In February 2024, we launched a new edition of the Rinf.tech Academy–our mentorship program designed to help Romanian students explore and understand the workings of the fast-paced technology industry. The program is aimed at students who are eager to learn and want to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Rinf.tech Academy is a bridge between academic learning and real-world technology business challenges. The program is tailored specifically to meet the needs of students who want to prepare themselves for the complexities and dynamics of working in a technology-driven environment. Participants are given the opportunity to work on live projects, guided by seasoned professionals from various corporate domains, enhancing their learning experience.
The Academy covers three learning tracks: Technology, HR, and Operations.
The Technology track focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the vital skills required for a career in the Tech industry. The HR track aims to help students discover the essential skills necessary for a career in Talent Acquisition, Employee Journey, or HR Administration in the Tech industry. The Operations track provides mentees with firsthand experience with the various operational departments that are pivotal in supporting a Tech company’s activities and growth.
In this post, we would like to introduce the Tech mentors who drive this mentorship program in our company.
Adrian Galeru: 15 years in the industry. I actually hated programming and found it really hard to understand. However, at one point, I decided to take it on as a personal challenge, leading to a significant shift in my perspective and approach.
Marius Toma: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics from the Polytechnic University of Timisoara, with further academic pursuits in Telecommunications Engineering. With over a decade in the industry, my expertise extends across DevOps, focusing on PowerShell, Python, CI/CD, Git, GitLab, and virtualization. My experience at companies like Accenture Industrial Solutions and rinf.tech includes developing automation scripts, enhancing CI/CD pipelines, and contributing to virtualization projects. I’ve demonstrated strong debugging, architectural, and design skills, creating various DevOps tools to streamline development processes and improve operational efficiency.
Laurentiu Stanciu: Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Information Technology, Master of Engineering in Information and Computing Systems, I’ve spent 7 years in the industry: 6 years as a .Net Developer and 1 year as a Machine Learning Engineer.
George Popa: I’ve been in the IT industry for over 13 years, mostly focusing on QA and Project Management roles.
Adrian Galeru: The ability to build something from scratch and witness it working is a profoundly rewarding experience.
Marius Toma: My inspiration to pursue a career in technology stemmed from a deep-rooted fascination with how things work and the transformative power of technological innovation. From a young age, I was captivated by electronics and the potential of software to solve complex problems. This curiosity led me to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, where I delved into the intricacies of technology and its application in the real world. Throughout my education and career, the constant evolution of the tech landscape has kept my passion alive. The opportunity to create, innovate, and improve everyday life through technology continues to drive me.
Laurentiu Stanciu: I am passionate about creating and experimenting with engineering products, particularly those involving circuits, coding, or mechanical components. I am drawn to projects that require a blend of technical skills and creative problem-solving. Whether it’s soldering circuits, writing code, or assembling parts, I find joy in the process of bringing ideas to life through hands-on tinkering and innovation.
George Popa: Technology will always be part of our lives, shaping our way of living. I have always felt that this industry is a safe and motivating space for me to grow and learn, with the hope of making an impact in the end.
Adrian Galeru: Sharing knowledge and lessons learned is a powerful act with the potential to profoundly impact people’s lives in numerous ways.
Marius Toma: As a tech mentor, my driving force is the empowerment and growth of aspiring technologists. I am motivated by the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences, particularly in DevOps, automation, and software development, to help others navigate the complexities of the tech industry. Seeing individuals I mentor overcome challenges, develop their skills, and achieve their career goals is incredibly rewarding. My aim is to not only impart technical skills but also to foster a mindset of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring that the next generation of tech professionals is equipped to contribute to our ever-evolving technological landscape.
Laurentiu Stanciu: I find immense satisfaction in guiding and assisting others to grasp aspects of technology that are unfamiliar to them or seem daunting to start exploring. It’s fulfilling to see individuals gain understanding and confidence in navigating new technological realms, knowing that I’ve played a role in empowering their journey.
George Popa: I believe that is important to share your knowledge and experience in order to foster curiosity in your mentees while also honing your skills.
Adrian Galeru: In my 15 years of experience, I’ve went through the entire range of software development stages. I was Initially driven by a desire to craft impeccable code independently, then I transitioned towards recognizing the essential role of teamwork and learned how to build teams. Ultimately, my journey led me to focus on human dynamics, understanding the motivations that drive people, and creating an environment where people can grow and deliver at the same time.
Marius Toma: I bring a comprehensive set of skills and expertise, honed over a decade in the tech industry. My background in electronics and telecommunications, combined with extensive experience in DevOps, provides a solid foundation for guiding mentees. Key skills I offer include:
Expertise in DevOps Practices: With a strong focus on automation, CI/CD, Git, and GitLab, I can offer insights into efficient, modern software development and deployment processes.
Programming and Scripting: Proficiency in Python and PowerShell allows me to mentor in various scripting contexts, from automation to tool development.
Virtualization and Infrastructure: Knowledge in virtualization enhances my ability to guide mentees in understanding and managing scalable, efficient tech environments.
Debugging and Problem-Solving: My experience in identifying and resolving complex technical issues equips me to teach effective debugging and troubleshooting strategies.
Architectural and Design: Having contributed to the architectural and design aspects of software projects, I can provide guidance on creating robust, maintainable systems.
Communication and Collaboration: Emphasizing the importance of soft skills, I aim to instill strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for success in tech roles.
By sharing these skills and my passion for technology, I aim to inspire and elevate the capabilities of mentees at rinf.tech, preparing them for successful careers in the industry.
Laurentiu Stanciu: The key skills and expertise I bring to the mentorship program stem from my extensive experience and proficiency in .NET development. With a strong foundation in languages such as C# and familiarity with frameworks like ASP.NET, I am well-equipped to guide aspiring developers through the intricacies of building robust and scalable applications within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Additionally, my expertise extends to areas such as database management with SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, web services development, and software architecture design. I possess a knack for problem-solving and debugging, which enables me to effectively troubleshoot issues and provide practical solutions to complex coding challenges.
Adrian Galeru: I’ll leave here a conversation with someone from the TA department who in the end became a developer:
“We talked after a training you held then for the TA team. What you said helped me a lot. I also attended an interview you conducted with a candidate. You seemed to me then and you still seem to me after all this time, the coolest interviewer, a true professional. 😊 I didn’t get it, but now you gave me a very good opportunity to thank you for everything I learned from you. Thank you very much.“
Laurentiu Stanciu: I’m proud of the significant impact I had on a junior developer transitioning from an academic background. I provided practical guidance, collaborative projects, and constructive feedback. They became a more proficient problem-solver, coder, and teammate. Seeing them thrive and get their first software development job was incredibly fulfilling. This experience showed me how essential mentorship is for both technical and personal growth within a new career.
Adrian Galeru: Don’t focus on anything in particular and be open to learn multiple technologies. Ultimately, whenever someone asks you which is the best way to do something and you don’t know all the details the best answer is: it depends.
Marius Toma: To thrive in the tech industry, start by building a solid foundation in essential programming languages and core computer science principles. This foundational knowledge is crucial for versatility in various tech roles. Simultaneously, engage in hands-on projects or internships to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, which is vital for skill development and enhancing your employability.
Stay agile and committed to continuous learning, as the tech landscape evolves rapidly. Keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies, and don’t hesitate to explore new areas of interest. Networking is also key—connect with industry professionals and immerse yourself in tech communities to gain insights, share knowledge, and discover opportunities.
Laurentiu Stanciu: They should not be afraid to experience new things, be curious, embrace the unknown. Also, try to understand the direction where the industry is heading and build a set of skills that can be useful in the future.
George Popa: My advice would be to stay adaptable in this dynamic environment. Try to learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to tackle challenges outside your comfort zone.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn to receive updates on future editions of the Rinf.tech Academy.
Romania Employers’ Association of the Software and Services Industry shortlisted our Vertical Lift Module software project for Kardex for the IT Industry Excellence Awards 2024.
Designed as a space for innovative and collaborative teams, our new Iasi office can host up to 100 software engineers from the local tech community.
This is an English adaptation of the TV interview with our CTO Carmen Kolcsár aired on Antena 1
