From Intern to Senior Developer: A Journey of Growth at Scope
13 minutes to read
by Dylan Farrugia
Starting as an eager intern with a passion for coding, Sylwia shares her journey of growth to a skilled Senior Developer through dedication, continuous learning, and perseverance.
At Scope, we talk a lot about “creating synergies”, “levelling up”, and finding “right fits”. For us, these aren’t meaningless buzzwords we throw around casually. They are core values that truly define who we are, through all our interactions.
When we talk about synergies, we mean fostering collaboration not only with our clients and international partners but also within our own teams. We’re committed to levelling up our clients’ businesses and operations, but equally important is our focus on nurturing our people, helping them grow both personally and professionally. And when we say “right fits,” of course we’re dedicated to tailoring best-in-class cloud solutions for our clients, but we’re just as committed to scouting for new talent that aligns with our vision and values, ensuring we find people who are perfect additions to our growing Scope family.
Actions speak louder than words. That’s why we’re excited to share a glimpse into life at our company. Allow us to introduce you to Sylwia, our superstar developer from Poland who started her journey with Scope as an aspiring computer science student. Her journey from a junior intern to a senior software developer is not just any old tale of career advancement, but testament to how when we see potential and talent at Scope, we’re ready to support that passion and determination all the way!
Internship Loading: From Poland to Malta
Scope first caught Sylwia’s attention back in 2019. While studying computer science in Poland, she had an opportunity to gain some real-world experience through an international internship programme. Thanks to some fellow students who had worked with us on a recent project, word had already spread around campus about the exciting opportunities at Scope. So, when it was time for Sylwia to choose her own internship, she was intrigued about this small but seemingly impressive cloud computing company her classmates had been raving about.
After doing some serious research, she felt drawn to Scope’s work culture and ethos. “I’d heard great things, but I didn’t have all the details,” Sylwia recalls. So, she decided to reach out for a friendly introductory chat with co-founder Neville. That conversation sealed the deal, convincing Sylwia that Scope was indeed the ideal place to kickstart her coding journey. Plus, the promise of Malta’s sun and sea were surely an appealing bonus! With her bags packed (sunglasses included), she was ready for an unforgettable summer with Scope.
“The team made me feel comfortable every step of the way and I grew not only professionally, but as a person.”
A Summer in Full Scope
During her summer at Scope, Sylwia eased her way into her internship learning the ropes and taking on smaller tasks under the guidance of the team. With each new project and challenge she faced, she gained valuable experience across a range of systems and tools, which enabled to take on bigger responsibilities.
“Over and above learning from incredibly knowledgeable leaders in the industry, what really stood out to me from the start was how friendly and helpful everyone was. It was always easy to ask questions or seek advice when I got stuck. In many workplaces, there can be a sense of competition, with everyone trying to outdo each other. But at Scope, it felt completely different. Everyone genuinely wanted to help each other succeed and do their best work. That was such a relief, as it helped me feel supported and part of the team right away,” Sylwia recalls fondly of those early days.
Her summer internship flew by, and at its conclusion, the team at Scope saw potential in Sylwia and offered her a job! “I knew I had done well during my internship, but getting a job offer was still an amazing surprise, especially since I had a year left in my studies. Here too, the team was super accommodating, allowing me to work part-time with flexible hours, which made it possible for me to finish my bachelor’s degree comfortably.”
Coding Her Way Up
After completing her bachelor’s, Sylwia decided to further her education with a master’s degree. But she wasn’t going anywhere — she remained with Scope full-time. Initially, she continued as a junior Java developer, focusing on smaller tasks, fixing bugs and assisting with Templates feature development.
As she gained confidence, her responsibilities expanded. In fact, Sylwia played a key role in developing a new version of DataDear, known as DataDear365, which was later acquired by the renowned software company Intuit, further showcasing her ability in developing world-class systems.
Sylwia gradually shifted from Java development to learning about other technologies such as React and working on frontend projects built with this framework. Now, six years later, she has become a highly skilled developer in her own right and a vital contributor to Scope’s success, providing vision, technical expertise, and exceptional problem-solving skills for each new project we undertake.
A Supportive Framework
So, what kept Sylwia motivated throughout her journey? In her own words, the welcoming atmosphere and supportive team at Scope played a big role. Despite being naturally shy and not overly confident with her English-speaking skills, she says she found her voice here. “The team made me feel comfortable every step of the way, and I grew not only professionally, but as a person. I started to feel like my ideas mattered, and that helped build my confidence,” she shares.
This supportive environment didn’t just enhance her technical skills, but it also encouraged her to take on leadership roles and inspire others. “I’m proud of how much I’ve changed and grown at Scope. Now, I feel comfortable talking to people and empowering them to speak up. I never thought I had it in me to lead a project or a team, but at Scope, they really believe in you. There’s never any fear of failure or embarrassing yourself. Instead, they make you feel valued and appreciated, which encourages you to try things out of your comfort zone and motivates you to reach for new goals.”
Now, as a seasoned member of the team, Sylwia has transitioned to the other side of the internship equation, welcoming and mentoring young talent just starting out at the company. “When I see interns or new team members, I really understand all the emotions and anxieties they might be feeling. I was that person not that long ago! So I do my best to welcome them and let them know we’re all here to help them succeed,” she says.
The Code for Success: Advice for the Next Generation
As she reflects on her professional journey so far, Sylwia has some wise words for other aspiring developers:
“Firstly, I’d encourage students to reach out directly to companies they’re interested in. See if their projects and work culture truly resonate with you. If I hadn’t contacted Neville initially, I might never have applied for an internship at Scope. You’ve got nothing to lose, so don’t hesitate!”
“Also, in those early days of joining a team, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything right away. It’s a learning journey, and the best way to navigate it is to ask those who’ve already walked the path and can help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls.”
“On the flip side, don’t be afraid to share your knowledge and suggestions. When you’re new, it’s easy to feel like you have nothing to offer. But your ideas are valid and can make a significant impact. They might just spark a new approach to a problem. Your team needs your unique insights, so speak up!”
“Lastly, if you’re passionate about development and cloud solutions, I’d highly encourage you to reach out to Scope! Our company is growing quickly, with exciting opportunities in Malta and beyond. We’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to work hard and learn. So, whether you’re a shy student in Poland or a local student, don’t hesitate to contact us. Every step you take brings you closer to your own success story. Keep pushing forward, and you might just land your dream job, just like I did!”
