Your starting point: Who are you?
What is your role and since when have you been working at 2-Controlware? What did you do before this (study, other job)? Why did you choose 2-Controlware at the time? My name is Menno and I started as a senior backend developer just over a year ago. Before this, I worked as an app developer and also as a full stack developer. At the time, I still lived near Rotterdam, but I've been living in Breda for 8 years now. When a vacancy so close to home became available, I went in for a chat. I went from a 30-minute car ride in traffic to a 10-minute walk from home. Ultimately, I chose 2-Controlware to focus on developing one product instead of building multiple products for different clients. The click with the team was also immediately good. After the first week, it already felt familiar, as if I had been working there for much longer.
The core of the story: Your growth
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your first year and how did you overcome it? What new skills (professional and personal) have you learned? How has 2-Controlware helped you to grow (think of training, coaching, projects)? What project or achievement from your first year are you most proud of? The biggest challenge was understanding the complex functionalities of the product, the Authorization Box. By tackling them one by one, with or without a colleague's help, it becomes clearer and clearer. Through unit tests, automated tests, and manual testing, the chance of bugs is reduced. This was done less at previous employers, so I've learned a lot from 2CW. Taking courses is also actively encouraged, and that has helped me to get the hang of writing tests faster. It's great to be able to learn from others, but also to be able to teach others something. With my experience from previous employers, I have also been able to implement changes here that can serve as a basis for setting up new projects.
The atmosphere: Working at 2-Controlware
How would you describe the company culture and the atmosphere in your team? Share a fun or characteristic anecdote from your first year that says something about the collaboration or the atmosphere. What makes working with your colleagues pleasant? The atmosphere is informal and easygoing. There's time for a laugh and an interest in each other's personal lives. For example, during our break, we walk a lap with whoever wants to and talk about things other than work. We also have "Your hobby, my hobby" once a year, where someone talks about their hobby and we all go do it together. For instance, we once went hockey, and it became clear that some people are very competitive.
Looking back and ahead
What is the most important lesson you've taken away from your first year? How have you changed as a person and professional since working here? What are you looking forward to in the coming year? Since I started working at 2CW, and thus close to home, I have much more time per day with my children. Especially now that they are still young, that is worth a lot. That a fun job is important, but a fun job close to home that gives you more time for what's truly important, that's golden. In the coming year, I am excited to modernize existing projects.
Your golden tip
What would you like to share with someone who is considering applying to 2-Controlware or has just started? If you want to work in a pleasant team, come by sometime. Personality is just as important as your expertise.
