A few years ago, our System Verification office in Sarajevo launched an internship program that has since brought many valuable and hardworking employees to our company—many of whom are still with us today. We are very proud of this initiative and look forward to continuing it in the years to come. One of our interns from the 2023 generation, Bilal Đedović, began his first work experience with us through this program. Just a year later, he’s already fully integrated into our team, tackling new challenges with dedication. Check out his journey with us.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, and your journey to IT?

I am Bilal Đedović, a Test Engineer at System Verification. My journey into IT started indirectly from an early age, driven by my curiosity about how technology works—a curiosity my parents weren't thrilled about as it often meant dismantling our electronic devices. My formal start in IT came when I enrolled at the University of Sarajevo, where I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies, gaining a strong theoretical foundation.

After graduation, I aimed to apply my knowledge in a real business environment. In April 2023, I found the ideal opportunity through LinkedIn: the System Verification Summership program. By July, I was deepening my skills, working on real projects, and gaining insight into professional testing and the software development process. The Summership program not only introduced me to IT at a professional level but also gave me an invaluable foundation in quality-focused, team-oriented work. It remains one of my fondest memories and a springboard for my continued growth in the industry.

The transition from internship to full-time employment felt completely natural. Although I was inexperienced, I expected the transition to be more challenging. However, thanks to the friendly culture and the support provided by the company, it was relatively easy. The company supported me throughout, providing regular feedback and opportunities to work on impactful projects, which made moving from a learning phase to a contributing phase much smoother. One of the most important factors that eased my transition was my colleagues, as their open communication and support made me feel like part of the community from the start.

The role of mentorship - how it shaped your development so far?

A mentor plays a significant role in the development of anyone starting their career in IT. Mentorship had a huge impact on me, as my mentor taught me how to analyze problems and find the most efficient solutions, helping me develop both analytical thinking and technical skills. With my mentor’s guidance, I also improved my teamwork and communication with colleagues. One of the most important pieces of advice I received was not to fear mistakes, as they are valuable learning opportunities.

Your first project? Your journey to it, as well as some challenges, skills, and knowledge you gained from it? 

One of the main challenges I faced was time management and adapting to working in a team with more experienced colleagues. I quickly realized that success depended on effective time management, setting priorities, and being adaptable. What initially seemed daunting—working with more experienced colleagues—soon became an advantage, as I absorbed their knowledge and built myself up. I learned and applied new tools and methodologies rapidly, which helped me overcome these initial difficulties.

My first project was especially challenging, as it was my first experience working on a real product and my first encounter with real software development and testing. However, with the company’s investment in me and their continuous support, I was able to overcome these challenges with relative ease. This project allowed me to apply my learnings from the Summership program and further expand my knowledge. I gained a deeper understanding of testing processes, automated testing methods, teamwork, communication, and technical skills across several tools. This foundation made adapting to my second project much smoother. While the second project was easier to take on, it also brought challenges with new technologies. Nonetheless, the experience from my first project enabled me to approach this work more effectively, leading to faster progress and growth.

What are some of the positive takeouts from your first work experience?

My first work experience gave me insight into teamwork and taught me the importance of good communication, idea-sharing, openness to feedback, and continuous improvement. Working in a team exposed me to various challenges, which expanded my technical abilities and problem-solving skills. In addition to technical development, I improved my organizational skills and multitasking abilities while respecting deadlines. This experience brought me closer to software testing, highlighted how my role contributes to quality and success, and helped me realize why I truly love this job and this field.

What are you looking forward to as you continue to grow with the company? What are some of your expectations or aspirations?

Being in this industry means constantly being in a state of learning and growth. I look forward to continuous development and advancement in this dynamic field. I aim to keep improving, exploring new technologies, and acquiring knowledge to stay current and apply various technologies effectively. My goal is to gain more experience, which will help me become more competent in my role and contribute innovative solutions to projects.

Interested in learning more about our Sarajevo office? Be sure to check our office page, and get more insights into our ways of working, open positions, and our office in general.