The domain of software development is fast-paced and facing a major challenge, i.e., a lack of skilled professionals. Based on available market data, experienced software developers are in great demand, and companies struggle to find good candidates. Sergey Ukhvalinov, an expert with more than ten years of experience in software development, believes that today, without the knowledge of AI and ML technologies, a developer has nothing to do with the industry. He went from working on complex integration projects at SberBank to developing cutting-edge applications at Optum, including the innovative “Doctor Appointment” project, which has revolutionized the patient appointment-booking process and is ready to share the secrets of career success in IT so others can learn from it.
Sergey, as the software development landscape continues to evolve, it is important to assess the skills and capabilities of the new breed of developers to ensure they are equipped for success. So, as an expert, how do you evaluate the new generation of software developers based on the emerging needs of the industry and the importance of AI and ML technologies?
There are various perspectives for evaluating the new generation of software developers, but I would actually base it on their foundation in programming fundamentals, problem-solving ability, and the availability of new technologies. The ability to learn quickly and keep abreast of evolving trends is really paramount. You should also watch for developments in AI and ML since, practically, these have become some of the tools for use in software development. Other than that, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also indispensable in today’s development settings, which happen to be team-based. The others that cross my mind are a passion for innovation, creativity, and the learning curve they have to sustain with changing technology, which are imperatives to driving the field into greater success. With all these underlying factors, I will be in a position to judge their preparedness for excellence in the fast-changing terrain of software development.
Can you give any personal stories or experiences that have influenced your approach to software development?
Early in my career as a developer, there was this one time I was working on an integration project between a new application system and an old legacy application system. The project had several challenges we had to overcome while working under stringent deadlines. From these challenges, I have learned how important communication and creativity can be when solving problems collaboratively. Doing so taught me how important it is that everyone’s opinion matters when developing software, and everyone has a unique skill set that is critical to the success of the team. I learned how to effectively prioritize my tasks, manage my time well, and seek assistance when necessary. One specific incident that stands out was when I was struggling to debug a critical issue, and my team lead took the time to walk me through the code and help me identify the solution. That moment of guidance and support has stayed with me, and I strive to pay it forward by mentoring and helping my colleagues in similar ways.
You were recently a senior full-stack developer at Optum. Tell us about your involvement in developing the “Doctor Appointment” flow application and the “Saving Center” app that uses AI/ML technology to help customers save money on medical prescriptions.
My responsibility was creating the core functionalities of the application, implementing users’ seamless experiences, and integrating with AI and ML components. The “Saving Center” app actually transformed how customers think about discounts nowadays, and I am particularly proud of my contribution there. I worked closely with the design team, as they made sure that our interface was user-friendly while the AI and ML team integrated predictive models to run this program. We resorted to modern technologies such as React, Node.js, and TensorFlow to build a scalable and robust application.
You have spent over ten years in software development, working for companies like Sberbank, Verizon, and Optum. What do you think has contributed to your success, and what challenges did you overcome?
A combination of hard work, continuous learning, and valuable professional contacts contributed to my success. Sometimes, I would be lazy or unmotivated, but staying focused and driven toward achieving goals is always important. Among many other things, I learned effective prioritization of tasks, efficient time management skills, and communication with other team members to ensure successful outcomes. One of the major issues was switching from a junior developer position to a senior one, where more responsibilities were placed on my shoulders alongside leading teams. However, this was addressed by seeking guidance from mentors, attending industry conferences where we interacted with experts who shaped our careers, and developing leadership skills.
The positions of leadership you’ve taken in organizations like Optum have resulted in significant growth and improvements. Can you give an example of your role and its impact on the organization?
I put into practice dependable and scalable concepts, optimized processes, and adopted best practices that led to increased fault tolerance and operability, contributing to customer satisfaction improvement, revenue growth, and enhanced company reputation. Furthermore, I mentored junior developers, playing a major part in their professional development. This led to achieving our team’s goals when one went ahead to become a team leader. Seeing their progress made it worthwhile.
How do you balance technical competence and effective communication and collaboration in a team environment?
I am, however, convinced that, though we need technical expertise, we also need simple communication of complex ideas. It is, therefore, important for me to understand what other team members, stakeholders, and customers feel about different issues. In addition, I encourage active listening by asking relevant questions that will help clarify any issues, thereby providing constructive feedback so as to keep all on the same page and working towards one goal. To facilitate understanding technical concepts, I have realized that using analogies or real-life situations helps a lot.
Can you talk about a problem you solved where your technical skills were challenged but ultimately led to success because you communicated effectively?
I was working on a project at Verizon that involved developing a new customer portal. This project entailed combining many teams and systems, and we faced technical challenges. Having worked closely with the team, I identified the issues and came up with a solution to satisfy the system’s associated technicalities and align it with consumer requirements. To help stakeholders understand the solution, I had to present it to them in simple English. The project was a huge success, and it’s still in use today.
Your work has had an impact on both individual lives and companies themselves. How have your methods or expertise been assimilated or desired?
I have been invited to present and train on a number of occasions. I have also written scholarly papers, one of which has been published in Internauka. My software development philosophy focuses on the user experience for better customer satisfaction. Moreover, my expertise in stable implementation techniques has ensured the optimization of business processes and an overall improvement in efficiency levels for companies. In addition, I have assisted several organizations in consulting for their software development projects, and this has provided me with an opportunity to share knowledge and skills gained with others.
As a member of organizations like the IEEE, ACM, or IAHD, can you share some thoughts about the prestige and benefits that come along with being a member of such prestigious bodies?
Being a member of these organizations provides me with networking opportunities where I can learn from others and keep up-to-date with trends in the industry. They enable me to engage other professionals who can help advance our field since it is not possible for one person to achieve success without their help. Furthermore, during this time, I’ve had the chance to participate in conferences and workshops and conduct research, which broadened my mind and developed my abilities. For example, I was involved in a research project focused on AI/ML applications within healthcare. This enabled me to partner with experts from different countries and assist in coming up with new technologies.
How do you ensure that you are consistently updated on all new developments in software development and AI/ML?
Continuous learning and professional development have taken precedence over everything else. For instance, I go to industry conferences, webinars, and workshops just to stay current with what’s happening in the world of technology. Furthermore, I take part in online forums, including GitHub and Stack Overflow, where other people teach me while I also share my knowledge and experience. As another means of getting updates about the latest improvements or breakthroughs within this sector, I read industry publications and blogs.
What advice would you offer to aspiring software developers or AI/ML professionals?
Learning must always be given priority if anyone desires to become an efficient software developer or AI/ML expert someday. They should also be open to new challenges and experiences and develop strong communication and collaboration skills. It’s also essential to stay curious and passionate about the field in the face of ever-evolving opportunities and challenges. Finally, I would encourage aspiring professionals to seek out mentorship and guidance from experts in the field.
What are your plans, and how do you intend to continue making a positive impact on the IT industry?
I plan to continue my professional development by sharing my knowledge and experience with others, which will positively impact the world. I am committed to keeping abreast of industry trends and participating in innovative projects. Moreover, I have been considering research and development (R&D) and AI/ML, which have great potential for transforming industries globally and enhancing human lives even further.
