Meet the Team: Backend Developer Valentin Zsigmond

Alison: What do you do at Annertech? 

Valentin: I'm a Drupal Backend Developer on the Managed Services team. My role involves assisting clients with a variety of tasks, from implementing new features to resolving technical issues. 

On a typical day, I work closely with clients to understand their requirements and make necessary adjustments to their Drupal websites. This often involves troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring that the sites run smoothly and securely. 

As part of the Managed Services team, I'm often called on to address urgent issues such as website crashes or malfunctioning features. I prioritise quick resolutions to minimise disruption to the client's operations. In addition to resolving issues, I also contribute to the ongoing improvement of client websites by implementing new features and enhancements. This collaborative effort helps our clients' websites evolve and adapt to their changing needs. 

Overall, my role at Annertech revolves around providing reliable support and technical expertise to ensure that our clients' websites meet their objectives effectively. 

Alison: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself 

Valentin: I've been captivated by the world of computers and software since I was young. My journey into programming began in high school, and it's been an exhilarating ride ever since. Along the way, I've developed a strong proficiency in Drupal, finding it to be an invaluable tool for crafting websites. 

Alison: Where do you live? 

Valentin: I currently live in Western Romania. Although officially I'm a Romanian citizen, I strongly identify with my Hungarian background. 

I grew up in a small town, Tămășeu, very close to Hungary. It was cosy and close-knit – the kind of place where everyone knew everyone, and life had a slower pace. 

Nowadays, I call Oradea home – it's just 20 kilometres away from my hometown of Tămășeu. It's a lively city near the Hungarian border, and I love its blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences. 

One of the best parts about living in Oradea is being close to nature. I often escape to the nearby mountains for hikes and to recharge. 

But it's not just the scenery that makes Oradea special. The city's cultural mix is fascinating. You can hear a variety of languages spoken on the streets, and the food scene is diverse and delicious. It's a vibrant place to live, and I feel lucky to call it home. 

Alison: What are your interests outside of work? 

Valentin: Outside of work and coding, I like to relax by playing video games or practising martial arts and sports. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's travelling to new places, hiking in the mountains, or simply enjoying nature's beauty. 

Additionally, I have a soft spot for my French Bulldog, Tito, who’s a joy to have around (see image above). Spending time with him, whether we’re out on a walk or just relaxing at home, always brightens my day.

Valentin and his wife Ottilia hiking in the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Occidental Carpathians. It was a four-hour trek up to Groapa Ruginoasa, deep in the wild. Along the way, they even spotted some bears and wolves.

Alison: What does a typical work day look like? 

Valentin: A typical workday involves diving into client requests, whether it's coding new features, troubleshooting issues, or collaborating with teammates to find solutions. Each day brings its own set of challenges and tasks, keeping things dynamic and engaging. 

Alison: How did you get into this line of work? 

Valentin: My journey into this field started with a simple dream - I always wanted to be a developer. Even as a kid, I was fascinated by computers and technology. So, when I got the chance, I started learning to code in high school. It felt like the perfect fit for me. 

Web development, in particular, caught my interest because it let me be creative while solving problems. 

Over time, I got involved in different projects with companies from all over the world. And now, at Annertech, I'm still living out that childhood dream, doing what I love every day. 

Alison: What do you love most about your job? 

Valentin: What I really love about my job is that it lets me be creative while solving problems. Every day is a new challenge, and I enjoy finding clever solutions to tricky problems. It's rewarding to see my ideas come to life and make a real difference. Plus, I'm always learning something new, which keeps things exciting and fresh. 

Alison: What do you like least about your job? 

Valentin: It's hard to pick something I don't like about my job because I genuinely enjoy everything related to coding and development. If I had to choose, I'd say maybe the administrative tasks that come with the job. They're not as exciting as writing code or solving problems, but they're necessary to keep things running smoothly. 

Overall, though, it's a small price to pay for doing work that I love. 

Alison: Was there a favourite project that you worked on? Could you tell us a bit about it? 

Valentin: Honestly, I get pretty invested in whatever project I'm working on at the time. It's like each one is a new adventure, and I dive in headfirst, ready to tackle whatever comes my way. So, I guess you could say my favourite project is always the one that's on my plate right now. 

Alison: Is there anything quirky about you that we need to know? 

Valentin: I played the piano for six years when I was a kid, and then I became a professional DJ at the age of 14. My biggest crowd was 20,000 people. I was only 16 years old. But then I quit DJing to concentrate on school.