From a Computer Science Graduate to a Junior Software Developer
From Academia to Roobley
I earned my degree in Computer Science in mid 2024, eager to transform my academic achievements into practical, hand-on experience within the tech industry. In July of that same year, I had the opportunity to join Roobley, which consisted at that time of two employees, Gera with more than 10 years of experience and Petros with more than 5. I stepped in as the third member through a government program called ΑνΑΔ , which supports collaborations between emerging professionals and local businesses. This pivotal connection through ΑνΑΔ laid a strong foundation for my subsequent growth, setting the stage for what would become a transformative journey in my career.
When I first stepped into Roobley’s office, Gera and Petros welcomed me with a comprehensive plan designed to equip me with the core skills needed for modern software development. The training program encompassed HTML, CSS, JavaScript, which form the basis of the front-end web development, WordPress, a widely used content management system, Git which is an essential version control tool, React which is one of the most popular JavaScript/TypeScript libraries for building user interfaces.
The Comprehensive Training and Mentorship Experience
What truly set this training apart was the goal-oriented approach. Each month, I had a one-on-one meeting with Gera to set specific, measurable objectives, ensuring I made consistent strides. These objectives not only covered technical proficiencies, such as mastering a framework’s key features or improving my debugging skills, but also focused on soft skills, including communication with a team and time management. By breaking down my training into achievable milestones, I could see my improvement clearly, which kept me motivated and allowed me to manage my learning curve efficiently.
The mentorship I received was a blend of structured feedback and impromptu guidance. Gera and Petros were always open to questions, no matter how basic they might have seemed. This sense of approachability created an environment where I felt comfortable experimenting, making mistakes and ultimately learning from them, an invaluable aspect of growth in any tech field.
Simultaneous to my main technical training, I was introduced to the world of Quality Assurance (QA). This dual focus proved to be remarkably beneficial, as QA responsibilities complemented my development training by emphasizing attention to detail and a solid understanding of how all parts of a software system fit together. By testing new features and documenting bugs, I gained an appreciation for the complexities of crafting stable, maintainable applications.
Early Projects: The Project Cost Calculator and Collaboration
One of the earliest large-scale tasks assigned to me was the creation of a Project Cost Calculator, a tool designed to help freelancers estimate the costs of their projects and determine suitable fees. This project, now featured on Freelancers.cy, was a significant milestone in my journey because it put all my newly acquired knowledge to the test.
After successfully delivering the Project Cost Calculator, I transitioned into working on more collaborative projects. This phase highlighted another essential dimension of professional development, learning to function effectively as part of a team. Under the guidance of Gera and Petros, my coworker and I practised agile methodologies, which involved daily stand-ups, sprint planning and retrospective meetings to continuously improve our work processes.
Transitioning into a Junior Software Developer
Today, I am proud to describe myself as a Junior Software Developer at Roobley, a role that feels worlds away from my initial status as a fresh graduate. My current responsibilities include resolving bugs, implementing new features and testing code quality. The transition to this new role was made possible by Roobley’s steadfast commitment to mentorship, continuous feedback and a culture that encourages individual growth.
When I joined in July 2024, Roobley was a tight-knit group of three. Today, Roobley has grown to six members, with plans for further expansion. This growth reflects Roobley’s success and the positive impact of its collaborative, supportive environment. Despite welcoming new talents and diversifying our skill sets, Roobley has remained true to its roots, a place where open communication, mutual respect and knowledge sharing guide our daily work.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on my journey I see how each step, from initial training to my current role, has been shaped by Roobley’s nurturing culture and the supportive framework provided by the ΑνΑΔ program. The transition from a graduate computer scientist to a junior software developer has been marked by continuous learning, active mentorship, and meaningful contributions to real projects. I have gained a deep appreciation for the intricacies of software development, from writing elegant code and conducting QA testing to collaborating effectively and managing projects with agility.
As Roobley continues to grow, I look forward to further refining my skills and taking on new responsibilities, whether that involves mentoring future recruits, exploring cutting-edge technologies or stepping into more strategic roles. The blend of individual ambition and collective effort at Roobley serves as a powerful engine for innovation and personal growth. With such a solid foundation in place, I am confident that both Roobley and I will reach new heights continuing to learn, adapt and excel in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
