UpTeam Success Story

Svetlana Klochkova is one of our tech leads, here at UpTeam. She has 10 years experience in software engineering, an excellent developer and leader and she manages a team of 10 developers. We virtually sat down with her to find out more about what set her on the road to success. Let's see how that went.

• Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like? What’s your role at UpTeam?

SK: I am a tech lead on one of UpTeam’s projects since September. Before that, I was a Software Engineer for 8 years. My typical day contains a lot of code reviews, communication sessions with our engineers and clients, and activities related to complex integration tasks and new system functionality.

• Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do? How did you decide it’s the best path for you?

SK: I have always been interested in computers and technology since my childhood. So, I guess I can say that I always wanted to be a part of it. I studied in a Polytechnic University and I graduated from the Information Systems and Technologies Faculty.

• What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

SK: I would say that the biggest accomplishment so far is becoming a tech lead. I proved my abilities working in numerous teams and projects and will continue to do so until I eventually become a Software Architect. Besides that, I am proud to say that my work has had very good outcomes on our clients’ businesses so far.

Svetlana with 2 of her team members (Irina - left and Elizaveta - right) at UpTeam's New Years' Eve Corporate Gala.

• What was the biggest challenge you managed to overcome?

SK: I would say that the moment I started at UpTeam was pretty challenging because I jumped right in the world of international communications and new technologies at the same time. The technologies used were not new, but the culture and the rhythm were. I quickly adapted and embraced future challenges.?

• What is the one thing you would do everyday and not get bored?

SK: I would never get bored searching for causes and effects. The most interesting part for me in what I do is finding the most effective solution to some structural quests - to eventually find the right solution for our clients on how to build the most effective process, what stack to use and so on.?

• Can you tell us your funniest memory at UpTeam??

SK: I think the funniest things happen at corporate gatherings. For example, I remember we had a pajama party on Thanksgiving day a couple of years ago. Most of the people wore Kigurumi (onesies). We played on the PlayStation VR and ate turkey. There is always something memorable happening at UpTeam’s events.

• What would you do if you had to choose another career tomorrow?

SK: I guess it might be something related to problem-solving. Because I really enjoy searching for causes and effects, getting to the bottom of things and being able to take action and solve problems quickly.?

• What do you wish you had known when you first started in the tech industry?

SK: It’s been a while since I started my IT career, and my journey was pretty smooth, mostly due to the right mindset. I was very determined and learned everything along the way. I wouldn’t change anything.?

• What do you like most about working at UpTeam?

SK: The opportunities. The opportunity to work with great people. The opportunity to grow as a professional. The opportunity to be part of an international company and do business with US-based clients.

• What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry??

SK: I don’t have specific advice for women, but for everyone who wants to make a career in the tech industry: you need to be passionate about problem-solving, causal relationships, and logic. If you can manage this, there is no programming language that will cause you trouble.

• What’s next for you? What are your plans for the future??

SK: In the near future, I will take advantage of all the amazing career development opportunities UpTeam has to offer and will work to become a Software Architect.