When you look at Aleks, he might seem like an independent and quiet person, but once you get to know him, you’ll discover a guy who’s always ‘game’ to do things. Aside from being one of Cloud Employee’s long-time web developers, Aleks values work-life balance and refreshes his mind and body by going on occasional hiking trips.

For some, it might seem impossible to have an active lifestyle outside of work, but Aleks proves otherwise!

But, before you read his full interview, let’s get to know Aleks up close and personal in the short clip below.

Just a few things about Aleks

Q: How long have you been at Cloud Employee?

Aleks: I have been working at Cloud Employee for 3 years now.

Q: What is your current title and role?

Aleks: I am a web developer working for a UK-based startup and I am assigned in developing and maintaining a web-based learning platform.

Q: When and how did you start as a Web Developer?

Aleks: I started back in 2012, but it was a bit tough to find a job since I only took a 2-year Computer programming course. Back then, many companies preferred to hire (graduates of 4-year courses instead). It took me almost a full month of looking for a company. I passed some exams especially the programming part, but still no luck.

Finally, a company accepted me and they even gave me a salary more than what I asked for. So I told myself, “This is my stepping stone as a web developer, and I will do all that I can to learn what web developers do.” So, I tried my best to learn and listen to my seniors, grasp everything that I could grasp, and apply what I have learned to solve problems.

Q: What projects/technologies do you enjoy working on in your spare time?

Aleks: My current client allows me to learn new technology during my spare time, so after I’m done with my tickets/tasks, they bought me some courses in Udemy for me to study. During my first months with them, they assigned me to develop their first company landing page. Since they were a startup, we decided to use React.js and it was my first time using this popular JS library. I also did some mini Android/Java projects using Node.js for the backend.

So, we heard you like hiking... 

Q: When and how did you start hiking?

Aleks: I started back in my previous company and even after my colleagues and I moved to different companies, we were still able to set a schedule where we could hike together. Hiking gives us a fresh start before we go back to work.

Q: Can you share some places you’ve already been to?

Aleks: We hike at nearby places in Manila, mostly in Batangas. I would never forget climbing the peak of Mt. Maculot. For a beginner like me, it gave me a lot of experience and confidence to overcome my fear of heights since I had to walk a 1 foot-wide trail near a cliff. Also, I wouldn’t forget the time when I needed to rappel down a mountain that was almost inclined at 90 degrees.

Congratulations on your first trip abroad! 

Q: You’re among the developers at Cloud Employee who will join an overseas trip next month as a reward for your three years of service. How did you feel when you heard about the news?

Aleks: I felt excited because it will be my first time going out of the country. I used to travel with my girlfriend to different places in the Philippines, so this is a new experience for me! Thanks Nick! ;)

Q: With only a few weeks left, how are you preparing for the trip?

Aleks: Well, aside from preparing my stuff for this very exciting trip, I watch Travel Blogs about the country we’re going to so I could at least have some idea of the places I need to visit, and of course, the food I must try that I’ll never find here in the country.

Q: After this, which country do you wish to go next?

Aleks: Now that I have a passport, I dream of going to the UK next! I want to finally meet my clients Simon and Paul and to be photographed together with my Xanti Co teammates.

Your life at Cloud… 

Q: Walk us through your day. What’s a typical day like for you as a developer?

Aleks: The first thing that I would do (and what many developers also do) is to grab a cup of coffee. Then I’ll check emails and our team’s JIRA board to get some update from the previous tasks or if there are any new tasks assigned to me by Simon—my client. I would then do some coding, of course, then make sure to push my changes, and lastly, update Simon about my progress before going home.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

Aleks: For me, the best thing about my job is that I continue learning more about web development. I’m thankful that my client also teaches me whenever I need help. He’s also giving me the freedom to learn new technologies during our free time.

Q: What do you love about Cloud Employee?

Aleks: Work-life balance! Imagine a company that throws Social Friday party where lots of food and drinks are served! There are also monthly competitive games and work from home benefits. :)

One Final Question…

Q: Can you give us your three tips on how to learn web development quickly?

Aleks:

For rising web developers, the first thing you have to do is to learn and listen to your seniors. Pick up all the knowledge and tips that you can gain from them and practise what you have learned so you can apply them in solving problems.

If there’s any chance that you can’t find the answer at StackOverFlow.com, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your team or client. They might have probably encountered that problem before.

Lastly, never stop learning. Take the time to read blogs about the current trends in web development and the industry and take some online courses from Udemy or Lynda.

Join Aleks and our growing pool of software, mobile, and web developers for an opportunity to work with global startups and tech firms. Check our Careers page for our latest job postings or send us your updated CV to careers@cloudemployee.co.uk with the position you're applying for in the subject line.

Or team up with experienced Senior .NET developers like Alexis! Learn how Cloud Employee works, see our Developer Pricing Guide, or talk to us. You can hire dedicated offshore developers with us across many technologies.