Seven Questions With... Ivan Dimitrov

We are moving forward with our community spotlight and this week you will have an opportunity to meet Ivan Dimitrov. Ivan works as a software engineer in our Belgrade office and having him in our community is one of the best things ever. Why? Check it out! 

1. Share three things about yourself. Ready, set, go!

I have terrible handwriting - I can’t even read my own notes most of the time. This was one of the reasons why I started using computers frequently at a very young age. 

I don't eat sugar - I don’t consume anything that contains white or brown sugar in it. 

I love to explore new coffee flavors from different origin countries - Currently, my favorite is of Brazilian origin.

2. What is the favorite part about working for Symphony?

Solving awesome problems with awesome people.

3. What are your biggest professional challenges?

I would definitely say soft skills. Even though people usually think that software engineers only code, in reality, engineers spend at least 30% of their working hours on meetings, communication with clients, communication with colleagues and writing documents. That's why we should improve our communication and people skills alongside our technical skills.

4. In your opinion, what makes Symphony - Symphony?

Passion. Sparks in people’s eyes when they work and enjoy it.

5. If you could have a drink with anyone, (fictional, alive, dead, famous, non-famous) who would it be?

 George R.R. Martin, I have a lot of questions for him :)

6. What is your favorite app?

Currently, it's Audible, I really think listening to audio books is sort of a life hack. Also, the app itself is really good, I especially like that users get badges for some silly milestones like listening to books after midnight. 

7. Recommend us a movie to watch or a book to read. 

There is a new Sci—Fi series of books called Bobiverse (the first book in the series is called ‘We are Bob’). I would recommend this book to every developer because it has been written by a developer and it really captures the mindset of a software engineer. Also, it is full of pop-culture references from Star Trek, Star Wars, LoTR and so on. I would say it is a must-read for every geek.