Meet Tsenko – one of our Scalefocus Academy graduates

From working in insurance to a Junior Software engineer. Why did he decide to pursue a career in IT?

Hey, Graduate! Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Tsenko Aleksiev and I am a Junior Software Engineer at Scalefocus, in the Salesforce team. Previously I worked in the insurance business (more than 12 years of experience) and I had no IT skills at all – my master’s degree is in tourism. Outside of work I enjoy reading, long walks and spending time with my family.

How did you decide to pursue a career in IT?

In my previous field of work I had to use different software products, specifically designed for our needs. That always got me thinking - how are they actually working? Why by clicking a certain button this or that happens...how is everything visualized? I started reading some very basic stuff and everything seemed so complicated and time-consuming that I never had the chance to actually go deeper. At the end of 2020, because of the pandemic, I lost my job and I had no idea what I was going to do. Then I decided I wanted to learn how to code and my journey began. The most exciting part was when I learned about Salesforce and I got invited to join their team in Scalefocus after graduating the academy. This event became a game changer for me, because now I’m involved with one of the most innovative technologies within the IT world and I became a part of a brilliant team of top professionals.

What inspired you to apply for the Academy?

After couple of months of studying, I started thinking that I need to upgrade my skills and knowledge with the help of someone to guide me in the right direction, so I found the right path choosing to participate in Scalefocus Academy.

Was it hard to balance between the Academy and your everyday life?

For me, studying for the academy and preparing for the final exam and the job interview at the end, was one of the most important things I have ever done, so I had decided to fully dedicate myself, no matter the cost. I tried to learn as much as could, find additional resources, follow all the tutors' advices and still, I was able to find some time to play with my son.

Did you manage to bond with the others from the Academy (students, mentor and tutors)?

The subtitle of the Academy should be “Coding friendships” or “Developing bonds”. The tutor of the Academy was amazing, became my friend and actually, she is the one who inspired me to keep pushing and one of the people who backed me up to follow the Salesforce Developer career. The other students in the academy were great, I have met really knowledgeable people, we helped each other, and I befriended most of them. Even now, when everybody works on a different project, we manage to talk to each other, and I dare to think of us like a family.

Highlight the top 3 most valuable lessons you’ve learned during the Academy.

1. When you have set your goals and you are dedicated, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving them.

2. Hard work DOES pay off

3. You will be surprised with what are you capable of when you really WANT something!

Describe the 90-day journey with 1 word

LIFE – CHANGING!!!