Discover the story of Horia Balc, a Software Engineer who brings the same determination to code as he does to the starting line of a marathon. Guided by discipline, curiosity, and a strong analytical mindset, he approaches software development as both a craft and a continuous learning journey.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi! I’m Horia, and I’m passionate about running, whether on the road or on the trails. I train regularly and compete at an amateur level, having completed multiple marathons and ultramarathons, along with a few podium finishes in local races.
Running is more than just a sport for me. It’s a way to stay disciplined, energized, and balanced. I approach challenges in both running and life with determination and persistence. When I’m not running, I enjoy hiking, spending time in nature, and reading in my spare time, which helps me recharge and stay creative.
What inspired your career journey and led you to become a Software Engineer?
I have always been an analytical person with a love for problem-solving, which started back in high school when I discovered my passion for mathematics. I enjoyed breaking down complex problems, finding patterns, and thinking logically, skills that naturally drew me toward programming.
During university, I discovered how much I loved creating software: building tools and solutions that have a tangible impact and bring ideas to life. The process of turning abstract concepts into functioning applications excites me and drives my growth every day. Programming combines my analytical mindset with creativity, allowing me to continuously learn, experiment, and challenge myself.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical day usually starts with checking messages and joining the daily stand-up, where I actively participate in team discussions, share updates, and collaborate on planning solutions with my colleagues. After that, I focus on development tasks such as implementing new features, fixing bugs, and reviewing code. Being involved in discussions and teamwork is just as important as writing code, it helps me learn faster, grow professionally, gain business knowledge, and support the team whenever needed.
Running is an important part of my routine, so I plan my training sessions either early in the morning or after work. Maintaining an active lifestyle helps me clear my mind, stay productive, and bring energy and focus to my work.
What is your favorite technology or tool, and why?
My favorite programming language is JavaScript because it was the language that first made me fall in love with web development. I enjoy how versatile it is and how it allows me to build creative solutions. I also enjoy working with React, a powerful library for building dynamic user interfaces, and Next.js, a framework that helps me create efficient and scalable web applications.
One of the tools I use daily and find invaluable is Git, which makes collaboration and version control seamless. It’s an essential part of working in a team and producing high-quality software.
Which AscentCore value resonates with you the most, and why?
The value that resonates most with me is continuous growth, not just improving technically, but also developing soft skills, gaining business knowledge, and evolving as a person.
At AscentCore, I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing team whose support and collaboration have helped me gain confidence, become more involved in technical discussions, and actively contribute to team processes. Every challenge here is an opportunity to grow professionally, socially, and personally, and the people I work with make that growth both inspiring and enjoyable.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned at AscentCore is that I’m never alone in my journey. The company encourages creativity, curiosity, and an open-minded approach, allowing me to explore new ideas, ask questions, and collaborate freely with my teammates.
This supportive environment not only challenges me technically but also helps me grow as an engineer and as a person, making every project an opportunity to learn and improve.
