Stefanija is an incredible colleague and devoted Full Stack Developer who has been part of Polar Cape for the past 6 years. She is currently working as a Full Stack Developer on a team supporting one of our long-term Swedish clients, a company that produces and markets software for managing mobile data and Wi-Fi services. In our interview, Stefanija shares her professional journey at Polar Cape and discusses what fulfills her both personally and professionally. Read the full interview below.
What made you choose Polar Cape?
Before joining Polar Cape, I had no prior connection to the company or its employees. At that point in my career, I was looking for a mid-sized, well-established organization and an exceptional work environment. During my interview with one of the founders, I was impressed to learn that Polar Cape had been recognized by Great Place To Work as a top employer. The insights I gained about the company’s culture and flat hierarchical structure convinced me that this was the ideal next step in my professional journey. Six years on, I remain confident that I made the right decision.
What’s your favorite thing about your workplace?
Undoubtedly, it’s my colleagues and the culture. The people at Polar Cape are experts in their respective domains. However, being a great developer is more than fulfilling client requirements; it includes the ability to support colleagues when needed. I do feel like I have a safety net here – regardless of the challenge I face or its domain, there’s always someone ready to offer assistance. I must also mention our company gatherings and social events, which are truly exceptional. We’ve mastered the art of celebration!
Has your role evolved over the years and if yes, how?
My journey at Polar Cape began as a back-end developer, primarily focused on technical aspects. And later on I became a full stack developer. One of the privileges of working here is the flexibility to grow not only in technical skills but also in management competencies. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to be Forum Coordinator and Team Lead on various projects. These roles have allowed me to engage more directly in client communication, requirements gathering and definition, and working closely with team members in different domains. In the end, I still enjoy more technical aspects of my work, but I do believe that it is a great experience for every developer to have a better insight of the management process.
Any part of your experience you feel is relevant to share with our network?
I do believe I mentioned more of the “professional” part in my previous question, I’d like to acknowledge the fun side of Polar Cape. Each event – regardless if it is a party, team or technology gathering, or kickoff – is unique in its own way. Two particularly memorable occasions stand out for me: our recent Hawaiian-themed party, which served as a mini team-building event for the Macedonian office and involved IT professionals crafting cocktails – a perfect blend of party and team collaboration. Additionally, our team-building trip to Dubai was exceptional. As my first such experience with Polar Cape, and apart from the excellent time we had, it was a great opportunity to meet our Stockholm colleagues.
Do you have any unique problem-solving process that really makes an impact for our clients?
While I wouldn’t say it’s unique, I do try to follow some “steps” that are interconnected:
Active Listening: Before attempting to solve any problem, it’s crucial to fully comprehend the issue. This applies equally to new features, process modifications, or changes in working methods. The presenting side always has more information on the topic, so listen carefully.
Effective Communication: We cannot talk about communication without listening and vice versa. Given that many of our clients are not on-site, we rely heavily on various communication media. Even though we’ve gotten more used to this way of communicating in recent years because of the pandemic, misunderstandings can still occur due to language barriers or incomplete information. Ask as many questions as needed until you have all the information necessary, even if you have to repeat yourself. I do believe this is the most crucial step.
Team Collaboration: Regardless of one’s experience level, a person cannot have the answers to all questions. Sometimes, you may have the broader picture but miss a crucial detail. There’s always someone on the team who can offer a different perspective or provide the insight needed to arrive at a solution. I truly believe that, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to travel. The entire planning process is like a mental yoga session for me. I really enjoy researching potential destinations, seeking out unique places to visit, authentic culinary experiences, and local specialties. In recent years, I’ve developed an interest in cooking, paying more attention to maintaining a healthier diet. I also appreciate quality films, television series, or documentaries for their educational value. And another habit that I am trying to get back in my daily routine is to read more.
Anything you’d like to share with our audience, future Polar Capers, or potential clients?
I would advise: never settle until you find true satisfaction in your professional life. Whether it’s the company you work for or the technology you’re engaged with, explore your options until you discover your happy place. In essence, find your Polar Cape.
