Magdalena Sołtysiak values the opportunity for development, and her vigilance and precision make her a master of programming. She graduated Information Technology and has been working at Billennium for over 4 years. She emphasizes that Lodz University of Technology has played an exceptional role in her life.
You graduated Information Technology at Lodz University of Technology. What did your studies in this field give you?
Above all, the necessary knowledge in the field of programming, which I was able to develop in my professional work. Studying at TUL was also a time of intensive learning of English. All classes in my field were conducted in English, so while deepening my technical knowledge, I was also learning the language. I can say that I am lucky because I didn't have to spend long hours over grammar textbooks and could focus on learning specialized technical vocabulary.
During your studies, you also started your first job in the profession. What was that place?
That's true, I started with an internship at Makimo, where I learned a new programming language and had the opportunity to prepare applications specifically for customer requirements for the first time. This was a big injection of practical knowledge for me. To more easily reconcile work with full-time studies, I then got a job at Accenture, which closely cooperates with Lodz University of Technology. I gained not only experience there, but also participated in many industry trainings, including abroad. I can confidently say from my own experience that the earlier you start working, the better. Lodz University of Technology allows you to combine studies with work, so it's worth taking advantage of this.
Studies conducted in English, experience and training in two companies - this seems to be the perfect preparation for employment at Billennium. You work as a programmer, what exactly do you do?
I work on programming in Salesforce technology. I am responsible for developing applications, analyzing customer requirements, matching solutions to them, and then implementing and presenting them. My duties also include preparing estimates, documentation, application implementation, and in some projects - supervising other programmers. I also participate in delegations and meetings with clients, and whenever I can, I sign up for training to obtain further certificates.
You have been working at Billennium for 4 years, combining various forms of activity - quiet work at the computer, meetings with the team, and contact with clients. What brings you the most satisfaction?
At Billennium, I value trust in employees and a calm work atmosphere the most. Thanks to it, I can develop at my own pace. I learn a lot through working on projects. I have already implemented individual projects, in which I was the only person responsible for a given technology, as well as those in which I was part of a team of specialists. Thanks to them, I was able to expand my network of contacts and work in an international team. I am also pleased with the opportunity for integration: every year there is a carnival ball for all employees, we regularly play team games, and we also celebrate special days, for example, programmer's day.
Today, you are a committed employee, and earlier - a passionate student. In your free time, you trained volleyball at AZS TUL, and also took photos in cooperation with the TUL Photography Club…
Yes, volleyball and photography are my two biggest passions. I think that if not for programming, I would have finished my education with my own photography studio. I am glad that I had the opportunity to participate in the session for the Miss Lodz University of Technology calendar in 2019 with the TUL Photography Club, as well as in studio photography training, which allowed me to refine my workshop. I have won many photography competitions, and the most valuable prize I won was a trip to New York.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to play as a volleyball player in the Academic Championships of the Lodz Voivodeship and the Academic Championships of Poland. The passion remains to this day. I am a player of the Tigers team playing in the Lodz Amateur Volleyball League. I founded the team together with my colleagues from the field, and one of our current sponsors is the Billennium company.
What did you value most at Lodz University of Technology as a student?
At Lodz University of Technology, I appreciate the opportunity to go on an exchange abroad without having to pass subjects after returning. I spent my mobile semester in Portugal, which allowed me to establish many international contacts that I maintain to this day. Lodz University of Technology really knows how to appreciate the commitment of students. The university grants scholarships not only based on the average, but also recognizes sports or artistic achievements. This is an opportunity that I highly valued during my studies.
Interview by: Dr. Aleksandra Pawlik
Graphics: Filip Podgorski
Photos: Billennium company
Billennium is a team of over 1,700 IT specialists who have been pushing the boundaries of technology since 2003 to deliver innovative IT solutions for businesses. Our offices are located in Poland, Germany, Canada, Malaysia, and India. Over 18 years of experience gained in cooperation with more than 120 clients has allowed us to develop a flexible and optimal follow-the-sun (24/7/365) cooperation model. Thanks to this, we have a real impact on the development of our partners' organizations. We employ only the best IT specialists with an innovative approach to creating IT solutions, constantly focusing on the real needs of our clients.