In this edition of our Employee Stories, we reconnect with Corina Velea, one of AscentCore’s talented Technical Leads. Corina’s journey reflects an inspiring evolution from a junior developer to a trusted business partner and team leader. By embracing change and continuous learning, she shares insights into her growth, the challenges she’s overcome, and the rewarding moments.
Dive into Corina’s story to discover how passion, resilience, and a commitment to personal and professional development drive her success at AscentCore.
How has your role or responsibilities evolved since our last interview?
Reflecting on my journey from junior developer to tech lead, I’ve learned to appreciate each phase. Every role has unique rewards, from acquiring new tools as a mid-level developer to mastering priorities as a senior. Now, as a tech lead, I focus on decision-making and guiding others — a rewarding, ongoing learning process. My advice? Don’t rush to reach the destination; each stage has beautiful moments.
As a junior developer, you’re in the “learning to learn” phase, with the time and support to grow and role models to guide you. As a mid-level developer, you’re ready to apply what you’ve learned, a time I remember as a rapid growth phase. In a senior role, you start mastering your craft, focusing on what truly matters. And as a tech lead, you take on a leadership role, helping others navigate challenges and become their go-to guide when things get tough.
Can you share any significant achievements or projects you’ve been involved in since then?
For over three years, I’ve collaborated closely with our client, achieving milestones and exploring different tech stacks. Recently, I’ve grown from a technical contributor to a true business partner, thanks to the support of my manager, Georgiana. This shift has deepened my alignment with the client’s vision, and now I’m trusted to provide valuable insights during brainstorming sessions. It’s empowering to be part of each project as a shared mission.
What new skills or knowledge have you acquired since our last conversation?
From a technical standpoint, I’ve made significant progress in the world of web development. I’ve had opportunities to create PoCs, work on MVPs with tight deadlines, as well as on features where quality was the main focus. I’ve learned how to select the right tech stack based on application requirements, make architectural decisions, and tackle performance issues. I’ve discovered that a web application involves much more than just development. I’ve gained valuable knowledge in SEO, analytics, marketing, user data, and integrations with services and third-party tools.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced in your role recently? How did you overcome them?
Learning to embrace change has been a significant challenge. Sometimes it’s hard to let go, but we can only grow by accepting when certain ideas don’t achieve the desired outcome, shifting direction, and starting anew. This was challenging for me since I’m the kind of person who believes that with enough effort, most things can work out.
However, I was lucky to work with two incredible people, the CTO and the VP of Product and Engineering at our client, who have been role models for me. They showed me how taking risks and exploring new ground is essential for progress and innovation. At the same time, they taught me the importance of being realistic and regularly evaluating results objectively, so that you can filter out the truly promising solutions.
Are there any areas of professional development or growth you’re currently pursuing?
The tech lead role is still relatively new to me. Some aspects come naturally, such as coaching and advocating for my teammates. I’ve always preferred understanding the bigger picture rather than just bits and pieces. I also like to understand the whys behind decisions, including the strategy and business value behind them.
However, there are also challenging situations to navigate, like constructive feedback and conflict resolution. It’s not always easy to put management best practices into action when dealing with difficult, real-world scenarios.
Reflecting on your time at AscentCore, what standout moments or experiences come to mind?
I’ve made valuable friends here. It’s so nice to know you have a place where you’re always welcomed, where people smile when they see you, and where you start your days laughing and chatting about random stuff. While specific things might change over time – from board game nights when we were a 20-person company to barbecue Thursdays with our team of 26 – the feeling that we’re like a family has never left.
Have there been any changes in your personal interests or hobbies that you’d like to share since our last interview?
Haha, yes! In recent years, I’ve developed a passion for psychology and philosophy. I’m old school and prefer reading books to consuming video content, so I’ve spent the last three years diving into the human mind as a personal hobby. It’s fascinating and even influences how I approach leadership and teamwork.
Recently, I also discovered how much joy I find in capturing nature and landscapes when I’m out exploring. Flowers, trees, insects, animals, majestic mountains, the sea, cliffs, and the endless blue sky – nothing feels more beautiful or fulfilling. Being able to capture its beauty fills my heart with pure happiness. I’ll share with you some of the pictures I took in 2024.
How do you see your career trajectory aligning with the future goals of AscentCore?
AscentCore has supported me throughout my entire journey. I’ve always received help when I needed it, and I am confident that this support will continue in the future.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or share about your journey with us since our last conversation?
I still love coding on the terrace and doing photosynthesis. Some things never change! 🙂
