Senior IT Consultant
Meet Martin, also known as "Maxx," our IT Consultant, whose journey into the world of IT began unexpectedly. He joined our team over 8 years ago, showcasing that you can make a career in IT despite studying something completely else. If you share his love for cats, hiking, or motorbikes, you might find his story relatable and inspiring.
What was your journey to IT like?
Actually, by chance – although I basically grew up with computers and even then had access to above-standard technology – my path was different. I studied languages and I wanted to become an interpreter/translator. While I was at university, my sister told me that her classmate had phoned her that a new company was being established in Košice and that there was a chance to learn something. So I went for an interview and they hired me. That was in 2006.
How did you get to Unique People like and when did you start working here?
I have been with Unique People basically from the beginning – that is, from the new era when I joined, Unique People had been operating for some time, but there were only 1 - 2 people. My first meeting with Unique People took place sometime in December 2014 and in January 2015 we were already taking over the first order in Prague and Germany.
How do you perceive your shift from an international corporation to a smaller local company, and how did it influence your professional advancement?
Working for a corporation is tempting for many – the offer of a "big family", an interesting job. And yes, it was fine, up to a certain point. Then you realize what a sham it is and you face the choice: I will either continue to play the game or I will free myself and step into the unknown. When it comes to professional development, at least in IT, there is definitely a difference between a small and a large company in the technologies you work with. However, as Unique People was, at least initially, a supplier to corporations, it was not such a change – at least not for me.
What's your proudest accomplishment at Unique People?
In terms of benefits for the company, it was the transition and transformation for our client which is a consulting company for financial services. And from a personal point of view, my last project – a business processes monitoring platform for global energy company, where I worked as a Product Owner.
What was the most challenging thing you worked on here at Unique People?
Transition and transformation for our client – consulting company for financial services.
Do you have any IT-related dream? A technology you would like to work with or a specific project you would like to participate in?
Not really, 😊 although I would appreciate a similar job as my latest project – the development of something new that has not been here yet.
How do you see the future of IT? What do you think will be the role of AI in IT in the future?
I think things will become much simpler with the implementation of AI. However, many people will lose their jobs. Another factor in the use of AI is the general dumbing down of the population. Anyway, it will be interesting.
What's your favourite book?
My top books certainly include the entire 4-part Hyperion saga by Dan Simmons.
Who or what inspires you?
Peace of mind.
What is your work-life balance strategy?
Over the years, I have realized that everyone is replaceable, and that family always comes before work.
Tell us something interesting about yourself. 😊 What are your hobbies, what do you do in your free time?
As far as I know, I'm a pretty ordinary person – I have a family – a wife, two boys. Or, rather, guys who are almost 13 and 20. And four cats. I like Metal but I can say that music in general. I like to travel, I like nature – whether it be hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter. I like to work with wood. Sometimes I go for a motorbike ride or play PUBG in the evening.
