In the following lines, we have the privilege of speaking with Vlade Ilievski, a remarkable individual whose career journey took him on a path of departure, return, and extraordinary product development. Join us as we delve into Vlade’s captivating story, exploring the motivations behind his decision to leave the company, the lessons learned during his time away, and the pivotal moment that led to his return. Discover how Vlade’s unwavering passion and dedication culminated in the development of a groundbreaking product that reshaped his career and left a lasting impact. Get ready to be inspired by a tale of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of professional fulfillment.
IWC: What can you tell us about your career path within ⋮IWConnect?
My career at ⋮IWConnect began in 2014 when I was given the opportunity to work here. I relocated from Skopje, where I had been working in another company, and started my journey. To my surprise, I seamlessly integrated into the company, surrounded by supportive and friendly colleagues. The projects were incredibly dynamic and interesting, each one offering a unique experience. During my time here, I contributed to various projects, including those for US Telecom, MK Banking, and an Internal project for a Door Access System, among others. I expanded my skills by learning new languages and techniques.
After three years, I made the decision to leave the company and explore different professional experiences. I worked for a US company and a Norwegian company and even freelanced. However, I soon realized that I felt a sense of emptiness. I longed for the vibrant atmosphere that only ⋮IWConnect could provide. In other companies, I was just an employee, but at ⋮IWConnect, I always felt a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
That’s why, in 2018, I made the choice to return to ⋮IWConnect, and since then, every year spent here has been immensely enjoyable. It’s not just about being an employee; it’s about being a part of something extraordinary. With great pride, I have revitalized my career here, embracing the fulfilling journey that ⋮IWConnect offers.
IWC: What was your biggest accomplishment from a technical point of view?
Due to my involvement in a diverse range of projects at this company, utilizing various languages and techniques, I have successfully evolved into a Full Stack Developer. Among my notable achievements, I take immense pride in single-handedly designing and developing an internal product called TMA, where I was responsible for 95% of the product, including the Database, Backend, and Frontend. Furthermore, my contributions to numerous R&D projects, such as voice assistance and face recognition, have also been a source of great satisfaction for me.
IWC: Tell us about your main motivators at ⋮IWConnect?
My growth at every level of life and the recognition I receive from colleagues and clients for my work has been remarkable.
IWC: Please share with us one of your proudest moments in ⋮IWConnect.
Allow me to share one of my proudest moments during my tenure at ⋮IWConnect. It was when a product I had been diligently working on officially became an ⋮IW product!
IWC: What about you outside of work? What do you enjoy doing, and how does that contribute to your day-to-day job?
Outside of work, I prioritize spending ample time with my two children, cherishing moments with them. Additionally, as a Smart Home enthusiast, I devote my free hours to my passion. I thoroughly enjoy crafting controllers, automating systems, and designing interfaces to enhance my Smart Home setup.
