Digital technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, with almost everything relying on computers in one way or another. While it has already revolutionized the way we work, communicate, and carry out our daily routines, it is constantly evolving. Mykyta Machekhin, Senior Software Engineer at the fast-growing successful startup CurbWaste and a key figure in the digitalization of public services in Ukraine, shared with iTechPost how an IT specialist can keep up with the rapid changes of the digital age and follow its trends without losing sight of work processes.
Digitalization Is Everywhere
IT pros are the ones who brought digital tools into the world and now play a crucial role in advancing them for the better. Sometimes, digital technology can be implemented in the most unexpected ways, such as waste management. Mykyta, currently a Senior Software Engineer at CurbWaste—a startup that streamlines the management of the waste hauling business in the US—makes critical technical decisions, and he firmly believes that digitalizing all processes is an absolute necessity.
Our material world is becoming increasingly digital. Take, for example, the Diia app, which has completely revolutionized the public services sector in Ukraine by moving from old-fashioned paperwork to virtual format. Mykyta was behind this major project, which has eased the lives of millions of people and gained international recognition.
Efficient Incorporation of Cutting-Edge Technologies
Mykyta explained that implementing the latest technologies to achieve the right results requires a strategic yet pragmatic approach. He noted that for each project, he evaluates the potential impact of new technologies on achieving the company's objectives, considering factors such as scalability, efficiency, and maintainability.
"Before implementation, I conduct feasibility studies and prototype development to assess their practicality. This ensures that the integration of new technologies not only drives innovation but also aligns with our business goals and enhances our product offerings," Mykyta said.
The More We Share, the More We Have
So, how can one keep up with new trends without getting distracted from current work projects?
"Staying updated on the latest trends and technologies in the fast-evolving field of digitalization is both a passion and a priority for me. My approach is multifaceted. Firstly, I dedicate a portion of my time each week to reading industry publications, technical blogs, and research papers. This helps me stay informed about emerging technologies and methodologies. I also actively participate in tech communities and attend conferences, webinars, and workshops whenever possible, which provide insights into current trends and offer the opportunity to network with other professionals and share knowledge," Mykyta told Itechpost.
According to him, getting involved in professional communities is especially important, as it allows individuals to learn firsthand about emerging industry trends and even participate in setting them.
For more than seven years, Mykyta has been a member of the Metarhia open-source community, which is well-known in Eastern Europe.
"Our work in Metarhia is focused on developing a comprehensive technology stack designed for high-load applications. This includes the creation of our own DBMS, server applications, and a variety of libraries tailored to enhance the performance and scalability of web applications," Mykyta said.
Since 2023, he has been a member of the International Association of IT Professionals. This group connects industry experts worldwide and requires passing rigorous tests to confirm competency in the field. While joining these communities can be quite challenging as it requires serious testing conducted by some of the world's leading IT professionals, Mykyta said it is the right place for those committed to achieving excellence in the industry.
Additionally, IT enthusiasts constantly striving to advance technologies can publish their research, allowing a wide range of interested individuals to get involved and exchange their opinions about it. Mykyta, known for his innovative approach and pursuit of excellence, has been published on Scopus.com and Researchgate.net.
The more recognized an expert is, the greater the potential to influence the industry.
If one's professionalism and expertise are highly valued in the industry, individuals can contribute to its development by participating in competitions as judges. By evaluating competitors' projects, jurors can identify potential best methods and standards and perhaps discover a spark in young talent that could become an IT star someday.
Mykyta served as a judge in the prestigious "Top 40 Digital Experts" national competition as an internationally recognized expert in software development, application development, and data processing. The contest attracted participants from all over the world. Its purpose was to reward active and exceptional specialists and create a platform for popularizing achievements in digital technologies.
The expanded pool of 4,000 participants included market experts with outstanding achievements for 2023 who have attended nationwide digital events, developed their products, or received new career appointments to leadership positions based on their accomplishments. Mykyta was invited to join the judging panel for his professional achievements, including his significant contribution to the development of Diia through his authoring techniques.
Mastering Digitalization: Success in Challenging Fields
What are the essential steps for young software engineers who want to focus on digitalization? Itechpost asked Mykyta to share his successful experience using the example of a complex sector, such as the digitalization of public services.
"For aspiring software engineers looking to embark on a journey as ambitious as the complete digitization of public services for an entire country, my advice would be to start with a solid foundation. Focus on mastering the fundamentals of software engineering and understanding the principles of scalable and secure system design. It's crucial to recognize the importance of user-centered design, especially in public services, where your work will impact a diverse range of users. Embrace interdisciplinary learning; understanding the nuances of public administration, legal frameworks, and social sciences can be as important as your technical skills. Collaboration is key—seek to work with experts in various fields to gain insights that can inform your approach," Mykyta said.
He noted that staying resilient and adaptable is another important part of this journey. "Projects of such magnitude will inevitably face challenges, from technical hurdles to regulatory and societal barriers. Your ability to persevere and pivot as needed will be paramount," Mykyta added.
"Lastly, never lose sight of the larger goal: to make public services more accessible, efficient, and transparent for the benefit of all citizens. Let this vision drive your innovations and guide your decisions throughout your career," he concluded.
