Remote work done right: The success story Of Dino Melunović

At Tech387, we place great value on our team members as they are integral to the success of our company. As such, we are excited to introduce one of our valued members, Dino Melunović, who works with us as our sole full-time remote employee. Through this blog post, we aim to provide our audience with an opportunity to gain insights into the benefits and challenges of remote work from Dino's perspective. By delving into his unique experience, readers will also gain an understanding of the software development process and the valuable contributions Dino brings to our company.

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A short introduction - meet Dino Melunović

Dino, could you please introduce yourself to our audience? How did you end up in the tech industry?

I have been a proud member of Tech387 for over a year and a half. One of my closest friends and my ex-roommate introduced me to coding. I worked with him as he built his company from scratch. He was a roommate, a programmer, and someone who saw potential in me due to my love for logical problem-solving. He knew about this passion since our high school days when I was competing in mathematics.

During the second grade, I even had the honor of representing my country at a Mediterranean maths competition in Rome. Holding my country's flag up high was the best feeling ever!

Like many beginners, my first attempts at coding were not my best work, but I persevered and eventually found my stride. The freedom and knowledge that came with the realization that I could build an app by myself were exhilarating. So, I started exploring job opportunities and came across an advertisement on LinkedIn for Tech387. Having connections already working within the company, I felt it was a great opportunity to apply.

The application process took a month, and I was able to showcase my experience and skills during the hiring process. Today, I am grateful to be part of this team and excited about the opportunities ahead.

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Dino’s perspective on remote work

What are the benefits and drawbacks of remote working? Does it affect communication with other team members?

In our modern world, remote work has become increasingly common and widely accepted in the tech industry. As a thoughtful individual, I find working remotely more convenient. 

Although I value spending time with my close friends, I struggle to connect with those outside of my inner circle, which can be challenging when it comes to building new professional relationships. 

Coding is a passion of mine, and I am committed to completing my work to the best of my ability. I have to admit that coding is also my hobby, so I code even on weekends. One of the many advantages of remote work is the flexibility it offers. Unlike in an office setting, where you work a set number of hours, remote work allows for a more flexible schedule. The biggest downside of working in an office is that I can't take long breaks to refresh my mind, and due to it I can sometimes become less productive.  Remote work allows me to customize my schedule according to my needs, resulting in higher productivity levels.

Despite working remotely, I managed to maintain strong communication with my team and collaborate as effectively as I was in the office. While small talk is not a direct measurement of productivity, I do appreciate the camaraderie it fosters with my colleagues.

As for the state of remote work in Bosnia, I have noticed that not many companies offer this option. However, I am optimistic that we will follow the trend and allow everyone the freedom to choose whether they prefer working remotely or onsite.

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A bit about Dino’s journey at Tech387

Where do you see your career progressing? Which projects do you consider your biggest accomplishment? 

As a Flutter developer, I initially believed I had a solid understanding of front-end development. However, after a few months in the field, I realized there was much more to learn. I am grateful for this realization, as it allowed me to learn and improve my skills.

My biggest accomplishment thus far has been working on a project where I was responsible for both front-end and back-end development. This project marked my transition to becoming a full-stack developer. I am proud to say that I built the entire app from scratch. 

Currently, I am working on another exciting project as a full-stack developer. Colleagues from our internship, Product Arena, will join me in this endeavor. 

It is common for developers to begin their careers in front-end development and then transition to back-end development. Initially, I believed that back-end development was more difficult, but I now understand that both front-end and back-end development have their unique challenges.

My ultimate career goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire development process. I never chased job titles because I believe that the title doesn't mean much without knowledge. I believe that diversity makes my profession so beautiful, and I strive to continue learning and adapting to changes in the field. 

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Advice for people who want to kick start their tech career

Dino, you are a seasoned programmer, so what would you recommend to people who want a career in this industry? Any words of wisdom to share with them?

As someone who has been working in this industry for some time, I would advise those looking to enter the field to remain humble and remember that there is always more to learn. No matter how experienced you become, there will always be someone who knows more or has a different perspective that can benefit you.

Teamwork is also crucial in this industry. It's essential to build relationships with your mentors and colleagues. Try to build trust and understanding of their approach to problem-solving. While it's important to question and offer your insights, it's equally important to listen and work collaboratively toward the best solution for the project and client.

When faced with a challenging problem, it feels tempting to stay glued to your computer until you come up with a solution. However, I've found that taking breaks and disconnecting from work can be more productive. Whether it's taking a walk or watching a funny YouTube video, doing something else for a bit can give your brain the space it needs to see the problem from a new angle and find a solution.

In summary, my advice to those pursuing a career in this industry is to stay humble, value teamwork, and not be afraid to take breaks and step away from a problem when needed. There is always more to learn. The more open-minded and collaborative you are, the more successful you'll be in this field.

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Dino's Advice for starting a career in tech: Keep learning

Dino Melunović's success story as a remote employee at Tech387 offers valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of remote work in the tech industry. Dino's experience shows that remote work provides greater flexibility and autonomy, which can lead to higher productivity levels. While remote work can be isolating, Dino has found ways to maintain strong communication and collaboration with his team. Dino, an experienced developer, advises newbies in the industry to stay humble while also using their critical thinking skills and speaking up when they have ideas. He believes that if they commit to lifelong learning, they'll be on the path to success. Dino emphasizes that having a fancy title is meaningless without knowledge to back it up.Overall, Dino's story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the tech industry.