Successful Internship Stories at Stenik, Interview #8 - Viktor Hadzhiev: "Believe that you can and you are halfway to success."

02.01.2025

Time to read: 5 minutes

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Категории: Team
Successful Internship Stories at Stenik, Interview #8 - Viktor Hadzhiev: "Believe that you can and you are halfway to success."

We are starting the new year with a new episode of our rubric: "Successful Internship Stories". The main character in this episode is Viktor Hadjiev, Back-end Developer at Stenik. He shared his motivating story as an intern at Stenik and talked about the experience he gained, as well as his development in the field of back-end development.

If you missed the previous interviews, we highly recommend you check out the inspiring stories of other colleagues of ours who also participate in this series.

Face to Face with Viktor Hadjiev

Viktor is 25 years old, lives in Plovdiv, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in "Software Engineering" from the University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski." He continues his studies in a Master's program in "Software Technologies with a Specialization in Mobile Systems and Applications" at the same university. Working remotely, he is actively involved in software development. He enjoys going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and traveling. These activities help him recharge and unwind after a working day.

His motto is: "Believe that you can, and you are halfway to success." - Theodore Roosevelt

>> Hi Viktor! Tell us what attracted you to Stenik? Had you heard about the company before applying for an internship?

I learned about the internship through my friend and current colleague, Nikolai Nedialkov. He told me a lot about Stenik as a company, the projects in its portfolio, and encouraged me to apply. His shared impressions motivated me to take a closer look at the opportunities Stenik offers and to see the internship as an excellent prospect for development. So, I applied, was approved, and have been part of the team for two years now.

>> What knowledge did you have at the beginning of the internship?

At the beginning of the internship, I had basic knowledge of algorithms and data structures, as well as fundamental knowledge of object-oriented programming. In addition, I had experience with Laravel, which helped me understand the basic principles of web development.

>> Who was your mentor and what did you learn from them?

My mentor was Nikolai Dimitrov. Thanks to his professionalism, I was able to acquire solid knowledge of Magento and familiarize myself with general programming concepts and best practices. Additionally, the support and shared experiences of the entire team were also crucial for my professional development.

>> What path have you walked in Stenik, and what is your career development so far?

My career at Stenik began as an intern. Initially, I needed some time to familiarize myself with Magento and adapt to the work process. Over time, I started handling bigger and more complex tasks. After the internship, I was offered a permanent position as a Back-end Developer, which I still hold today.

>> What are your main responsibilities in this position?

As a Back-end Developer, my main responsibilities include synchronizing products and orders with various inventory management software, which is key to optimizing operational processes. I also work on creating and enhancing functionalities, as well as solving specific issues in projects to ensure their effectiveness and smooth operation.

>> What motivates you most at Stenik?

What motivates me the most is the professionalism and support of the Stenik team. Working with experienced colleagues gives me the opportunity to grow and improve. The variety of tasks I face daily motivates me to develop my skills and look for effective solutions for every challenge.

>> What projects are you currently working on?

In addition to working on a project, I am also involved in various other e-commerce stores and handle tasks that contribute to the smooth development and timely resolution of emerging issues in the other projects.

>> Which colleagues/departments do you communicate with the most?

I most often communicate with the Project Managers and the Support team, with whom I discuss the specifics of tasks and the most optimal approach for completing a particular assignment.
When I have doubts or am unsure about the best solution, I turn to my colleagues in the DEV team for help and advice on how to approach a specific situation.

>> What does a typical workday look like for you?


My day starts with a cup of coffee, and then I focus on completing the tasks for the day, which are prioritized by the Project Managers and Support team. I work daily with fellow developers, actively collaborating, exchanging ideas, and finding solutions to challenges that arise.

>> How do you keep your knowledge and skills up to date?

Every day, I strive to find more effective ways to solve problems and optimize work processes. I research new technologies and apply what I learn to improve my productivity.

>> What are your goals at Stenik and in your career?

My goal at Stenik is to continue developing as a Back-end Developer, to improve my programming skills, and to contribute to the successful development of the team.

>> How do you manage work-life balance at Stenik?

I manage work-life balance by striving to be efficient during the workday so that I have time for rest and personal activities afterward. At Stenik, we have a supportive environment that promotes a good balance between work and personal life, which helps me stay motivated and productive.

>> What skills and qualities are necessary to work as a Back-end Developer?

For the Back-end Developer position, important skills include a good understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts, knowledge of PHP, especially Magento, and experience working with databases (MySQL). Key qualities include the ability to solve problems effectively, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills.

>> What is your advice to future interns in the digital industry for a similar position?

My advice to future interns in the digital industry is to be curious and proactive. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed because that will help you learn faster and develop. It is also important to strive for constant self-preparation and expand your knowledge, as the industry changes rapidly. Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process – every new challenge is an opportunity for growth.
                                                                                 Viktor Hadjiev

Do you want to be part of the dynamic team at Stenik?

If you want to learn more about our team and work culture, watch the movie "Behind the Scenes at Stenik.", where our managers share personal stories from our daily lives. Be sure to also check out the eCommerce professions video series, in which six of our colleagues talk about their roles and how they've developed at Stenik.

Read the article "Career at Stenik - Where to Start?", where you will find details about the main development paths within the company. In it, you will learn about the opportunities Stenik offers and how we approach building and growing our team in the long term. Don't miss the episodes of the "Successful Internship Stories" series, where you will be inspired by the journeys of young professionals advancing and enhancing their skills with us. Learn more about current internship programs.

Stay tuned for new episodes of our internship stories series coming soon.

About the author:

dobi-author-photo Dobi Parvova

Dobi Parvova works as a Marketing Manager at Stenik. She joined the team in 2015, having completed her degrees in "Public Relations" and "Advertising and Public Communications" at Sofia University. She channels her entire creative potential into areas such as PR, content & creative, corporate communications, social media, partner relations, and client.

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