Passion + Commitment + Consistency – these principles have been Cristi’s guiding stars on his remarkable career journey, leading him to where he stands today. And guess what? He’s right here with us! Our sit-down with him was… well, let’s say “meticulous,” just like everything else he does. Take a peek at his daily routine, and you’ll see what we mean.
Moreover, Cristi’s time here at AscentCore has taught him essential qualities like patience and meticulous attention to detail. It speaks volumes about his approach to everything he takes on. But beyond his professional capabilities, Cristi is a genuinely down-to-earth individual with a fantastic character. So, without further ado, please give a warm welcome to Cristian Mardare.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How does Cristian usually spend his personal time?
Certainly, I’d be happy to provide some insights into how I typically spend my personal time.
One of my key priorities during my personal time is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I’m a dedicated gym-goer and consider regular exercise an essential part of my routine. Whether it’s lifting weights, engaging in cardiovascular workouts, or practicing yoga, the gym is where I find solace and rejuvenation. This commitment to fitness not only keeps me physically active but also contributes to my mental well-being, helping me stay focused and energized in both my personal and professional life.
In addition to my fitness routine, I also enjoy unwinding by watching Netflix. It’s my go-to platform for relaxation and entertainment. I believe that taking some time to disconnect and enjoy a well-crafted show or movie is essential for mental balance. It allows me to explore diverse narratives, engage with different cultures, and occasionally indulge in a good laugh or a thought-provoking story. This recreational activity helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Moreover, I have a deep-seated passion for coding, which extends beyond my professional responsibilities. I spend a significant portion of my personal time working on coding projects that pique my interest and creativity. These personal projects serve as a playground for innovation and self-improvement. They allow me to explore new technologies, experiment with fresh ideas, and continually develop my coding skills. This pursuit not only fuels my curiosity but also keeps me engaged and motivated outside of my work hours.
In summary, my personal time is a well-balanced mix of fitness, relaxation through Netflix, and the pursuit of creative coding projects. These activities not only enrich my life but also contribute to my personal growth and fulfillment.
What led you on your career path, to ultimately become a Senior Software Engineer?
My journey to becoming a Senior Software Engineer has been guided by three foundational pillars: passion, commitment, and consistency.
First and foremost, my passion for technology ignited my career path. From an early age, I was drawn to computers and their potential to solve complex problems. This innate curiosity and enthusiasm led me to pursue a degree in computer science. As I delved deeper into the world of programming and software development, my passion only intensified. The joy I found in crafting elegant solutions to intricate problems fueled my determination to pursue a career in software engineering.
Commitment has been a driving force throughout my career journey. I recognized that achieving my goals in the software engineering field would require unwavering dedication. I committed to continuously enhancing my skills, staying abreast of emerging technologies, and seeking opportunities for professional growth. This commitment manifested in countless hours spent learning, coding, and collaborating with peers to expand my knowledge and expertise.
Consistency has played a pivotal role in my career progression. I firmly believe that consistent effort over time yields significant results. Whether it was consistently delivering high-quality code on projects, consistently seeking feedback to improve my skills, or consistently adapting to the evolving tech landscape, I strived for excellence in a steady and unwavering manner. This approach allowed me to build a solid foundation of technical competence and gain the trust of colleagues and supervisors.
Through the combination of passion, commitment, and consistency, I have navigated my career path to become a Senior Software Engineer. Each day, I approach my work with the same fervor that initially sparked my interest in this field. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, both as an individual and as part of a dynamic team, to contribute to innovative solutions and drive the success of my organization.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday for me is a well-structured and balanced routine that blends professional commitments with personal pursuits, allowing me to maximize productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
My day begins at 5 AM, as I believe in the value of an early start. This early morning ritual provides me with quiet, uninterrupted time to set the tone for the day. I dedicate the next few hours, from 5 AM to 8 AM, to my physical well-being by heading to the gym. Exercise not only keeps me in good shape but also clears my mind and energizes me for the day ahead.
Following my gym session, I start my workday promptly at 9 AM. Throughout the workday, I maintain a strong focus on prioritizing tasks, collaborating with team members, and meeting deadlines to ensure the success of our projects.
I typically work until 6 PM, ensuring that I complete my daily tasks and leave no critical issues unresolved. The structured work hours allow me to achieve a healthy work-life balance while ensuring that I meet professional expectations.
After work, my evenings provide a blend of relaxation and personal growth. I often spend time working on personal coding projects, which allow me to explore my creativity and expand my skill set. Alternatively, I might unwind by watching Netflix and enjoying some downtime, usually concluding around 9 PM.
This balanced routine, encompassing an early start, exercise, dedicated work hours, and personal development or leisure activities, helps me maintain my productivity, stay motivated, and ensure that I am both personally and professionally fulfilled. It also allows me to recharge for the next day, ready to face new challenges and opportunities in my career and personal life.
What emerging tech are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?
I appreciate your inquiry regarding emerging technologies and the level of optimism associated with them. As a technology enthusiast and professional, I am indeed quite enthusiastic about the rapid advancements and innovations taking place in various sectors. Let me share my perspectives on both the most optimistic and least optimistic aspects of emerging tech:
Most Optimistic:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: I’m highly optimistic about AI and ML for their transformative potential across industries and their ability to address global challenges.
Green Technologies: Sustainable tech innovations offer solutions to combat climate change and create economic opportunities.
Least Optimistic:
Privacy and Security Concerns: My concern lies in the potential privacy and security risks associated with the proliferation of connected devices and data collection.
Digital Inequality: Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure that emerging tech benefits all segments of society and doesn’t exacerbate disparities.
What is your favorite tech?
My favorite tech stack would undoubtedly be Node.js paired with MongoDB. This combination offers a powerful and versatile environment for building a wide range of applications, from web and mobile to server-side scripting. Node.js, known for its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, allows for efficient and scalable server-side development, making it particularly appealing for real-time applications and microservices.
MongoDB, as a NoSQL database, complements Node.js seamlessly by providing flexibility in data modeling and storage. Its ability to handle unstructured data and dynamic schemas makes it an excellent choice for applications where data structures can evolve over time.
Together, Node.js and MongoDB enable rapid development, scalability, and adaptability, making them my top choice for a tech stack when embarking on diverse software projects.
What’s the best piece of tech-related media you’ve read/watched/listened to?
One of the most intriguing pieces of tech-related media I recently encountered is an article titled “Researchers Claim They Developed a Room Temperature Superconductor,” published on The Quantum Insider in July 2023. The article explores the groundbreaking potential of a room-temperature superconductor, which could revolutionize industries like energy and transportation. This piece serves as a testament to the power of innovation and research in shaping our technological future, leaving a profound impact on my enthusiasm for tech advancements.
Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?
I cannot pick a favorite but what is indeed my favorite is the company motto: “Come for the project, stay for the people”.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here at AscentCore?
The most important lesson I’ve learned during my time at AscentCore is the dual importance of patience and attention to detail. Patience has taught me the value of methodical planning and perseverance, while a strong emphasis on attention to detail has honed my ability to approach tasks with thoroughness and precision. These principles have not only shaped my professional growth but have also become essential pillars in my approach to work at AscentCore, driving both individual and team success.
AscentCore celebrates its 5-year anniversary this year. Could you share your favorite moment from your time in the company? What are you most excited about for the years to come?
One of my favorite moments at AscentCore has been the enjoyable team-building events and office parties that brought our team closer together.
