From JavaScript Summer School Student to Full-Time Employee: How and Why That Happened

JavaScript School is Pixion’s original educational program whose aim is to impart practical knowledge to students, increase the company's presence and recognition within the community and to recruit prospective software development candidates. During a 6 week course, scholars had the chance to improve their JavaScript knowledge and to familiarise more with the company culture.

How did you become a Pixion engineer?

Before enrolling in Pixion's JavaScript School, I had already completed two online academies. While they were valuable, the experience couldn't compare to the in-person sessions at Pixion. Going to live classes on Saturdays at the office made for a more intimate and enjoyable learning environment. Additionally, unlike the previous programs which were frontend-focused, JavaScript School at Pixion provided a full-stack development education, encompassing both front-end and back-end development. This approach was particularly advantageous for me.

The sense of connection and accessibility at JavaScript School was unparalleled, significantly influencing my decision to seek employment there. The convenience of the office's location near my university (FER) was also a bonus. Initially, I joined Pixion on a student contract due to my ongoing university commitments. Despite this, I received tremendous support from the team leads and company owners. I'm especially grateful to my team lead, Stipan, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing my studies and encouraged us to graduate before fully committing to work.

Once I was ready to take on a full-time role, I asked for a meeting to discuss transitioning from my student contract. The meeting was brief and cordial, almost a mere formality, which reassured me of my valued place within the team.

Why did you decide to join Pixion?

My decision to join Pixion as an engineer was influenced by several standout aspects from my time at the JavaScript School and subsequent employment. Firstly, Pixion boasts a genuinely warm work and business culture. While many companies claim to have a 'family-like' atmosphere, Pixion truly embodies this ethos, fostering a natural camaraderie and collaboration among team members.

Moreover, the benefits at Pixion are not only appealing but also enhance the work environment, making it exceptionally enjoyable. I believe Pixion is the perfect setting to forge a career in development, offering more than just a job. The projects are dynamic, and within a short span, I encountered numerous challenges and technologies. Unlike many junior developers who might not explore diverse technologies early on, I was quickly exposed to a variety of new tools and tasked with devising solutions for intricate issues within less than a year. At no point did I feel like a mere ”code monkey” simply executing tasks without context.

As a novice, I was granted considerable autonomy and trust to tackle complex problems independently, which played a crucial role in my growth as a developer. This level of support and confidence in my abilities greatly enhanced my professional development and reinforced my sense of belonging within the team.

How long did it take you to feel part of Pixion - in the professional and social segment, and what kind of support did you get from the rest of the team?

Professionally, I was fully immersed in project work within just a week, actively contributing to the team. The project was challenging, but I received substantial support and understanding from my team lead. After a month, I grew more accustomed to the project and its codebase, which, like all projects, continued to evolve.

Peer support was invaluable, providing me with detailed feedback and mentorship.

Socially, I integrated into the Pixion community swiftly, thanks to the open and friendly nature of the entire team. My colleagues welcomed me warmly and involved me in various activities, which sped up my feeling of belonging.

Two key factors that helped me feel at home quickly were:

1. A classmate from JavaScript School started at Pixion just a week after I did, offering companionship in a similar new-start situation, which was fantastic.
2. The office layout, while not tiny, isn't crowded with more than 20 people per room, making it easier to forge friendships with office mates, particularly within my team.

Initially, it felt odd, but I came to appreciate having the company owners, like Mario, sitting at the adjacent table. For the first half of the year, I sat next to him, and even now, I share a room with the original group I started with, plus a few newcomers, all of us having moved to a larger space together.

Image 1 - Me at job fair

Overall, the team's support was phenomenal, especially during our ”balcony time” breaks where we relax, enjoy drinks, and play music, embracing all tastes.

What's the best/most interesting/most useful part of working at Pixion?

The highlight of being a Pixion engineer is the ongoing opportunity for learning and professional growth. Engaging in challenging projects has continually sharpened my skills. Collaborating with a talented and driven team pushes me to excel. Pixion's tailored approach to education and mentorship has broadened my technical skills and deepened my grasp of software development.

Here, I've had the chance to experiment with various new technologies and tackle intricate problems, which has significantly hastened my career advancement. Pixion's work culture thrives on a genuinely friendly atmosphere, where support from colleagues is always forthcoming. As a newcomer, I was entrusted with considerable freedom to independently address complex tasks, a key element in my growth.

Moreover, the chances for social interaction through team activities and events enrich the work experience at Pixion. The workplace is enjoyable, and the strong sense of community and mutual support truly makes Pixion an exceptional place to work.

I hope you've enjoyed my journey. If you're curious to learn more about Pixion's company culture and how we approach employment, check out our Career Page. Cheers!