Inspiring future generations of IT professionals

Student image

EDIT Kragujevac

Vojin Rakonjac

Product Owner, Payment Network Team

Your role at Comtrade

 

1.When did you join Comtrade and what is your current role?

 

I joined the company in 2013. I’m a Product Owner on the Payment Network Team in Skrill. We are responsible for supporting the entire payments module and implementation of any new banking related-project. Some of my duties include managing a large number of stakeholders, performing business analysis, participating in client meetings, scoping the work and keeping the team organized.

 

2.So far, what has been your greatest accomplishment at Comtrade?

 

If I have to pick, the greatest accomplishment was gaining the trust and respect of my team, which is made up of many great professionals. The same goes for the client who has great expectations and is hard on praise. Building trust and pushing through barriers successfully with my team is very rewarding, but the greatest accomplishment is yet to come.

 

Your role at EDIT

 

1.Why did you decide to become a mentor?

 

I love the feeling you get when you help someone and make a difference in their professional development. Mentoring comes naturally once you understand that project success, as well as company’s success, depend on the collective effort of great individuals. The more great individuals we can create, the faster the company will grow. Sharing what you’ve learned with younger colleagues enables the organization to progress faster and with greater productivity.

 

2.What do you find the most fulfilling about being a mentor?

 

New generations bring new challenges so you have to make sure to stay at the top of your game and provide your students with up-to-date advice. You always get a reality check whether you can work effectively with the next generation of rising stars and understand the way they think and act. New, fresh ideas, level of enthusiasm and that startup feeling are always present and it’s a great pleasure to be a part of it.

 

3.Why is it important to have a summer school like EDIT?

 

Many young people who attend EDIT have never had the opportunity to experience real work environment. Solving real-life problems with a group of same-minded people in a setting that’s very similar to a business environment is the best possible way for them to have a taste of what awaits them in their future professional lives.

 

Words of wisdom

 

1.What advice do you have for the next generation of EDIT students?

 

First of all, have FUN! This is a chance to do something you love and create solutions that could be used in the real world. Remember the core values that are desirable and try to replicate them in your future career – it will take you a long way. Learn to network with your colleagues and step out of your comfort zone. Stay hungry for new knowledge and get the most out of the experience.