Now and again, each one of us is presented with a challenge. Sometimes it may be something as simple as changing the way you take your coffee. Other times, it’s something with a far larger impact, such as changing jobs. The newest team members, Igor, Natasha and Old from #SingularSkopje, did just that and now are a part of the #OutstandingTeam. Learn more about the beginning of their #SingularStory below.

First things first – let’s spill some beans! Tell us a bit about yourself 🙂

Igor: Hello, I’m Igor Gelov, 30 years old. A big fan of movies, video games and sports. And also a lifelong supporter of Real Madrid. I work as a Sports Data Editor and I joined the Singular team in February 2022.

Natasha: Hello, I am Natasha Andreevski, joined Singular Team in April 2022, as a Release Manager.

Olga: Hello, I am Olga Pujaz Petrushevska, 31 years old. I work as a Project Manager and I joined Singular on March 22.

We’re also curious to know what made you choose your profession?

Igor: Well, that was not something I planned to become, honestly. I graduated from the Faculty of Information Technology but due to certain circumstances, my career went in another direction. I decided to become Sports Data Editor due to my passion for sports and I also knew that in Singular I would work with developers and in time I would be able to return to my originally imagined career.

Natasha: As you can see from my CV, I have a degree in financial management, and since my first employment, I have been part of the planning, analysis, and controlling teams. My previous experiences have taught me how to function and collaborate with other teams, manage multiple projects, and work on corrections at the earliest to ensure smooth sailing of teamwork.

Additionally, I attended a controller academy last year to enhance my skills, specifically in analyzing, planning, management, and communications. Leaving that academy, I knew I found my passion, and I needed to put my new skills to a higher level, so the position as Release Manager fit me just right.

Olga: I was lucky to be part of an international project team working on constructing a new production plant and installing production equipment for the automotive industry right after graduation from the Faculty of Mechanical engineering in Skopje.

It didn’t take me too long to feel the excitement, challenge and fun while working on projects and realize that Project Management perfectly suits my temperament and character. Now, 10 years later I still feel the same enthusiasm and passion for project management.

So, how did your journey with Singular begin?

Igor: My very close friend Boro worked at Singular as a Sports Data Editor and every time we met, he said only positive and good things about the company, so I had a desire to one day be part of Singular. In January he decided to leave and asked me if he could recommend me as a replacement, I accepted, I sent a CV, I had an interview and here I am.

Natasha: I stumbled upon a job advertisement on Facebook. I did some research on Singular and I liked what I found. Because I already knew someone from Singular, I decided to talk with them about the job position and whether I would be a suitable person for this position. I was encouraged to apply, and after a few interviews, I became part of Singular. From my first day in Singular until today, I think I have made a good decision.

Olga: I was in a phase of my professional development where I needed a new challenge. While I was on a skiing trip during the winter break, I had more time to think about my future professional plans. That’s when I saw the job vacancy, I did some research about Singular and applied. A few interviews and conversations later, I accepted the job and here I am.

What do you like the most about working at Singular?

Igor: What I like most when I work at Singular are the people, everyone is super friendly and supportive. Also, my team is very organized, my opinion is always taken into consideration and they always look to help each other. Daily you learn new and interesting things, which is important for me.

Natasha: I liked the outstanding level of collaboration in the team that work harmoniously toward the same goal. I am part of a very creative team, and my colleagues are always here for me. I’ve learned so much from them. The atmosphere is great, and I was encouraged to embrace a company spirit that has been helpful to me personally.

Olga: I like the organizational culture, the product we make and of course the people that I work with. It is a great environment for contributing to the overall operation of the company while providing mutual support for the development and personal development as well.

What’s your experience like being the new team member while working from home?

Igor: I haven’t had a lot of experience with remote work previously and I thought it would be hard, but daily meetings make the process of getting to know others much easier. We communicate regularly on Slack and help each other with all the new challenges we’re facing down the road.

Natasha: At first, I thought it would be hard, but I decided to do this as a challenge in which I would put all my credibility into learning and achieving higher goals. After a few months, with the unconditional support of my new colleagues, I can say that I am starting to get into the essence and enjoy the work.

Olga: I had some experience working remotely with distributed teams, but I didn’t have experience being a new team member working from home. At times can be difficult, but fortunately, the communication between the teams is great. I can say that I successfully overcome that and adapt to the environment more easily.

What’s your go-to productivity hack that helps you stay top-notch?

Igor: Honestly, I’m a morning person and I have no problem getting up and focusing on work. It may sound strange, but I do not drink coffee, so I take a bottle of water next to me, and some fruit and the day can start. During the day, music is helping me stay focused and keeping up my productivity, also a lot of water. Good hydration is critical to the health and keeps our bodies performing at their best, also in keeping our levels of concentration up.

Natasha: Time and information are the most important hack for productivity, according to me. The right information always allows you to learn something new and go to a higher level, and the best thing I learned from time management is to work smarter, not harder, to get more done in less time. Coffee is always welcome 🙂

Olga: Productivity is all about mindset. In practice, I am trying to stay well organized, and focused and prioritize tasks appropriately.

Overall, describe how you feel working at Singular by using just one word.

Igor: Outstanding

Natasha: Challenging

Olga: Challenging

And last, but not least. We know what you’re doing during the day, but what’s your superpower by night? Any hobbies you want to share with us?

Igor: My favorite hobby is walking and cycling in the afternoon with my wife and daughter. I also love to cook, experiment with recipes and learn new things. While in the later hours I love to watch a movie, series or video game.

Natasha: I’m a full-time mom. All my hobbies and activities are related to the activities with my twins. This means biking, going for long walks, watching Marvel movies, football with the son, and reading a lot of books with the daughter but for me, it is a real pleasure. If I have at least some time left, I always use it to read a good book and go for a cup of coffee with my friends.

Olga: As a mom of 2 boys aged 2 and 5, I have mastered many superpowers. When it comes to hobbies, I like riding a bike and I want to go back to long-distance running again, but of course from Monday. 🙂

Do you like a challenge? Would you thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment? Then Singular is the place for you. Check out the current open positions and might just have the right one for you.