Dive into the captivating story of Gerimantas Pukys, Lead Software Engineer at EPAM Lithuania, whose love of computer gaming in childhood sparked a brilliant career in engineering. This article charts his ascent from playful beginnings to his influential role at EPAM, where innovation meets passion.
Interest for technology
Gerimantas' journey into the world of computers began at the age of three, when he first touched his father's computer. It was a vintage Windows 3.1 machine, devoid of the modern flashy user interfaces we're accustomed to today. Unable to read at the time, Gerimantas' interaction with the computer was limited to playing the original SimCity.
But once, out of frustration of not having enough money to build his city, he complained to his dad about it, who sat him down at that bright blue Windows 3.1 commander and started clicking various files. Gerimantas didn't understand what was happening, but after about five minutes of clicking, his father turned SimCity back on, and to the child's surprise, they had unlimited money to build a dream city.
It marked the beginning of his quest to understand the capabilities of computers beyond gaming.
Gerimantas started studying the computer's functions beyond gaming with his family's guidance. By age 13, he began crafting basic web pages using HTML and CSS. This rewarding experience sparked his curiosity to explore further possibilities within these technologies.
The importance of university knowledge
As Gerimantas grew, he never encountered criticism for his interest in engineering; instead, he found encouragement from his loved ones to pursue formal education. Despite his initial reluctance to obtain a bachelor's degree, believing he already knew everything, he soon recognized the value of a university education. It provided a solid foundation for learning new languages and frameworks, and it was instrumental in expanding his professional network, which proved beneficial in his career.
“After all, engineers keep learning throughout their lives, and university also greatly helps expand your network, which can be helpful later when job hunting and so on.”
Reasons to love IT
Engineering captivated Gerimantas with its unique blend of disciplines, including mathematics, physics and even art. He found it remarkable how engineering fused logic with creativity to create solutions that could simplify and enhance the lives of millions worldwide. The joy of seeing a project come to fruition, knowing it was the result of his knowledge, creativity and perseverance, was unparalleled.
The most challenging aspect
Deciding what to learn next in a field brimming with ever-evolving practices is the most challenging part to Gerimantas. Yet, this is also what he loves about engineering; the constant learning ensures the job never becomes monotonous. The freedom to change his work environment without leaving the engineering field offers a wealth of possibilities.
Moreover, engineers can advance into roles such as delivery management and solution architecture or even transition into management, particularly in the consulting domain where engineering expertise is highly sought after. With AI skills transitioning from a nice-to-have to a must-have, the opportunities for growth and learning are endless.
Starting a professional journey at EPAM
Gerimantas' career at EPAM began unexpectedly when a recruiter contacted him. He was already contemplating a job change, so he decided to explore the opportunity within EPAM, a company just establishing its presence in Lithuania.
“If I'm not mistaken, I was only the 8th employee at the time of my hiring, and that opened a lot of possibilities to not only do engineering work but to help build the new community in a way I thought was best”.
He was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite the company's size, his opinions were valued across various levels and titles.
Usual working day and key responsibilities
In his role at EPAM, Gerimantas enjoys the flexibility of working remotely from his home office. His responsibilities extend beyond software engineering; he participates in the hiring process, mentors junior talent and has even spearheaded a Front-End coding boot camp. This initiative stands out as his most significant achievement, as he was able to design and implement the boot camp's format, curriculum and candidate selection process, all with the support of his colleagues.
Motivation for future engineers
To inspire the younger generation to pursue engineering, Gerimantas believes it's crucial to convey that engineering is accessible to everyone. It's not reserved for elite scientists working on groundbreaking projects but is something that can be done from the comfort of one's home computer. By demystifying the field and showcasing its creative potential, more individuals can be encouraged to explore the rewarding engineering world.
Advice for those willing to enter IT
For those hesitant to venture into engineering, Gerimantas advises simply starting with something. For example, EPAM Campus offers a variety of free online courses and internships to help you explore the IT world. If you're not sure which professional path to take, the career quiz can help point you in the right direction. It's a straightforward way to find your fit in the tech industry.
“On your way, you are going to struggle, make mistakes and think of giving up. No one is going to judge you for that. But my advice is to keep on trying. You will eventually make it and be proud of your work”.
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