Career growth is about more than just moving up—it’s about learning, adapting, and making an impact. Petar’s journey at ⋮IWConnect started with curiosity and a drive to learn. From exploring integration as a fresh graduate to becoming a product owner, his path has been shaped by challenges, continuous improvement, and a passion for solving problems. In this blog, he shares how he navigated his career, the lessons he learned along the way, and what it takes to grow in the ever-evolving field of integration.
IWC: How did your journey at ⋮IWConnect begin, and what drew you to integration?
- PR: As a graduate student, my next goal was to join a company and enhance my knowledge and skills. At that time, I had no idea what integration meant as a separate field in IT. I got access to the official documentation of SnapLogic and started exploring it. I was amazed by the power and ease of use of the tool. Around that time, the integration team at ⋮IWConnect was looking for an integration developer. I saw the opportunity, applied, and got the job.
IWC: What were the key challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome them?
- PR: As a newcomer to the company, I had to give 150% to prove to myself and my colleagues that I was capable. However, in the process, I struggled to maintain sharp focus and effectively manage my priorities. That was the first area I committed to improving. It took some time, but I learned how to prioritize better, which in turn improved my focus. I started planning my day in structured time blocks, and I still follow this approach today, as it helps me manage priorities more effectively.
IWC: What excites you most about working in integration, and how has the field evolved since you started?
- PR: Integration is constantly evolving with new trends and technologies. The tools are advancing, especially in this age of AI. It’s not just the interfaces that are changing but also core functionalities. To stay relevant, you need to continuously learn and leverage every new feature because, if you don’t, you risk becoming outdated.
IWC: How did you progress from a beginner to a product owner, and what skills were crucial for that transition?
- PR: The transition happened naturally. My passion for creating new solutions and automating manual processes led me to develop Pete. The journey was filled with ups and downs, dedication, and both happy and challenging moments. You have to face uncertainty every day. The good part is that you are not alone—your team is there, sharing both the struggles and the successes. All of this opened new opportunities for me. I started looking at problems from different angles. I’m still learning and improving my skill set, and this role marks a new chapter in my professional career.
IWC: What impact did mentorship and ⋮IWConnect’s company culture have on your career growth?
- PR: From the very beginning of my career, I had the opportunity to work with highly respected professionals, which is invaluable for a young person. Being part of such a team shapes your behavior, habits, and the way you approach challenges. One key principle emphasized when I joined the company was the freedom to fail. I felt reassured knowing that mistakes might happen, but they wouldn’t be the end of the world. Instead, the company provides support and guidance in the right direction. Hearing this from leadership was incredibly motivating, and I’m grateful for that.
IWC: Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to someone starting in integration today?
- PR: Stay focused on learning and become an expert in one area. Once you achieve that, never stop improving. This applies to everyone starting new chapter in the professional career.
