WHAT DOES A BACKEND DEVELOPER DO AT CAMPUDUS?
Marc, how did you come to join Campudus? Have you always wanted to be a developer?
It all started in my childhood with downloading and installing mods for various games. At first, I needed help from my uncle, who’s an IT specialist, but soon I was able to make my own adjustments and create custom maps. That sparked my interest in the technology behind it, and I quickly started programming on my own – back then with Visual C# 2010 Express. During that time, I also did a lot of experimenting, like developing my own music player that could efficiently download and visualize data from the web.
Later, I decided to pursue a dual apprenticeship as an IT management assistant at BMW, where I was able to explore technical fields. This experience ultimately led me to a dual degree in Electrical and Information Engineering. At the end of my studies, I started looking for a job nearby.
What exactly do you do at Campudus?
I primarily work in the backend. This means I am involved in everything from programming to building, various DevOps tasks, and making changes to the database. My main focus is on our Veloconnect Server and related projects. This includes expanding the implementation with new versions of the standard, adding compatible features, connecting clients, and optimizing performance.
Person
Marc
25 years old
Loves Asian food
Background
Backend Developer
Since 2023 at Campudus
Stack & Skills
Node.js, NestJS, Deno
PostgreSQL
VS Code
Kubernetes-GitOps
CAMPUDUS INSIGHTS
Which tech stack do you use for your projects?
Is there a specific tech stack that you use for work?
When I started at Campudus, I had to familiarize myself with a new tech stack. We work a lot with TypeScript, which I hadn’t encountered before. However, since the syntax was very similar to my previous stack, I was able to adapt quickly. I must say I’m really impressed with TypeScript, as it is very versatile and efficient.
What about AI – have you integrated any AI tools into your work?
Yes, I now use AI for code completion, which I find quite practical. Beyond that, I use it less frequently, as client projects are often very different, and the most obvious solution isn’t always the right one. Most of my tasks involve solving performance issues, and AI doesn’t always provide the best assistance in those cases.
How do you stay updated on IT topics? You’re known at Campudus for your huge sticker collection from various tech companies and hackathons. Do you still participate in them regularly?
That’s true, I’ve participated in online hackathons and Hacktoberfest several times. It always depends on whether the topics interest me and if I have the time to learn something new. Otherwise, I read a lot on the 'Hackernews' platform from Y Combinator. It’s very tech-oriented but also addresses global political issues. I’m particularly interested in articles related to cybersecurity. What I like about the platform is that the topics are not only treated superficially, but often delve into deeper discussions – especially the community’s reactions.
“I really appreciate the independent way of working here. This freedom allows me to develop and gain a deep understanding of various topics. At the same time, the dialogue with the other developers is very important. We work closely together as a team, coordinate quickly and learn from each other while working on different projects.”
What do you especially like about Campudus?
That I can program all day long! In our small team, there’s also a lot of freedom to make decisions and try out new approaches. The exchange with colleagues works very well – we’re all very passionate about technology, which makes working together enjoyable and productive. I particularly appreciate the flexibility with working hours and the option to work from home up to four days a week. Plus, being able to charge my electric car for free at work is a great perk for me personally.
What would you recommend to someone considering becoming a developer? Is there anything essential they should bring to the table?
In my opinion, it’s important to enjoy programming even in your personal time. A certain level of interest and a willingness to continuously develop oneself are essential. Programming is a profession where you never stop learning, and it can sometimes be frustrating to find a solution. So, you should have fun diving deep into a problem and staying persistent.
Espresso, Cappuccino or Americano?
Honestly, I’m not a big coffee fan. I only drink it on special occasions. Regularly drinking coffee isn’t important to me – I prefer to get my caffeine now and then from Spezi or energy drinks! While working, I mostly drink tea or freshly chilled sparkling water.