In recent years, the number of women in the Stenik team has been growing, and their contribution to the development and growth of the projects is undeniable and inspiring. This is also the story of the career journey of Dimi Karadjova, who started her internship at Stenik in the "Design" department in mid-2023 and continues to build on her skills and experience, contributing to the work on e-shops as a full-fledged member of the design team.
If you missed the interviews with other colleagues at Stenik, check out other inspiring stories, part of our series.
Face to Face with Dimi Karadjova
Dimi is originally from Asenovgrad, but has been living in Sofia for the past five years. She recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in "Web Design and Graphic Advertising" from the New Bulgarian University. Since she was little, design has been her passion – starting with drawing and graphic design, and later falling in love with web design. She set her goal to work as a designer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, experimenting with new recipes, exercising, and walking outdoors.
Her motto is: "Everything you can imagine is real.", Pablo Picasso / "Всичко, което можете да си представите, е реално.", Пабло Пикасо
>> Dimi, hello! Tell us what attracted you to Stenik? Had you heard of the company before applying for the internship?
Yes, I knew about Stenik from all the eCommerce events the company attends, and a large part of my favorite online stores have been developed by Stenik. When I was looking for a job, there were no open positions for a design intern, but I still decided to contact Stenik because I was impressed by their portfolio and believed that this was the perfect place to start my professional journey. After a few interviews, I was approved and I have been part of the team for a year and a half now.
>> What knowledge did you have at the beginning of your internship?
During my internship, I was still studying for my bachelor's degree, but I had good theoretical knowledge and some practical experience in design. I was familiar with the basics of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), as well as best practices in designing digital products. My skills with tools like Figma were at a good level, I knew concepts like design thinking and the basics of responsive design, which are crucial in developing online stores. However, I was about to learn how to apply this knowledge in a real business environment, where design needs to meet both user expectations and business goals.
>> Who was your mentor and what did you learn from them?
My mentor during the internship was Zori, the Team Lead of the design team, with many years of experience in the company. She introduced me to the work processes from the very beginning and gave me valuable advice based on her rich practical experience. I can also mention Iv (Ivelina) as a second mentor, who also has an exceptional sense for design and details and taught me how to refine my work. Their support and guidance helped me not only learn key skills faster but also develop a better understanding of the overall approach to design. I continue to learn from them to this day.
>> What path have you followed at Stenik and what is your career development so far?
The first six months I was a design intern, and now I am a UI/UX designer.
>> What are your main responsibilities in this position?
My position involves various responsibilities focused on designing and optimizing online stores. My main tasks are related to creating user-friendly interfaces that combine aesthetics and functionality. I also actively participate in meetings with clients to understand their business goals and propose solutions that meet both their expectations and user requirements.
>> What motivates you the most at Stenik?
What motivates me the most at Stenik is the opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact on clients and end users. The feeling that I am contributing to creating functional and beautiful online stores that make people's lives easier is incredibly inspiring. The cohesion of the team also motivates me a lot. I work with exceptionally talented and dedicated professionals from whom I learn new things every day.
>> Which colleagues/departments do you communicate with most often?
I most often communicate with the design team, as well as with the project managers who coordinate the entire process, set priorities, and ensure that projects move according to the plan. I also work with the developers from the front-end team, with whom we discuss technical limitations and find solutions. I have regular communication with our marketing manager, Dobi, with whom we create marketing materials.
>> What does a typical workday look like?
My workday is dynamic and varied, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities for creativity. Every morning, I review my tasks and prioritize them. When working on new projects, I usually start with meetings with clients and research. Along with working on specific tasks, I also have time for creative exercises and experimenting with new tools. The opportunity to seek new solutions is an important part of my work, as every new discovery makes me better. At the end of the day, I usually check the progress of ongoing tasks and prepare for the next day.
>> How do you keep your knowledge and qualifications up to date?
The design industry is dynamic and constantly changing, so I strive to regularly develop my skills and stay updated with new trends. I participate in both Bulgarian and international design communities, often take online courses, read books and articles, and enjoy attending specialized events.
>> What are your goals at Stenik and in your career?
My goal is to continue developing professionally, refine my skills, and contribute even more to the success of the team and projects.
>> How do you manage the work-life balance at Stenik?
One of the things I really like about Stenik is the supportive environment that encourages a good work-life balance, the opportunity for more flexible working hours, and a remote position, which allows me to be more productive and motivated. I work entirely from home and have clear boundaries between my workspace and resting areas. This helps me focus when working and relax when it's time for a break. I also regularly allocate time for sports, outdoor walks, and my hobbies, which help me disconnect from work and recharge mentally.
>> What skills and qualities are necessary to work as a UI/UX designer?
To be a successful UI/UX designer, it's important to have a combination of technical skills, creativity, and soft skills, which include understanding user needs and behavior - skills for working with Figma and other design software, teamwork with other designers, developers, marketing specialists, and project managers, the ability to clearly communicate your ideas and accept constructive feedback, analytical skills, attention to detail, flexibility, a willingness to learn, and empathy.
>> What is your advice for future interns in the digital industry in a similar position?
My advice to future interns is to be curious, not be afraid to experiment, and make the most of the opportunities provided to them, seek feedback, and be patient because sometimes the results don't come immediately, but what's important is to keep learning and developing.
Dimi Karadjova
Would you like to be part of the energetic team at Stenik?
If you want to learn more about us as a company, watch the video "Behind the scenes at Stenik.", where our managers share personal moments from our daily life. Don't forget to check out the eCommerce professions video series, where six of our colleagues talk about their roles and personal development at Stenik.
If you're curious about the career opportunities at Stenik, read the article "Career at Stenik - Where to Start?". It will give you information about the main career paths in the company and how our approach to team development creates opportunities for long-term growth. Don't miss the inspiring stories of our interns in the "Successful Internship Stories" section, which will motivate you and show how young professionals advance and improve their skills at Stenik. Learn about the current internship programs.
Be ready for new episodes of the inspiring internship stories series coming up on the horizon.
