about Stefan’s role, accomplishments, and personal interests, and get valuable advice for aspiring young engineers. Discover how Atfinity’s engineering culture sets it apart in the growing software industry in Niš, Serbia.
What is your role at Atfinity?
Stefan: I am a software engineer with a Master’s degree in computer science. At Atfinity I am member of the engineering team in Niš, Serbia, and I work on developing and maintaining the software that powers our product. I enjoy programming and solving tough problems, so my work is a perfect fit for my interests.
Why did you choose to work at Atfinity?
Stefan: Atfinity is a great place to learn software engineering very well, since there are many smart engineers to learn from and many complex problems to solve. Everybody in the company is friendly and nice, and there are tons of interesting discussions to have. I like that Atfinity builds a product and not just offers outsourcing as that lets me experience the impact of my work much more directly.
I also like living and working in my hometown Niš as it’s a growing university city with an intact nature and a family-friendly atmosphere, where most of my friends and family live.
What accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Stefan: While I am proud of the work we have done at Atfinity to build a product that solves complex problems for our customers, there is one accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to me. It was when I developed my first feature alone from start to finish.
I contributed to the design of the story, designed the software architecture, wrote the code, helped create the test cases, fixed the bugs, and even explained the feature internally in the company. It was a challenge, but I learned a lot and it gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment to see my work in action. Being able to take on such a complex task and see it through to completion was a major milestone for me as a software engineer.
How do you see the future of the software industry in Niš, and how can Atfinity contribute?
Stefan: I think the future of the software industry in Niš is very bright. More and more companies are setting up shop here, and there is a lot of talent in the city. Atfinity is still special here, since most companies work as outsourcing providers with projects while Atfinity is a product driven engineering company. I think, as the software industry in Niš matures, more and more product companies will move here, and I hope Niš will eventually also have a healthy startup scene.
I believe Atfinity will continue to play a major role in the growth and success of the software industry in Niš.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing careers in software engineering?
Stefan: My advice would be to focus on learning the basics first. Software engineering is an amazing field that requires a unique combination of design, maths, communication, engineering, and getting something done. Joining a company with a strong engineering culture like Atfinity is the best way to learn from great experienced engineers and to get started on the right foot.
What do you do when you are not working?
Stefan: When I am not working, I love to travel. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Atfinity office in Zurich, Switzerland, and I was blown away by the spectacular mountain landscapes and the very different food culture from Serbia. Travelling helps me to clear my mind and to come back to work feeling refreshed and energised.
