Hi Natalia! As we’re marking your first six months in Cegeka, tell us how you joined the company. 

I applied to Cegeka through LinkedIn, and shortly after submitting my application, someone from the team reached out. From the very start, they made me feel welcome and at ease, it was like I was already part of the family. Additionally, a good friend of mine, with whom I’ve worked in the past, is part of the Cegeka team and spoke highly about the company and its culture. And here I am now, six months in, excited about the journey ahead! 
 

Tell us about your journey in IT before joining Cegeka.

My IT journey started in 2017 as a front-end developer. Since then, I’ve worked with a variety of companies, both project-based and product-focused, which constantly challenged me to learn and adapt.

I’ve had the chance to explore multiple industries — from telecommunications and digital marketing to European projects — each experience expanding my skills and curiosity.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing websites I’ve built or improved in action. Knowing that users rely on something I contributed to gives a real sense of impact and accomplishment.

Paint a picture: 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 at Cegeka for me involves developing new features and fixing bugs for our client, Argenta, a Belgian bank. Since the banking sector is new to me, there’s always something to learn, which keeps the work exciting. Most of the team is based in Belgium, while I and one other colleague are in Greece, but we stay closely connected to deliver the best results.

My mornings usually start with organizing my tasks, followed by our daily team meeting to sync up and share updates. After that, I dive into focused work. On office days, I enjoy catching up with colleagues, but the overall routine stays consistent. I really appreciate the balance between collaboration and deep focus, and the hybrid setup helps me stay engaged and productive.

A lot can happen in six months. What’s your proudest moment/ achievement so far? 

One of my proudest moments so far was when I took on and successfully completed a significant refactoring. It was a challenging task, especially since I wasn’t with the company for very long, and the code was new to me. Despite these factors, I managed to navigate the complexities, improve the structure, and ensure everything continued to function smoothly. It was a great experience that boosted my confidence and demonstrated my ability to quickly adapt and contribute meaningfully. 

What stood out to you about the onboarding experience or Cegeka’s culture? 

What really stood out to me about Cegeka’s onboarding and culture was how smooth and welcoming the process was. I felt included from the very start, even during the interview, which set a positive tone. The environment is open, friendly, and supportive — everyone is approachable and helpful.

Even with a mostly remote team, the collaborative spirit shines through. Cegeka encourages connection through various initiatives — from after-work gatherings to painting classes — helping everyone feel part of the community. The positive vibe and emphasis on communication make it easy to feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

You’re working in a multicultural team, in a hybrid set-up. Has this changed your perspective on teamwork or on the work itself? 

Working in a multicultural, hybrid team has significantly broadened my perspective on teamwork and the way work gets done. It has reinforced the importance of clear communication, flexibility, and openness to different working styles and cultural approaches.  

Being part of a team where members are located in different countries, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, has shown me the value of leveraging variety to solve problems creatively and efficiently. It’s also made me more adaptable and appreciative of the unique contributions each person brings to the table, regardless of where they are.  

Overall, this experience has enriched my understanding of collaboration, making me more open-minded and confident in working across borders and cultures to achieve common goals. 

Which skills do you think are essential for a Software Engineer in this day and age?  

In today’s fast-changing tech world, several skills are essential for a Software Engineer. Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking are key — being able to break down complex problems and find effective solutions is fundamental.

Technical expertise is crucial, especially in modern tools, frameworks, and languages relevant to your area. Adaptability and a continuous learning mindset are also vital, as technology is constantly evolving. Curiosity and openness to new concepts can give engineers a real edge.

Communication skills are equally important — being able to collaborate effectively, share ideas clearly, and work in diverse teams is more critical than ever. Additionally, understanding ethical considerations and the impact of AI is increasingly important, as responsible development sets future-ready engineers apart.

Tell us about your hobbies or interests – who’s Natalia outside of work? What are you passionate about?

I’d describe myself as friendly, curious, and always on the move. I love exploring nature — whether hiking up mountains or relaxing by the sea, I find both peace and inspiration. Weekends rarely find me in one place, as I love traveling and trying new things.

I enjoy all kinds of athletic activities, from swimming to ice skating, and even trampoline jumping — anything that gets me moving and adds a bit of adrenaline. Music is another big passion; I could spend an evening at a concert or just enjoying my favorite tunes.

So, if there’s a road trip, a flight, or a live show on the agenda, the answer is almost always yes — I love embracing new experiences and making the most of every moment.