‘Spotlight on’ is our blog series where we get up-close with the people who make Maven Mule great.
Today we get to know Maven Mule's software developer and technical consultant Stjepan Mlakic.
What inspired you to pursue a career in software development?
I've always had a strong interest in technology, which led me to study Electrical Engineering and Computing. Funny thing is that I had no prior experience with programming before college. But once I began learning about it and delving into the world of development, I quickly realized it was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
What was your experience as a student working for an international IT company as your first job?
Balancing my studies with a job was certainly challenging, but it provided me with invaluable experience in development, team coordination, customer communication, and multitasking, especially during times when I had to juggle important work and exam preparation. It wasn't easy and demanded a lot of commitment, but if you ask whether it was worth it, I'd say absolutely.
How did Maven Mule support your transition from a student to a full-time employee?
I have had numerous opportunities to learn and grow at Maven Mule over the years, so the transition to full-time was pretty smooth. I had already been taking on responsibilities that made me feel like a full-time employee, so the shift felt natural.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I appreciate most is the flexibility and freedom I have. The focus is on what needs to be done, not how it should be done, which allows me to figure things out independently or with my teammates. Being able to work remotely if needed is another great perk. I'm someone who enjoys the office environment and working alongside my colleagues, but it's nice to have the option to spend a week at home with family while still being able to get all my work done.
What are your current responsibilities as a full-time software developer?
As both a developer and a consultant, I engage in a wide range of tasks throughout my day—development, solution design, team coordination, and customer calls. I enjoy this variety because it allows me to experience a bit of everything, keeping my daily activities diverse and engaging.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?
I've been learning Spanish on Duolingo for the past four years, aiming to master another foreign language besides English. I feel like I've reached a pretty good level, but after my last visit to Spain, I realized I still have a long way to go to comfortably communicate with native speakers—they just speak soooo fast!
Can you share an example of a memorable team experience or collaboration?
Every team-building event is memorable—at least for those who haven't enjoyed them a bit too much (fortunately, that hasn't been me—yet). Whether it's paintball battles, barbecues, or sharing funny stories, it's always great to spend some stress-free time with my colleagues.
What has been your proudest moment at Maven Mule so far?
Every successful release of a functionality that we've worked on for a long time is a proud moment for me. Seeing customers use the feature and be happy with it validates all the effort we put in. I can't pinpoint a single moment, but there have been many small victories over the past four years that I'm proud of.
How do you see your role evolving in the next few years?
I let things unfold naturally. I've learned that hard work and commitment will lead to bigger and better opportunities, so I focus on the present and don't stress too much about the future.
What advice would you give to students or aspiring software developers?
I would advise any student to start working as early as possible during their studies. Consider how much time you have outside of college activities for work. Try to get an internship and see how you can balance college and work life. If it becomes too much, you can always step back and focus solely on your studies. But if you find that balance, it will benefit you greatly once your studies are completed. However, don't take on too many responsibilities—make sure to leave enough free time to enjoy student life. You don't want to have regrets about missing out on those experiences once they're over!