Fostering excellence: guiding principles from our JS department manager

In this interview, we spoke to Andrei Vakulski, a JS Department Manager, about his professional development, mentoring experience, and perspective on technological advancements.

Tell us about your role in the company. What does the position of a Department Manager involve?

As the Department Manager, my role focuses on growing and developing our engineers to ensure successful project delivery. I’m responsible for building strong teams, supporting their growth, and driving presales activities, like providing estimates and crafting solutions for clients. I also jump into projects when needed, offering hands-on support to resolve challenges. While I undertake organizational tasks behind the scenes, my main priority is fostering a productive environment where both our people and projects can thrive.

What strategies do you use to motivate your team and maintain high performance?

I believe in leading by example. I set high standards for myself and strive to uphold them in everything I do, hoping to inspire the team to do the same. I also focus on creating an open and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

How can tech companies stay ahead of the game and keep up with the latest developments in AI and technology?

In tech, staying ahead requires keeping a close eye on emerging trends, but it’s important to be thoughtful about which ones to follow. Right now, AI is at the forefront, and it’s clear that companies need to adapt to its rapid advancements. AI offers incredible opportunities to optimize processes, especially when it comes to automating repetitive or mundane tasks. The key is to integrate these technologies in a way that truly adds value for your business rather than chasing trends just for the sake of it.

How do you approach continuous learning and professional development to keep abreast of the changing tech environment?

Even though I don’t code as much within the company, I still consider myself an engineer at heart and enjoy experimenting with new technologies whenever I get the chance. I focus on staying versatile, exploring a wide range of tech tools and frameworks. In recent years, I’ve become particularly interested in the entire product life cycle: how to take an idea from concept to execution, find the right market fit, and make strategic pivots when necessary. This broader perspective helps me stay connected to both the technical and business sides of the industry, ensuring continuous growth.

Why is it important to maintain and develop your expertise through learning and certifications?

With technology constantly evolving, it’s crucial to keep learning to stay relevant. While hands-on experience and practical knowledge are most important, certifications can also play a valuable role because they allow you to test your understanding and consolidate what you’ve learned. For example, I began exploring generative AI about a year ago, starting with the fundamentals. More recently, I completed the OCI Generative AI Professional certification, which helped me organize and solidify my knowledge. Certifications can be a helpful way to benchmark your progress and ensure you’re staying up to date.