Interview with Sasha

Tell us something about yourself, education, experience?

I’m 32, born in Nis where I live and work. I graduated from the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Electronic Engineering Nis. Since high school I’ve done many things, mostly as a freelancer. Before Troxo, I was engaged in the NIOnet project (implementation of network of the scientific organizations of Serbia) under the patronage of the Minsitry of Science, Technology and Development of Serbia.

What inspires you?

Sci-fi stories, books and films have always inspired me. Arthur Clarke, his Space Odyssey and schizophrenic HALL 9000, as well as Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics have most likely played a major role in my decision to become a programmer. Another great inspiration is my little daugther Petra. It’s an amazing feeling watching a two-year old studying and grasping the world around her – not a day passes by without her surprising me or putting a smile on my face.

Why Troxo?

Troxo was and has remained a successful company. Not only does it take its job seriously but responsibility for its employees too. When I landed at Troxo, I had a couple of friends working there. They told me about the atmosphere and work at the company. That was crucial to my decision to apply for the job.

What makes your job interesting?

I have a nice and creative job you can do from any place in the world and still you don’t lag behind the competition in more developed countries in the world. A good idea can quickly turn into a valuable product or service.

The best about Troxo?

Personally I like the atmosphere and people I work with. No flatterers, snitches or shirkers that you must put up with. We have experts that are always ready to listen and help you the best they can.

What are you proud of?

I’ve always been persistent enough (read stubborn) to get where I wanted on both professional and private level. I am quite proud of doing a job I love and which I can make a decent living from. Yet, my daughter fills me with the greatest pride and the fact she has the smart head on her shoulders (like her dad I guess ).

Your advice to the developers of the world?

Be open to co-operation and don’t be affraid to take criticism. Try to keep up with trends and new technologies in the industry. If you can’t solve a problem at once, be persistent and keep trying until you do it or go around it elegantly (the Internet is a big help but don’t be too proud to ask a colleague for advice).

If I weren’t a developer I would be?

I planned to become an actor, boxer, pilot … then I sat at my first computer.

Hobby?

I’m not the type collecting coins, badges or similar stuff (I used to pile up a substantional video collection). To me, a hobby has always been taking up sports. I love sports of any kind. I used to train all combat sports I could: karate, taekwondo, aikido. Today it all comes down to playing football at least once a week with friends and colleagues. I also like board games and cards. In the last several years I’ve been playing Go (mostly online).

Goal?

Professionally I plan to continue to grow both as a developer and manager. On a private level, I’d like to travel as much as I can. I’d love to visit some of the biggest cities in the world, especially New York and Rome, but wouldn’t mind vacating on an island such as Bali or Aruba. And yes, I promised myself to go on with Aikido. A few years ago when my Aikido club closed down I was a blue belt. I plan to achieve at least the level of Real Aikido master (1st Day).