Hello, I’m Simona, and I’m thrilled to share my journey as a Software Developer Trainee at mobile.de (part of Adevinta). As a passionate learner and adventurer, I’ve ventured on an incredible path of growth and transformation. With a background in hospitality management and a newfound passion for web development, I’ve discovered a world of possibilities at the Trainee programme. Join me as I reflect on my experiences, both past and present, and the invaluable learning opportunities I’ve encountered along the way.
Nurturing curiosity through coding
Born and raised in Lithuania, my adventurous spirit led me on a journey far from home. I studied Archaeology in university, always driven by a curious nature and a thirst for new experiences. Over the past decade, I’ve lived in six different countries, immersing myself in different cultures and working in hospitality management. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the art of building a home from scratch in unfamiliar places.
A turning point
However, there came a point when I realised that the places I lived no longer challenged me enough. I was craving something more, something that could ignite my passion and drive. Little did I know that the answer would lie in the world of technology. Despite not having a background in IT, I’ve always had a fascination with the field. In my youth, I was drawn to mathematics and dreamed of the possibilities of coding, but societal norms at the time discouraged me from pursuing it.
An unexpected passion unveiled
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I stumbled upon an online marketing and web development course. Intrigued by the potential connections with my hospitality background, I enrolled. It turned out that this accidental discovery would reveal a long-suppressed passion. As I delved into coding, I became captivated by its intricacies and limitless possibilities.
Embracing change
Driven by a newfound fascination, I made the bold decision to transition into a career in web development. Despite the doubts that crept in about my late entry into the field and societal biases, I chose to embrace the challenge. I enrolled in a one-year web development coding bootcamp and dedicated myself wholeheartedly to learning this exciting new craft. The journey was not without its difficulties, but the satisfaction of conquering challenges and the joy of finding creative solutions to complex problems fuelled my determination.
Joining mobile.de, part of Adevinta
Today, I am proud to be a part of mobile.de and so Adevinta. As a Software Developer Trainee, I have found a supportive and inclusive community that values diversity and fosters personal growth. Adevinta’s commitment to include everyone, especially empowering women in tech, resonates deeply with me. I want to inspire other women to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and pursue their passions fearlessly.
Our trainee cohort 2022 during their onboarding
Contributing to a trusty digital space
In my role as a frontend engineer with mobile.de’s Trust & Safety team, I have the privilege of working alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects. During my first rotation, I have been actively involved in developing and enhancing features that promote trust within our platform. It’s truly fulfilling to know that our team work contributes to establishing a secure and reliable digital space for our users.
Our Trust & Safety team at a team building event
Inclusive collaboration, agile practices and mentorship
In my experience at mobile.de, collaboration, agile practices, and mentorship are highly valued. The company promotes a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, where agile methodologies are embraced in our development processes. We have quarterly innovation days that allow employees from all departments to pitch ideas and collaborate, fostering creativity and cross-team cooperation for innovative solutions. Weekly Frontend Guild meetings ensure alignment, share best practices, and keep our code base up to date, creating an efficient and cohesive development environment.
One aspect that has greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth is the regular one-on-one meetings with my assignment lead and mentorship in pair programming sessions. These interactions have not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also provided valuable guidance and support whenever I’ve felt overwhelmed or stuck. Additionally, the regular retrospectives provide an inclusive platform for every colleague to voice their opinions, enabling us to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments to enhance our work-life balance and productivity.
Community building and talent development
Adevinta prioritises community building and talent development, exemplified through events like the Early Careers conference where I had a pleasure to attend. This conference brought together trainees and early-career professionals from various locations, providing workshops focused on talent development and opportunities to share personal and professional experiences. It not only expanded networks but also enriched perspectives on the broader level of the company, fostering connections and growth within the community.
Snapshot from the Adevinta Early Careers conference
Embracing the journey
As I continue my journey as a Software Developer Trainee, I am constantly reminded of the importance of embracing growth and learning. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. I am grateful for the supportive mentor, manager and a whole network of colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise, encourage to explore and help me overcome obstacles.
My experience as a Trainee has been transformative. From my diverse background in hospitality to my newfound passion for web development, I have grown both personally and professionally. Adevinta and mobile.de has provided me with a platform to pursue my goals, embrace change, and inspire others to join the dynamic field of technology. I encourage everyone, regardless of their gender, background, or age, to never shy away from pursuing their passions in tech. With Adevinta’s great example and unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and personal growth, the possibilities are limitless.
I will never shy away!
