This is The Faces of HackSoft, our blog series where we introduce you to our talented team members.
Meet Daria - an intern who grew into a full-stack developer through hard work and unstoppable motivation. Outside of coding, you’ll find her enjoying nature, whether it’s hiking, running, or simply taking a relaxing walk. 🌿
In this article, she shares what it was like starting her very first job as a developer, the challenges she faced, and how she’s been learning and growing along the way. Her journey is sure to inspire other juniors at the start of their careers.
Without further ado, here’s Daria…
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Hi, my name is Daria and I am full-stack developer at HackSoft. 👋
What are you working on and for how long? What languages have you been using?
I've been on the team for about a year now.
I've been using Django and React, but the work at HackSoft lets me see and learn the tech basics, no matter the tech stack.
Why did you decide to join HackSoft?
I found out about HackSoft through HackBulgaria. They had a booth at a career fair at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University, where I am currently getting my Bachelor's degree. 👩🎓
That's where I met the awesome people, working here for the first time. They told me about HackSoft and I really resonated with what they shared!
What are your favorite technologies and why?
I don't think I have a favorite technology. I'm trying not to be dependent on it.
I concentrate on the basics that lay the foundations of each technology. Of course, each one has its own specifics, but I'm not afraid of that.
I love experimenting with different technologies and knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each!
What's the motto that motivates you?
Keep calm and Ctrl+Z. - Because mistakes are inevitable — not only at code but in life.
It's a reminder not to panic when things go sideways - just breathe, hit undo, learn from it, and keep going. 🙌
What do you like the most at HackSoft?
The company culture is extremely positive. 🤗
I have been impressed by the welcoming and supportive environment ever since my first day at work.
It is never boring at the office. Beyond our professional responsibilities, we have opportunities for informal interaction, personal conversations, updates, and mutual support.
How do you level up your software skills every day?
I have the chance to work with extremely experienced developers every day. I feel treated as an equal by them, which gives me the motivation to learn and grow with confidence.
The fact that I feel comfortable asking even more than once when I am not sure or don't understand something helps me a lot to level up.
Outside of the external help I get every day, I am trying to study new concepts and patterns even if I don't need them at the moment. I believe that broadens my horizons and will be extremely useful in my future career path.
Can you tell us more about the difficulties you faced at HackSoft from the very beginning until now?
I started my professional career at HackSoft, so I experienced not only the challenges that come with joining a new company but also the unique struggles of starting a first job.
I didn’t know what to expect - everything was new. From understanding how a real-world project works, to learning how to communicate effectively with a team, to figuring out how to ask the right questions without feeling like I was bothering anyone.
At first, it was overwhelming - balancing learning the technologies and adapting to the team’s workflow.
Now, looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown, both technically and personally. The difficulties were real, but they were also the foundation for all the confidence and skills I’ve built since then.
What are your hobbies/interests?
In my personal time, I enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, and running. 🏃♀️➡️⛰️
On weekends, I often choose to hike in the Vitosha Mountain, socialize with friends, or simply relax after a busy week. 😮💨
What is something your colleagues don't know about you?
I’m actually introverted - the kind of person who recharges with quiet time.
But what most people don’t know is that I love true crime. Podcasts, documentaries — if there’s a mysterious case, I’m probably already deep down the rabbit hole. 🕵️♀️
