Meet Adnan AlAkhrass
Discover Adnan AlAkhrass, bread lover, self-taught developer, *La Casa de Papel* fan, and one of our most brilliant senior architects and team leads. Read on to learn more about his lifestyle.
What is your current role?
I started at Aspire as a Senior iOS Developer. After a few months, I was appointed Team Lead for the mobile team, as well as for personal coaching and chat projects in Jordan. After my first year, I was promoted to Architect and Senior Team Lead, my current position. I have been with Aspire for almost 2 years now.
Why did you choose IT?
I studied computer science because I enjoy coding and building applications. I am passionate about developing tools that make people’s lives easier. I started my career as a game developer before moving into application development.
What are you most passionate about in your field?
I love coding, and mobile is the best fit for me. However, AI is currently attracting a lot of attention, and I am very interested in it. In the future, I hope to move into the field of artificial intelligence.
Why Aspire?
I considered Aspire one of the best companies in Jordan, especially in terms of workflow and onboarding. The processes and experience you gain at Aspire are more valuable than what you typically find elsewhere in Jordan.
What did your typical day look like before lockdown?
I used to start my day after doing some sports. Usually, I would wake up, work out, and head straight to the office. Sometimes I also worked from home. To plan my work and my team’s tasks, we operate in agile mode with sprints. I plan two sprints per month, each lasting about two weeks. Tickets and tasks are distributed throughout the day, so I know exactly what I need to complete and deliver. I always finish my daily tasks and try to help team members when they have questions. After work, I would visit family or friends, and once home I would play video games or watch movies. On weekends, I enjoy outdoor barbecues, being close to nature, and eating sweets (I try to eat healthy during the week).
What does your day look like now that you work remotely?
My day is pretty much the same as before. In fact, I now save the commuting time and use it to read and learn new topics related to my profession and passion. Remote work has strengthened my sense of responsibility and helped me better organize my time throughout the day.
Do you have productivity tips for those starting remote work?
Software engineering, like many other professions, can be done from the office, home, a café, or any public or private place. It’s all about time and self-management! Wake up early, set up a room at home as your office (if possible), ensure a good Wi-Fi connection, avoid distractions (use headphones if needed), set daily delivery goals, and don’t overload yourself with tasks. You can adjust everything over the week as you learn your own rhythm.
What do you enjoy most about the company?
The experience I gain is the most valuable thing for me, along with the excellent teams I work with, the company culture, the environment, the benefits, and recognition.
What is your favorite movie or series?
*The Lord of the Rings* (all parts) is definitely my favorite movie, and my favorite series is *La Casa de Papel* (*Money Heist*).
What do you do in your free time?
Sometimes I play football. I also like reading blogs or books from Udemy. I always try to learn everything related to IT—I am a very curious person. I use an app called Pocket Mobile Application that provides one or two random topics each day to learn new things. I also like traveling when possible.
If you had to choose one programming language for the rest of your life?
Python! I believe everything coming next will be related to AI and machine learning, and Python is the best for that, at least for now.
Something that would surprise your colleagues?
At work, I usually don’t talk much and focus on my tasks. Sometimes people think I’m not very approachable. But when they meet me after work or at an event, they find me completely different—very sociable—and they are surprised.
You have 10 seconds to impress someone. What do you say?
“I built an app that can control everything from your phone: your car, your home, and anything you can imagine. Interested in talking about it?”
PS: I haven’t actually built that app yet, but I doubt anyone would say no!
Something you want to do before it’s too late?
I want to design and build my own house.
A defining moment in your career?
The moment I was promoted to Architect.
Your ambitions for Aspire?
The mobile team started with 6 people at Aspire and is growing. I want to have more employees and more time to sit with them and train them. I want Aspire to be the best mobile development center in Jordan!
Your biggest personal achievement?
Having achieved my childhood dreams: owning my own car, reaching the salary I dreamed of, and working in a field I love. Now I just need to build my own house.
Your biggest professional achievement?
Becoming an architect through self-learning. You shouldn’t wait for training; there are many resources online. You can learn on your own, so don’t set barriers to achieving your goals. Once you start, you’ll see many people will help you along the way.
What superpower would you like to have?
Flying, so I can see everything from above.
If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life?
Bread—I LOVE BREAD!
Your life philosophy?
Work hard to earn more.
Advice for new graduates?
I always tell them to spend more time on themselves to gain experience. Graduates often spend too much time having fun, but they should invest that time in learning, because the time for fun will come later. You must have the passion to learn while you still have youthful energy.