Promoting professional versatility: insights from our senior software engineer

We talked to our Senior Java Software Engineer, Kirill Gaidai, about his journey to a senior position and his thoughts on professionalism and the future of technology.

As a Senior Software Engineer, what role do you think mentorship plays in the development of junior engineers, and how do you personally approach mentoring?

The technological industry and engineering schools are inextricably connected, a link that extends beyond IT to all sectors. To sustain any industry, it is essential to continuously bring in new talent, support the next generation in their endeavors, and nurture expertise. Mentoring is a natural part of this education process.

For me, there are three main components of learning something new: practice, practice, and practice. Without mentorship from more experienced colleagues, learning and practicing takes much longer.

What trends in software engineering do you think will have the biggest impact on the industry in the next five years, and how are you preparing to adapt to these changes?

According to my observations, there are currently three main technology trends: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, cloud technologies, and security. All three are closely related and have a significant influence on the tech industry. Staying informed is essential, as these rapidly evolving technologies are transforming the way we design and create new solutions. To keep up with these changes, it’s essential to continually expand your knowledge in these areas through self-education, courses, certifications, and any other available resources.

Security is becoming more critical in software development. What best practices do you follow to ensure the software you develop is secure from the ground up?

First and foremost, it’s important to keep in mind that no system is entirely secure, and that anything that can go wrong is likely to do so at the most inconvenient time. That’s why I always critically assess the software I develop, such as how potential vulnerabilities could be exploited. The key principle is to analyze product performance and security vulnerabilities on a regular basis.

What’s your take on the role of continuous learning and upskilling in the software engineering field? How do you stay current with evolving technologies and trends?

At a minimum, I read related news and articles on a regular basis. When there is something new in the tech world, whether it’s a tool or a technology update, I try to use it in practice—such as by taking a course or obtaining certification—because practice is the cornerstone of knowledge. Oracle OCI Generative AI 2024 is the most recent certification I obtained. The course covered the basics of generative AI and its applications, which is a pretty good starting point. The course gave me a good foundation and valuable insights into the inner workings of generative AI in general, particularly large language models, and how I can leverage these technologies to help our clients.

Participating in conferences is another excellent way to enhance your skills, as it not only allows you to acquire new information but also helps you expand your professional network and improve your soft skills. I always try to take advantage of opportunities to speak at internal EffectiveSoft conferences, as well as at external meetups and knowledge sharing meetings.

What do you think is the future of AI and technology and how will it impact the way we provide solutions to our clients?

It’s impossible to know for sure but it will definitely have a huge impact! AI will certainly become an integral part of our lives, so companies should start harnessing its capabilities now. It’s important to remember that AI is a tool, and by leveraging this tool, we can achieve remarkable results.

What advice would you give engineers looking to grow from mid-level to senior positions, both in terms of technical skills and leadership?

Obviously, I would advise improving your expertise. But that’s not the only thing you need to do. Soft skills and professional networks play a key role in professional and personal development. It’s impossible to know everything, but you can always ask the right people for help. And last but not least, keep a good work–life balance: find some time to rest and recharge.