I started my tech journey in 2014 as a manual QA Engineer, testing an online banking solution. Beyond writing and executing test cases, I mastered the art of bridging two worlds—communicating with top bank management, translating their needs into technical requirements, and explaining technical challenges back to management in an understandable way. This role taught me to analyze, structure, and collaborate effectively, making me a true “universal translator.”
After moving to Germany, I joined Delivery Hero and took my growth to the next level. With the support of my backend colleagues, I dove into automation, learning Python (I even fixed a bug in our legacy Django monolith!). One day, after covering all key user flows with API tests, I got inspired by these experiences and decided to fully embrace a career in programming.
In 2018, I joined Vimcar as a Junior Software Engineer, becoming a part of the core backend team. We were tackling the challenges of maintaining an old legacy monolith and building new core services. Driven by my QA roots, I couldn’t resist launching an automated end-to-end API testing project, ensuring quality at every step. And my skill for bridging gaps between technical and non-technical teams was helpful as well, bringing people together and building stronger collaboration.
As I worked on my programming skills, I designed services, created documentation, gave presentations, and led onboardings. But my favorite parts? Analyzing and refactoring legacy code and ensuring everything was thoroughly tested.
For me, the first step has always been clarity: What problem are we trying to solve? (hence analyzing what the legacy code is doing) and What does success look like? (hence writing tests before touching anything to ensure the successful outcome remains unchanged).
In 2021, I was promoted to Team Lead, taking on the challenge of managing the core backend team I’d been part of since my junior days. Back then, we were a small group of three backend developers, but over time, the team went through multiple restructurings.
As a natural “universal translator,” detail-oriented documentation writer and presenter, and quick problem-solver, I supported my team’s growth and adaptation. First, we transitioned into a cross-functional team, taking on responsibilities not only for the main backend services but also for the core product, including both backend and frontend. I learned how to build new processes, bring team together, and hire effectively, as there was a constant flow of screening and interviewing candidates for both backend and frontend positions.
After the final restructuring, our responsibilities expanded further to include services and core functionalities of a newly merged company. By that time, the team had grown significantly, and while I was proud of what we had achieved, I found myself burnt out. Realizing it was time for a change, I made the decision to shift my career focus to working with people.
In 2023, I discovered a passion for coaching and wanted to bring practices like active listening, emotional intelligence, and strategic resourcefulness not only to my team but to other tech and non-tech teams as well. I envisioned how transformative it could be if management embraced skills such as conflict resolution, proactive collaboration, results-oriented creativity, and the ability to inspire team members to unlock their full potential. However, my company wasn’t ready for such a role, so I decided to move on.
After resigning, I joined Animas Centre for Coaching to earn my coaching accreditation. In 2024, I became an officially certified Animas Accredited Transformative Coach and started working as a freelancer, helping private clients navigate life and career transitions and achieve work-life balance. Now, I universally translate their life requirements into actionable steps, analyze their obstacles, document their successes, and inspire them to become resourceful problem-solvers.
Later that year, I joined Transform Training, allowing me to work not only with private clients but also with those seeking career coaching funded by Agentur für Arbeit.
As I expand my services beyond the tech industry, I’m planning to host workshops, women’s circles, and broaden my niche to reach and support more people.