It is not every day that you come across a passionate developer with an inordinate urge to fix things. That is the story of Maher Shakar, a Sweden-based backend developer who recently joined our team after completing his Master's degree at Karlstad University. In this interview, not only will you learn some intrinsic aspects of the life of a developer, but also how vital they can be to your business as a founder.
We hope you enjoy the interview :)
Hi Maher, please tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I am a curious individual with a desire to learn new stuff and tackle new challenges. As a child, I was always fascinated with computers, how they are built, including my favourite video games. I remember breaking my little brother's watch while trying to "fix" it 😱. Needless to say, this intense interest led me to pursue a career in computer science, which I’ve studied for the past five years. I recently completed my master's degree, and I'm excited to play my part in this vast industry.
Who or what inspired you to be a developer?
I would say my brilliant classmates during my studies. They showed me the wonderful world of programming and the endless possibilities that abound. Now, I honestly cannot imagine myself without a computer in front of me. Not kidding LOL.
How long have you worked in this industry?
I am completely new to the industry and this is my first job as a developer. I took my Masters this year and wanted to go out into the business world. You know, to get a feel of the workflow and see how I fit in. However, I previously worked as a teacher at my university where I and a colleague taught an online course in python, aimed at high school teachers and new engineers.
Which has been more valuable in your career, your education, or your experience?
My career and experiences have been equally valuable because of the bright people I met and the fun and complex challenges I have tackled. My education gave me the foundation to build my experience, and so I would say that both go hand in hand 😎
What skills have you found vital to your job?
The most vital skill I possess as an engineer and developer is adapting fast to new technologies, coupled with my problem-solving skills. Another valuable thing is having a mentor I admire. Learning from an engaged mentor who loves sharing their wealth of knowledge and experiences is priceless 🙂
How do you create motivation for yourself and your team?
I believe the trick is being friendly and showing interest in each other's work 🤗. That way, you keep the team motivated. It is also imperative to give credit after a job well done. So I would say complimenting someone who has done a great job is a must! Personally, my motivation comes from solving problems and achieving the desired results. Every time I complete a task, I feel happy and look forward to the next challenge 💪
What hobbies don’t you joke with?
I wouldn't say there is a hobby I'm particularly invested in at the moment. But most days, you will see me hitting the gym to stay fit and healthy. Other times, you will catch me playing frisbee golf with friends just for the fun experience 🙂. So far, I've been striving to get better at throwing the frisbee and learning new techniques. But deep down, nothing beats discovering cool embedded technologies when handling some DIY projects.
Do you consider yourself a dog or a cat person?
I have always considered myself a cat and a dog person. I love the cuteness and attitude of cats; and also the playfulness and affection of dogs. Right now, I have neither but a hamster at home, and it's one of the cutest things if you ask me 🐹 :)
As a back-end developer, do you have any advice for businesses?
In my opinion, work should be done in smaller teams so that it becomes easier for colleagues to interact closely for a more productive day at work 🙂
