Hi Rena! You’re one of our new colleagues, having joined Cegeka six months ago. What piqued your interest and made you join the company?

What really piqued my interest – besides the interesting project I’d be working on – was the fact that Cegeka is a European company with a great mentality towards work–life balance and employee well-being. During the recruitment process, it was clear that people here are not only passionate about the work but also value a healthy balance and supportive culture. That combination made Cegeka stand out to me and convinced me this was the right place to grow.

Telecom, banking, gaming – what have you learned from each industry and what did you enjoy the most in each of them?

Telecom was my very first project, and it gave me the foundation of working in a multinational team – collaborating across countries, cultures, and time zones. That experience taught me a lot about communication and teamwork, and I still use those lessons today in my current role at Cegeka.

Most of my career, though, has been in banking. That’s where I really grew as a professional. I started focusing mainly on frontend development, but over the years my role became much broader – I got the chance to contribute to different areas, take on more responsibility, and really deepen my understanding of how large-scale systems work. Beyond the technical skills, I also developed a stronger sense of ownership and collaboration. It’s the industry that I enjoyed the most, which is why I’m excited to be working again with a banking customer now.

What does a typical day look like for you in Cegeka? Tell us about the project you’re working on right now.

A typical day for me at Cegeka usually starts from home, where I can focus and get into the flow of coding. Once a week, I go to the office — and I have to say, the view of the Acropolis doesn’t hurt!

Right now, I’m working on a banking project with a customer in Belgium. I really enjoy the cutting-edge tech we’re using and the collaboration across teams. What stands out most to me is the culture – I feel respected, included, and genuinely welcome, both in my project and in the company as a whole. It’s great to be part of a team where your ideas are valued and your growth is supported.

Tell us about your hobbies or interests – who’s Rena outside of work?

I love staying active and enjoying simple things in life. I’m really into hiking – there’s something about being in nature that helps me recharge – and I always have a good book on the go. On a daily basis, the gym keeps me going; it’s my way to release stress and give it my all. For me, these hobbies are a balance to the tech world and help me stay energized and focused.

Since you’ve joined us recently, your onboarding experience must still be fresh in your mind. Would you like to share your thoughts with us? 

What really stood out during my onboarding was how welcoming and supportive everyone was from day one. Even as a new colleague, I felt included and respected, and the process made it easy to get up to speed with the project and the team. I really appreciate the culture at Cegeka — it’s collaborative, inclusive, and genuinely values people’s well-being. That combination of professionalism and care for employees makes it a great place to grow and contribute.

When it comes to professional development, what’s the biggest driver for you? What motivates you?

I’m a very result-driven person, so seeing the impact of my work is a big motivator. But what really keeps me going is my team – collaborating with talented, supportive colleagues, sharing knowledge, and solving challenges together makes every day exciting and fulfilling.

Describe your team dynamic with a movie title.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” – quirky mix, fun dynamics, everyone is different, but at the end of the day, we’re a team.

You’re volunteering for two NGOs, The Smile of the Child, and Make-a-Wish Greece. Can you tell us more about this?

I participate in fundraising initiatives and teach Computer Science courses at the Smile Academy, while also helping make children’s wishes come true. I started volunteering to give back and bring more meaning to my life, and working with causes that support children has been especially rewarding. Seeing the impact our actions have on these kids’ lives is truly inspiring.