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Evan (24) studied Software Engineering at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. When he was nineteen he moved from Hengelo to Amsterdam and started as a meeloop intern at Move. Meanwhile, Evan does all kinds of things within Move. Besides Developer, he is the primary supervisor of Android interns, you can find him on all internship markets and he is the right hand of a Product Owner. Want to know more? Then read on.
What does your role as an Android Developer at Move entail?
'That I work daily in a skilled team, where I can develop myself by fulfilling our customers' wishes. Because of the wide variety of customers, many different digital products have to be built and coordinated with the customer. That variety makes it super dynamic. We work in sprints according to the agile/scrum methodology, in which you take full ownership of what you deliver at the bottom line. I like that - with great power comes great responsibility. The result of my work is a product that many people use. For example, I recently discovered by chance that my grandmother is a Budget Home customer and uses the app. She didn't know at all that I had developed that app and was quite surprised when I told her. Those are very funny things, those moments give me a lot of satisfaction.
What makes working at Move special?
'Because of the freedom and confidence that Move gives me, I found out that I really like the communication aspect of my work. As a result, I now also support a Product Owner on the client side. I help organize and coordinate tasks and projects, make sure my own team members can do their jobs without problems by removing obstacles, and I help keep track of schedules and long-term goals so everyone knows what needs to be done and when. I'm basically a Developer who both programs and thinks and helps with the big picture of the project, making sure everything runs smoothly. I like that very much so far!
What can you tell about the Android team?
'We have a weekly 'department meeting' in which team members keep each other up to date on the latest developments in the market and challenges on current projects. Everyone has their own expertise and this comes together very nicely in these meetings. The entire team learns from each other and continues to develop itself. As a result, we always stay on that cutting edge. In some cases, we are even ahead of the cutting edge by researching and using platforms and techniques that are still in an 'alpha phase'. This way we are in the starting blocks at the moment when these are further developed and ready for use. There are many important meetings, but in IT, as far as I'm concerned, it's the meetings in which you develop your skills and keep up with them that count.'
Trick question: the Move culture in five sentences?
'A culture of hard work with a team that strives for quality and innovation. We have a very friendly club. The hard work comes from the desire to deliver cool products together. We never choose the easy solution, but always the best. Also, at Move you get a lot of freedom to take responsibility and put your own stamp on projects.'
You moved to Amsterdam for work at a young age. How do you look back on that?Â
'Besides starting a new job, my move was really the beginning of a whole new life. The colleagues at Move welcomed me and got to know the ins and outs of the city. In Amsterdam, I find much more connection with people. Of course, it's not a huge city; compared to Tokyo, it's a suburb. But being the largest city in the Netherlands, you find your niche here more quickly. Besides, I just really like the architecture, history and historical context. I prefer walking the streets on Sunday evenings to take pictures of empty streets.'
What are the main benefits of working at Move for young Developers?
For young Developers, Move is a great place to grow. Here you learn not only how to build a product, but especially how to make a good product. This difference in approach is crucial for your career. You get the space to develop yourself professionally and personally and to improve your skills. You can achieve a lot in a short time. For example, during my internship I shadowed an experienced Developer on the project for Budget Home. Nowadays I am Head Android of that project. The circle has come full circle after four years. My advice to young Developers at the beginning of their careers? Choose self-development over 'flashy' titles and high salaries.
Also part of our dynamic Android team? Check out the job posting.
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