Miljana is one of our fastest rising young colleagues. A junior technical consultant at our Belgrade office since three years, she already has many stories to share: about her leap into the hi-tech and how the right mentorship and company mindset can keep a junior happy and engaged on their career path.
Can you briefly describe what you do and what your typical workday looks like?
I am a junior technical consultant in the energy reporting team. My job is to give meaning to data through SQL and Jasper Studio. Basically, I’m the bridge between users and the database – I translate their needs into code that turns into a report.
How long have you been here, and how did NITES “win” you in the beginning?
I’ve been with NITES since May 2022. What “won me over” was the mix of serious projects and the fact that the company invests in its people. From day one, I had the chance to earn certificates and grow in areas I’m interested in. NITES felt like a place where I could grow alongside the projects.
Where were you before, and what were you doing before joining our team?
Before jumping into IT, I worked in a pharmacy. Now I like to joke that I just switched tickets – before it was medical prescriptions, now it’s queries.
How did you find the hiring process at NITES? Was there anything that stood out or surprised you?
I have good memories of the hiring process – it was professional but also very friendly. There was no stress, just a conversation where I could tell the company cares about people, not just positions.
What are the biggest challenges in your role, and how do you deal with them?
The toughest challenges are the complex requests from users – they want everything, and they want it fast. I deal with that by analyzing, breaking the problem into smaller parts, and keeping a sense of humor – because both code and people work better when you don’t forget to smile.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your team, and what do you like most about it?
Our team is just the two of us – my team lead and me. A small, all-female team, but strong and well-coordinated. What I appreciate most is the constant support we give each other. Even with demanding tasks, we get through them together. The team size itself doesn’t matter as much as dedication, persistence, and team spirit. That trust and energy make the job more than just work – it’s also a chance to learn and grow every day.
How does NITES help you grow – professionally and personally?
NITES gave me the chance to get certifications and work on serious projects, which shaped me professionally. On a personal level, working here taught me patience, teamwork, and how to handle pressure – all skills that are useful beyond work.
Which initiatives or flexibilities matter most to you when it comes to balancing work and personal life?
Flexibility is the most important – being able to organize my day so I have time for personal things too. Remote work also gives us more freedom to balance everything without either side suffering. Thanks to that, I can be focused and productive at work, and present and relaxed outside of it.
How does the company respond when employees have side projects, hobbies, or personal initiatives? Do you have an example?
NITES supports us. The company understands that employees are people with lives outside of work. When I have personal projects, I get encouragement to pursue them, because they know satisfied people deliver better results. The company also promotes balance and healthy living – we take part in sports events and marathons like the Business Run, which boosts team spirit and connects us outside the office too.
What’s your favorite part of the job or of working in this team?
My favorite moment is when a complex query or procedure finally works and the report shows the right result. It feels like a small personal victory – like fitting the last piece in a puzzle.
Why do you love what you do – what keeps you going every day?
I love that every problem has a solution – you just have to find it. What drives me is the constant search for better, faster, and smarter ways to solve challenges. Plus, new technologies and skills I pick up along the way keep me motivated, since every project brings something I didn’t know before.
What’s something you’ve learned from others here that changed the way you see your job – or even life?
I’ve learned that patience and good communication solve more problems than any code. Technology is just a tool – people are the key. I also realized how important support from other teams is, because many of our reports pull from data they’ve processed. In the end, it’s a shared effort where our work comes together to create something whole and meaningful.
How do you stay motivated and productive in challenging times?
I remind myself that even the trickiest bug is just a temporary problem – the fix is always around the corner. Also, a short walk and a coffee with colleagues can work wonders.
What do you think will be the main directions of growth for the company in the coming years?
I believe the focus will be on further digitalization and automation of processes in the energy sector. NITES has the knowledge and the people for that, and I see it as our opportunity to grow. On top of that, new projects keep coming in – there are already far more now than when I first joined – which shows new opportunities are opening for both the company and us employees.
Do you have a professional role model – someone whose path or approach inspires you?
I don’t have one single role model. I’m more inspired by colleagues who are always ready to share their knowledge and time. They’re like everyday role models.
Why do you think NITES is the right place for someone who wants to grow and work on things that really matter?
Because knowledge here is constantly shared and built upon, and every new project is a chance to learn and create solutions that have a real impact on people’s everyday lives. The atmosphere is motivating and friendly, so growth happens naturally – both professionally and personally. In short, NITES is a place where the work matters, and you feel like you’re contributing to something bigger.