Meeting with Adnan AlAkhrass
Meet Adnan AlAkhrass, a bread lover, self-taught professional, fan of *La Casa de Papel*, and one of our most brilliant senior architects and team leaders. Keep reading to learn more about his lifestyle.
What is your current position?
I started at Aspire as a senior iOS developer. After a few months, I was named team lead for the mobile team, as well as for the personal coaching and chat projects in Jordan. After my first year, I was promoted to Architect and Senior Team Lead, my current role. I’ve been with Aspire for almost two years now.
Why did you choose computer science?
I studied computer science because I love coding and creating applications. I’m passionate about developing tools that make other people’s lives easier. I started my career as a video game developer before moving into application development.
What are you particularly passionate about in your field?
I love coding, and mobile development is the best fit for me. However, AI is getting a lot of attention right now, and I’m very interested in it. In the future, I hope to move into the field of artificial intelligence.
Why Aspire?
I considered Aspire to be one of the best companies in Jordan, especially when it comes to workflow and integrations. The processes and experience you gain at Aspire are more valuable than what you’ll find anywhere else in Jordan.
What was a typical day like for you before the lockdown?
I used to start my day after working out. Usually, I’d wake up, work out, and go straight to the office. I’d also work from home from time to time. To plan my work and my teams’ tasks, we use an agile approach with sprints. I schedule two sprints per month, with each sprint generally lasting two weeks. Tickets and tasks are spread out over the workday, so I know exactly what I need to complete and deliver. I always finish my daily tasks and try to help my team members when they have questions. After work, I’d visit my family or friends, and once I got home, I’d play video games or watch movies. On the weekends, I like to have outdoor barbecues, spend time in nature, and eat sweets (I try to eat healthy during the week).
What does your day look like now that you’re working remotely?
My day is practically the same as before. In fact, I now save the time I used to spend commuting to the office, and I use that extra time to read and learn new things related to my profession and my passion. Working remotely has strengthened my sense of responsibility and helped me better organize my time throughout the day.
Do you have any productivity tips for people who are just starting to work from home?
Software engineering, like many other professions, can be done from an office, from home, from a café, or from any public or private location. It’s all about time management and self-discipline! Wake up early, set up a room in your home as if it were your own office (if possible), make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection, avoid distractions (use headphones if possible), set daily deliverables, and don’t overload yourself with tasks. You can adjust all of this throughout the week as you get a feel for your own work rhythm.
What do you appreciate most about the company?
The experience I’m gaining is the most valuable thing to me, along with the excellent teams I work with, the company culture, the work environment, the employee benefits, and the recognition.
What is your favorite movie or TV series?
The Lord of the Rings (all the installments) is without a doubt my favorite film, and my favorite series is La Casa de Papel (Money Heist).
What do you do in your free time?
Sometimes I go play soccer. I also like to read blogs or books I’ve downloaded from Udemy. I’m always trying to learn everything I can about computers—I’m a very curious person. I use an app called Pocket Mobile Application that suggests one or two random topics every day so I can learn new things. I also like to travel whenever possible.
If you had to choose just one programming language for the rest of your life?
Python! I think everything coming up will be related to AI and machine learning, and Python is the best for that—at least for now.
Is
there anything that would surprise your coworkers?
At work, I don’t usually talk much; I focus on my work. Sometimes people think I’m not very approachable. But when they meet me after work or at an event, they find me to be completely different—very outgoing—and they’re surprised.
You have 10 seconds to impress someone. What do you say to them?
“I’ve created an app that lets you control everything from your phone: your car, your home, and anything else you can imagine. Would you like to talk about it?”
P.S.: I haven’t created this app yet, but I doubt anyone would say no!
What’s one thing you want to do before it’s too late?
I want to design and build my own house.
Is there a particular moment in your career that stands out?
The moment I was promoted to the position of Architect.
What are your ambitions for Aspire?
The mobile team started with six people at Aspire, and we’re growing. I want to hire more employees and have more time to sit down with them and train them. I want Aspire to be the best mobile development center in Jordan!
What is your greatest personal achievement?
Fulfilling my childhood dreams: owning my own car, earning the salary I’d always dreamed of, and working in a field I love. Now, all that’s left is to build my own house.
What is your greatest professional achievement?
Becoming an architect by teaching myself everything. You don’t have to wait for formal training; there are tons of resources online. You can learn on your own, so don’t put up barriers to achieving your goals. Once you’re on this path, you’ll find that many people will reach out to help you.
What superpower would you like to have?
To fly, so I could see everything from above.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life?
Bread—I LOVE BREAD!
What’s your philosophy on life?
Work hard to earn more.
Any advice for recent graduates?
I always tell them to devote more time to themselves so they can gain experience. Graduates often spend too much time having fun, but they should invest that time in learning, because there will be time for fun later. You have to have a passion for learning while you still have the energy of youth.
