SmartBear Career Growth & Development

What makes your role now a dream job? What do you get to do that you didn’t at other companies? 

What makes it a dream job is a combination of meaningful work, a great team culture and supportive leadership. I’m part of a small, highly collaborative team that spans multiple countries. We’re building tools for developers and quality analysts — products that are not only technically interesting but have a real impact on how modern software is built and tested. 

What sets SmartBear apart is the way people are treated. Management truly understands our needs, listens and actively works to solve problems. My supervisors are not just leaders — they are mentors who support our growth, both professionally and personally. The emphasis on mental well-being, continuous learning and providing opportunities for development through internal and external training makes a huge difference. This kind of environment isn’t common, and it’s something I deeply value.

What do you think helped you land the job? Were you able to bring any special expertise or project experience that SmartBear found valuable?

While I have strong back-end development skills, I believe what really helped me stand out was my ability to communicate clearly, stay self-organized, and collaborate effectively with others. In a distributed team, soft skills are just as important as technical ones, and I bring a balance of both. I’m comfortable taking ownership of tasks, sharing knowledge and helping drive team success, which align well with the culture and expectations at SmartBear.

What do you think helps engineers move up quickly or be the top pick for a competitive employer? What should engineers seek out if they hope to move up or be hired by their “dream” company?

From my experience, it’s not just about mastering technical skills. What really helps engineers grow or stand out is their attitude — being proactive, communicating well and showing a willingness to learn and support others. Companies look for people who are not only great at solving problems but who also help elevate the team around them. 

If you’re aiming for your dream company, invest in your soft skills, be open to feedback, and find ways to contribute beyond your own tasks. Seek out environments where you can learn through mentorship, cross-functional work and training opportunities. And most importantly, stay curious and never stop improving.