We dare you to find a more down-to-earth and attentive person than Cristina. She’s been with us for a while now, starting with our Internship Program this year, and, as well as her colleagues, stayed on the projects after the internship ended. A great success for them, for us, for everyone involved, as we all had something to win. We couldn’t be more proud of her development over the past months and how she handled everything, and given the fact that her focus is on continuous learning, development, and improvement, it’s easy to see why she is definitely a perfect fit. Read on and see what Cristina is all about and you’ll just love her, we vouch for it!
Tell us a bit about yourself. How does Cristina usually spend her personal time?
Let me share a bit about myself. I’m a person who values diversity and balance in life, therefore, in my personal time, I enjoy going out with friends, whether it’s a relaxing dinner or a weekend adventure to explore new destinations. Traveling is a true passion of mine, and discovering new cultures and places energizes me.
I’m a Computer Science student, and I have a job that I’m quite passionate about. I think learning and having significant professional growth is another important aspect of my life, so I dedicate time to both personal and professional development.
Moreover, I try to focus on my well-being, thus, during weekends, I like spending time outdoors, walking, and having fun with friends. Also, I enjoy the opera, the theater, attending music festivals and other art events. Lately, I started focusing on my emotional growth as well, so I try to make an effort to set aside time for myself in order to reflect, to recharge, and to read psychological books. This way, I try to maintain balance in all aspects of my life, creating harmony and richness in my daily experiences.
You started at AscentCore through the internship program. What made you choose us and what appealed to you about the internship program?
I chose AscentCore for the internship program because, during the interview process, I was genuinely impressed by the company’s atmosphere and the people I met. The positive vibe and the enthusiasm of the team left a strong impression on me. I felt that the company fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, which aligns with my values and career aspirations.
Additionally, the technologies used at AscentCore and the projects planned for the internship piqued my interest. I saw this as a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies and to contribute to meaningful projects. The company’s commitment to professional development and growth further solidified my decision.
Tell us about your proudest moment throughout the program.
One of my proudest moments during the program was when I had the opportunity to do a demo of my work, and the positive reaction from my colleagues and supervisors was truly rewarding. It was great to see that the effort and dedication I had put into my projects were not only noticed but also appreciated by the team. This moment reinforced my passion for the work I was doing and gave me the confidence to continue pushing my boundaries.
Another significant source of pride for me was when I was selected to work on a project after completing the internship. It was a clear indication that the organization had faith in my abilities and valued my contributions. This transition marked a new phase in my professional journey and was proof of the growth and development I had experienced during the program.
How was the transition from internship to working on a big project?
The transition from the internship to working on a substantial project was a significant step in my career journey. The project was quite different from what I had encountered before in terms of both the programming language and the architecture. It was considerably more complex than anything I had worked on previously, especially given the scale of the project.
However, the transition was made considerably smoother and more manageable thanks to the incredible support I received from my team. The team members were not only welcoming but also exceptionally helpful. Their mentorship and guidance have been instrumental in helping me integrate into this new project and adapt to the challenges it presented.
In spite of the initial complexity, this transition has been an invaluable learning experience for me. It has provided me with an opportunity to expand my skill set, grow as a professional, and tackle more substantial challenges. I’m grateful for the chance to work on this big project and for the continuous support from my team, who have made the transition a rewarding and enriching journey.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My typical workday has evolved over time, especially when I compare it to my schedule during the internship program. Before starting my classes at university, during the internship, I had a well-established routine. I would wake up, follow my morning routine, and then head to the office. My day usually started with checking emails and updates. This was followed by our daily team meeting, where we discussed the project’s progress. After that, I would dive into my tasks for the day. I also took breaks from time to time to play games with my colleagues or enjoy a cup of coffee. I found this interaction with my colleagues to be not only enjoyable but also a great way to build strong working relationships.
When I returned home, and if I didn’t have any household chores to attend to, I devoted my evenings to my hobbies.
Since I started university, I’ve had to adjust and find a balance between my academic commitments and my hobbies. This means I often work in the early morning or in the evening, especially on days when I have classes. During breaks between classes and on weekends, I try to make time for my hobbies. It’s all about maintaining that balance and ensuring that I’m productive both at work and in my studies, while still finding time for the things I’m passionate about.
What emerging tech are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?
I am particularly optimistic about emerging technologies related to mobile app development. During my internship, I had the opportunity to work with Android and Kotlin, and I found it to be an exciting and rapidly evolving field. I developed a strong affinity for these technologies, and they have become my favorites. Java and React are also among my preferences. Additionally, I have a keen interest in Python and machine learning, as I believe these technologies have the potential to drive innovation in various industries.
On the other hand, I am less optimistic about low-level programming and hardware-related technologies, such as C. While I understand the importance of these technologies, I find them to be less aligned with my personal interests and strengths. I am more drawn to high-level programming and software development, where I feel I can make a greater impact and enjoy the creative aspects of problem-solving.
In summary, my optimism is fueled by the potential for growth and innovation in mobile app development, as well as the versatility and utility of high-level programming languages. While I appreciate the significance of low-level technologies, they are not my preferred domain of expertise.
What’s the best piece of tech-related media you’ve read/watched/listened to?
I don’t necessarily have specific favorites, but I find value in various sources of tech-related media. To stay updated, I regularly check AI news and incidents, and I also explore tech updates on LinkedIn. Additionally, I often turn to YouTube for insightful content on tech products and trends.
When it comes to learning, I utilize platforms like Udemy and Coursera, which offer a wide range of tech-related courses covering diverse topics, from programming to artificial intelligence.
Books also contribute to my understanding of tech-related subjects. While I don’t have specific preferences, I find that reading tech-related books helps me gain a deeper insight into various topics and trends. In summary, my approach is to stay informed and continually expand my knowledge through a variety of sources.
Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?
My favorite AscentCore value is relationships. While I deeply appreciate and resonate with all of AscentCore’s core values, the emphasis placed on relationships and people stands out to me the most. Building strong and meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, and partners is not only essential for fostering a positive work environment but also for driving collaborative efforts and achieving shared goals.
I believe that people are at the heart of any successful venture and human interactions are an aspect that differentiates us from artificial intelligence. By fostering genuine relationships and understanding the value each individual brings to the table, we can create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. This, in turn, enhances teamwork, encourages open communication, and fuels innovation.
In my experience, when relationships are prioritized, it paves the way for integrity and results to naturally follow. Strong relationships are the foundation upon which trust, honesty, and ethical conduct are built. Moreover, when people collaborate effectively, it significantly contributes to achieving outstanding results.
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 value of continuous learning and adaptation. As the tech industry evolves rapidly, I’ve come to realize that staying current and adaptable is crucial for both personal and professional growth. During my time here, I’ve witnessed firsthand how being open to new technologies, methodologies, and approaches can lead to innovation and success.
AscentCore encourages a culture of learning and experimentation, which has taught me that it’s okay to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. This mindset has not only expanded my skill set but has also made me a more versatile and resilient professional.
In addition, I’ve learned that collaboration and effective communication are integral to achieving our goals. Working with diverse teams and engaging in cross-functional projects has emphasized the importance of teamwork, and I’ve discovered that the collective wisdom of the group often leads to more creative solutions.
Overall, my time at AscentCore has been a continuous lesson in adaptability, innovation, and the power of collective effort.
What’s next in your career journey? What skills are you looking forward to developing?
In my career journey, I’m really excited about what lies ahead. I want to dive deeper into mobile app development because I find it fascinating, and I want to stay updated with the latest trends in this field.
I’m also eager to improve my skills in machine learning and data science. I think these skills are highly valuable across various industries, and I want to be part of that.
Aside from the technical stuff, I’m working on getting better at teamwork and communication. I’ve learned that these skills are crucial no matter what you do, and I want to be more effective at working with others and sharing ideas.
So, in summary, my career journey is all about learning and growing, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Last but not least, what would you recommend to someone looking for an Internship program?
I consider that when seeking an internship program, one important aspect is to invest time in research. A thorough research of companies and industries that align with someone’s career interests and goals as well as culture and values is an essential first step. Additionally, creating strong network relationships can be highly beneficial. In this regard, discussing with professors, career counselors, professionals in this field or even friends can sometimes lead to valuable internship offers. Of course, being well-prepared for interviews is crucial. Moreover, a practice of the interview skills in order to be able to discuss the strengths, experiences, and how someone can contribute to the organization can be really helpful. One last piece of advice is to remain open-minded. Being receptive to exploring a variety of roles and fields during an internship offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience and discover your true passions.
