A tech startup is nothing without its precious techies. Today we spoke to Oscar, one of our Backend Developers and resident stand-up lover, to find out more about his role and why speaking up when you’re wrong is the right thing to do at Tiqets.
First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Oscar from Catalonia. I joined Tiqets in September 2017 and I’m a back-end engineer. I’m one of the people responsible for making the website do what we say it does!
Can you give us a brief summary of what your job entails?
I assess what we want and what we need against what we can do and what is theoretically possible. Somewhere in that matrix is quick wins. My job is to find them and help make them happen.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?
Doing the right thing: understanding the sweet spot that will provide the most value for cost. We need to solve problems that will also prevent future problems, but without making things too complicated.
What does an average day as a Backend Developer look like?
We start by sharing our plans for the day in a stand-up. Then I spend all day analyzing problems, reviewing code, helping others, writing code, and getting my code reviewed.
There’s also lunch and coffee – right now the lunchroom conversation is mostly just people babbling on about the stupid World Cup, but soon we’ll be back to chats about traveling, pets and the Dutch weather.
Speaking of stand-up… are those morning meetings the only stand-up you do?
Hahaha. You know me too well. I recently started doing stand-up comedy and a few times a month I get together with my comedy colleagues to review jokes and bounce ideas around.
Like a stand-up’s stand-up?
[Rolls eyes]
What’s it like, writing code?
We’re always fixing the things that are slowing us down or getting in the way. It’s sort of an organic way to improve the whole, by fixing the bits that need help. You learn to distrust everything that seems right. Plus, it’s an excellent source of material for comedy bits.
How would you describe your team’s working style and dynamic?
Everyone is ready to help, to bring their opinion to the table, and everyone is happy to change their mind. When I have made a mistake, there’s always been a friendly colleague to point it out to me and give me a hand if I needed it. By leaving ego aside we get to the best solution quickly.
I see a lot of energy in the team as well, to make things better so that we can work faster and produce a more stable product.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Seeing a project that I’ve helped build succeed and provide value to lots of customers. For example, in the last year we’ve seen massive growth in terms of tickets sold. So I know I’m playing a part in more people getting easy access to museums and amusement parks – so I’m helping more people have more fun on their holidays. That feels good!
Do you have some advice for someone who would like to work as a Backend Developer at Tiqets?
Speak your mind fearlessly even if (or especially if) you think you might be wrong. By sharing our points of view and ideas we find the best way forward, and also learn and improve.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Tiqets?
I’m challenged in a good way by my teammates. If I do something great people notice, and if I do something, let’s say… less effective, someone is there to give me feedback and help me improve. It’s a constant state of growth here and I love it.
Want to join Oscar and the rest of the team? We’re hiring!
Check out the Jobs page or read the blog to learn more about our Tiqeteers.
