Humans of Bujeti; Meet Abeng, the Backend Engineer of Backend Engineers.

Welcome to another episode of the Humans of Bujeti Story. In this episode, we talked to Abeng, Our ever reliable backend engineer. Abeng tells us how his love for computers started and what it is like working for Bujeti. He also tells us what he does outside work and some interesting facts about him.

Tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Abeng Emmanuel, and I am a software engineer with extensive experience in developing reliable and scalable software solutions. I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the esteemed Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt. Throughout my career, I have focused primarily on building backend solutions, although I have dabbled in various engineering disciplines, but my love for backend engineering exceeds them all.

Let’s start about your love for computers; what made you want to study computer science in the first place.

During my early childhood, I used to visit my friend Nasiru Garba’s place to watch him play computer games on their desktop. I was captivated by what I saw and would spend most of my day there, even though I was initially hesitant to touch computers. As time went on, after completing secondary school and preparing to enter university, computer science became a hot topic among my friends. My elder sister also suggested it to me, which led me to embark on research by Googling topics like “work of a computer scientist,” “career prospects for computer scientists,” and “salary of computer scientists.” I was genuinely curious about how software works and how to provide instructions to a computer and witness them being executed. All of these factors, combined with my passion for computers, ultimately confirmed that pursuing computer science was the right path for me. I am delighted with the decision I made.

After schooling- how and why did you decide on Backend engineering?

During my six-month internship, I had the opportunity to learn both frontend and backend engineering. I worked on various projects that involved both ends, but I discovered that I experienced a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness when working on the backend side of things. I found joy in analytical reasoning, computational tasks, and mathematical concepts. I enjoyed exploring different options, critically analyzing them, and identifying the most optimal solutions. On the other hand, I viewed frontend as primarily focused on design, an area where I lacked expertise in color mixing and graphic design. Backend, however, encompassed everything I loved, such as handling computations, calculations, and the core functionalities. Given my natural inclination and enthusiasm, it was an easy decision for me to pivot my focus primarily towards backend development.

So explain it to me like I am 5, what a backend engineer does

A Backend Engineer plays a crucial role in any application, whether it’s a mobile, web, or desktop platform. They are responsible for processing and handling the actions performed by users, such as button clicks or text inputs, and performing the necessary operations behind the scenes. It’s like magic, especially when explained to a five-year-old.

For example, imagine you want to make a payment by entering your credit card details and clicking the “pay” button. The backend engineer receives this information, validates its correctness, verifies with your bank if the details are valid, checks if you have sufficient funds for the transaction, initiates the transfer of money to the merchant you’re paying, and finally notifies you that the payment was successful. In addition to these actions, backend engineers often collaborate with other backend engineers to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken smoothly, all in the pursuit of making the user happy with their experience.

Finally I know Why they keep mentioning your name on slack; Tell me your Bujeti story; how did you get in ?

The circumstances that led me to my current position felt almost serendipitous. While engrossed in one of my projects, I received a notification from LinkedIn, indicating that I had been mentioned in a post seeking a Backend Engineer. It turned out that a friend of mine, who is now also a colleague at the company, had mentioned me. When I checked the post, I realized that the application deadline had already passed. Nevertheless, I left a comment expressing gratitude to my friend for the mention and mentioned that the application had closed.

To my surprise, the HR department noticed my comment, took the initiative to review my profile, and reached out to me, expressing interest. This led to a scheduled interview, during which I had an engaging conversation with the head of engineering. After numerous email exchanges, I found myself in my current position, actively involved in building the next groundbreaking innovation from Africa for the global stage.

So what has it been like working for Bujeti ?

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Bujeti team, as my experience here has been nothing short of enjoyable. The company boasts a remarkable group of colleagues who are not only highly skilled but also genuinely amazing individuals. Collaborating with such a talented team of engineers has been a rewarding experience that has contributed to personal and professional growth.

One aspect that stands out about working at Bujeti is the vibrant atmosphere of continuous development. There is ample opportunity for growth regarding technical expertise and career advancement. The company recognizes the importance of nurturing its employees’ skills and providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.

Building our product has been an exciting journey. It has involved close collaboration and seamless teamwork among multiple departments and teams. Witnessing the synergy and alignment across various functions, from design to development, marketing to customer support has been truly inspiring. Each team member’s dedication and contribution have played a crucial role in shaping the product to its current state of excellence.

Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the future trajectory of Bujeti. The company’s vision and direction align perfectly with my aspirations, and I am thrilled to participate in this journey. Being onboard this ship as it sails toward new horizons fills me with pride and satisfaction. I am excited to see our product’s continued growth and success, and I am grateful to be surrounded by a team that shares the same passion and commitment.

Work me through a typical day at Bujeti

A typical day at Bujeti is not only productive but also enjoyable. To start my day, I plan the specific tasks and deliverables I aim to accomplish. This helps me stay organised and focused throughout the day.

One of the first things I do is review any open pull requests (PRs) from my fellow team members. Providing feedback and reviewing code is essential to maintaining a high-quality codebase and fostering collaboration within the team. I also check Slack to see if any messages or mentions require my attention, and I promptly respond to ensure effective communication and collaboration across the company.

Once I’ve tackled these initial tasks, I dive into my list of deliverables. As I work, I occasionally take short breaks to recharge my mind. During these breaks, I enjoy catching up with other engineers, discussing various topics, and gaining insights from their experiences. Hearing their perspectives and learning about different problem-solving approaches is always intriguing. Sometimes, we engage in pair coding sessions where we collaborate on a specific task, sharing our thoughts and bouncing ideas off each other. This collaborative coding experience is educational and enjoyable, as it fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows for valuable knowledge exchange.

To break the monotony and give my mind a breather, I also take breaks to browse through my social media feeds, watch informative or entertaining videos, or engage in other activities that help me relax for a short while. These brief distractions help rejuvenate my focus and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Throughout the day, I attend various meetings as required. These meetings may involve discussing project updates, brainstorming new features, or coordinating efforts across different teams. Active participation in these sessions helps ensure alignment, fosters effective communication and contributes to the overall success of the projects we’re working on.

What’s your proudest Bujeti moment so far?

Working at Bujeti has given me numerous moments of pride, but one recent experience stands out. It was a day when the successful optimisation of a crucial feature directly impacted everyone’s salary payments. This feature was designed to enhance the usability of our product, benefiting both our customers and the entire company since we rely on our own product for internal operations as well.

As the Backend Engineer responsible for this optimization, I dedicated myself to analyzing the existing implementation and identifying areas for improvement. I meticulously assessed the codebase, scrutinized performance bottlenecks, and devised strategies to optimize the feature. It required technical expertise, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

After intense coding, testing, and fine-tuning, I delivered the optimized feature version. The moment it was moved into production was truly exhilarating. I felt like a hero, knowing that my hard work and dedication would significantly impact the company and its employees.

The outcome was nothing short of remarkable. Once the optimized feature went live, everyone in the company received their salary notifications seamlessly.

Ha ha this is good I love it. When you’re not working, what are you doing?

My laptop is like my trusted companion; it’s never too far from me. I find myself engaged in various activities whenever I’m in its presence. Whether I’m indulging in YouTube videos for entertainment or immersing myself in educational content about system architecture, my laptop serves as a gateway to endless learning and entertainment possibilities.

Between my work and personal commitments, I often find time to connect with friends and engage in lively conversations through various messaging platforms. Staying connected allows me to maintain a sense of community and nurture my relationships, even in the digital realm. It’s always refreshing to exchange ideas, share experiences, and catch up with those who matter most to me.

While my laptop remains an essential tool for my daily activities, I also recognize the importance of taking breaks and engaging in physical activities. Badminton is one of my favorite pastimes, and whenever I can spare time, I head out to the court for a game. The fast-paced nature of the sport helps me channel my energy and provides a refreshing change from my usual work routine.

Additionally, going for a walk is another way to rejuvenate my body and mind. Stepping outside, breathing in the fresh air, and immersing myself in nature’s beauty helps to clear my thoughts and reset my focus. It’s a peaceful and introspective experience that allows me to recharge and regain mental clarity.

Badminton, sounds like a rich man’s thing; Do you have any advice for Aspiring backend engineers

Backend Engineering is not only fulfilling but also incredibly enjoyable. While some may shy away from it due to perceived complexity or workload, I firmly believe that it is an art form that holds immense beauty. Engaging in backend engineering keeps your mind constantly active, ignites your problem-solving abilities, and encourages critical thinking.

At first glance, the intricate nature of backend systems may appear daunting, but as you dive deeper and grasp the foundational building blocks, you’ll discover the true essence of its elegance. Learning the fundamentals allows you to piece together the various components, gradually unraveling the magic behind creating robust and scalable systems.

Backend engineering unveils the profound realization that big systems are essentially composed of smaller, interconnected blocks. With time and dedication, you will acquire the knowledge and expertise necessary to tackle these blocks one by one, gradually expanding your understanding and proficiency.

Similar to mastering any art, backend engineering requires patience and perseverance. Take your time, savor each step of the learning journey, and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. By breaking down complex problems into manageable tasks, you’ll gradually build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills.

As you progress and witness the impact of your efforts, you’ll develop a deep appreciation for the craft. The satisfaction of seeing your work come to life, constructing systems that seamlessly handle data, process requests, and provide valuable services, is incredibly rewarding. Each line of code, each well-designed algorithm, contributes to the creation of something greater than its individual parts.

Ultimately, backend engineering offers a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. It empowers you to build systems that can handle immense complexity, ensuring seamless interactions between users and applications. Through continuous learning and practice, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities and find joy in the artistry of backend engineering.

So, embrace the challenge, relish the opportunity to expand your mind, and discover the beauty and artistry that lie within the world of backend engineering. It may take time, dedication, and persistence, but the rewards are immeasurable.