MeetMerix: Wiktor - Python Developer

Internet security expert. It is the first thing on Merix folks’ minds when they think about Wiktor, who is the hero of today's’ #MeetMerix story. Wiktor works as a Python Developer, here at Merixstudio. When he's not coding, Wiktor likes to break stuff and see how they work, train field shooting, or snowboard. It’s a variety of interests! And in addition, Wiktor also finds time to take care of his little, sweet daughter and… brewing his own beer. That’s quite a combination! :)

• Tell us something about yourself.
  I come from Kołobrzeg, I’ve taken interest in programming about four years ago while studying in Warsaw which reminds me of a funny story. Being disappointed with my studies I’ve decided to join the local Hackerspace community. At the very beginning, I was told that no one who has joined them made it to the degree. It took me 3 months to drop out of my college, but now I’m glad I made this decision. It let me move on and find out what I actually want to do in my life.
• What are your main responsibilities at Merxistudio?
  I work on projects in Python. This requires both decent programming skills and the ability to perform some DevOps tasks.
• What is important to you while working?
  Ability to deliver a stable solution which is why I’m a big fan of writing decent tests.
• Tell us something about your beginnings in the company.
  Well, I’ve made a few attempts to join Merixstudio, so it’s not that my very first resume went through the recruitment process. I had already attended some events organized by Merixstudio when I was offered a job interview, and I really liked it.
  

• What have you learned while working in Merixstudio?
  I got in touch with new technologies like elasticsearch, AWS, and Docker and I got to know better tools like Celery.
• What do you like the most about Merixstudio?
  It’s a stable, mature company where I can work with more experienced developers, and I have a good opportunity to learn new things that are interesting to me. And the office location is perfect.
• What was the biggest challenge you faced while working at the Merixstudio?
  Designing architecture for a solution in an already long-running project.
• What cool things have you worked on at Merixstudio?
  I liked preparing for the talk I gave during our Django Hotspot event since I’ve learned quite a few things then.
• When did you make a decision that you want to work in IT?
  While studying in Warsaw as I’ve mentioned before. This came as a surprise for me since before I started learning programming on my own I rather avoided from computer-related stuff. I didn’t have a clue how things work.
• What do you think is most difficult (and most interesting) in your work as a Python / Django Developer?
  Django framework takes care of lots of difficult yet mundane tasks, so there is not that much left. However, configuring services is still tricky to me though.
• The first thing you do when you arrive at the office.
  I switch on my laptop and make myself a coffee.
• iOS or Android?
  iOS. It provides by far more secure environment in terms of apps permissions, verification and support cycle.
  

• What do you do in your free time?
  I take care of my little daughter, spend time with my fiancée and learn new things.
• The best hero from your childhood is…
  Tiger from Winnie the Pooh.
• Where is your favorite place in Poznań?
  My home. ‘cause there is no place like ~/ ;)
  And I like entire Poznań. I’m quite a fan of the local culture.
• Beer or vodka?
  Beer. I brew my own.
• Sports?
  Snowboarding and cycling to work when it’s warm enough.
• Dog or cat?
  Thank you, I’m not hungry. But seriously, I have two cats. One taken off the street so to say and other from an animal shelter.
• Which website do you visit the most?
  Twitter where I follow some interesting people from the world of IT.
• Favorite app.
  Terminal. I do not have a favorite one on my phone.
• The light or dark side?
  I like chaotic good - Han Solo fan.
• If you could only visit one website for the rest of your life, what site would that be?
  Hackaday.io. People post awesome projects there. I’ve even seen someone build a rocket.
• If you could have your dream job, what it would be?
  Security job in Google’s Project Zero team.