Humans of HTB #4: Anastasia’s journey into software engineering

Step into the vibrant world of the Humans of HTB (HoH), your behind-the-scenes glimpse into the growth of our talented team and dynamic culture!  

In this HoH series, we talk to Anastasia Tsilepi, who embarked on her journey at HTB as a front-end developer in the Capture The Flag (CTF) team and is now thriving as a software engineer in the core software engineering team! 

What was your career path before HTB?

Hello, I'm Anastasia, a software engineer at Hack The Box. Before joining this amazing team, I navigated the tech realm wearing multiple hats, from full-stack development to a more focused role in front-end development.

How did you end up in your current role?

I began my journey at Hack The Box by joining the CTF platform. Collaborating with various teams to deliver some of our company's biggest events was a thrilling experience. Presently, I am part of the core engineering team, where my focus lies in empowering other teams through the development of libraries and the front end of microservices, primarily using the Vue.js framework.

Tell us about the most enjoyable part of your job!

The most enjoyable part of my job is the daily learning opportunities and the overall mindset of the company. I get to work on cutting-edge projects with the freedom to explore and experiment in new territories. This occurs within a playful and dynamic work environment that prioritizes work-life balance, fosters a community, and encourages a positive, enjoyable atmosphere where each team member's contributions are valued and celebrated.

What are the key challenges of your work now?

The most challenging part of my role right now is delivering work that aligns with the high standards set by Hack The Box to serve our clients effectively. It can be demanding, but it's equally rewarding to know that my work positively impacts professionals on a global scale.

You’ve been at HTB for 1+ year now. What makes it a unique place to work?

I’m lucky enough to work with people who have a deep passion for what they do. Many of my colleagues started their careers by being users of Hack The Box Labs, or they’re highly interested in cybersecurity, so they truly adore the product. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find ample opportunities to embrace it here. HTB actively promotes growth and has allowed me to venture beyond my comfort zone and grow as both an individual and professional.

What advice would you give to someone interviewing at HTB?

Understand that the company places significant importance on personality. Although it might sound cliché, be yourself during the interviews. Showcase your personality traits and their alignment with HTB’s “people-first” culture.

During the interview, ask questions. Show interest by asking about the company culture, the team you’ll work with, and how your role will contribute. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position.

Since we have global teams and a remote-first approach, it would be a good idea to discuss your experience with remote work. Refer to strategies for staying productive or maintaining effective communication and collaboration while working remotely.

If given a coding task, it may seem obvious, but start by thoroughly understanding the requirements. Reach out to clarify any doubts if needed. Demonstrate your skills in coding principles, algorithms, and data structures in your solution. Write as clean code as you can. Additions are always welcome, so incorporate a personal touch to make yourself stand out.

Lastly, if you encounter challenges during your task, document your approach and any roadblocks you face. This shows your transparency and problem-solving skills, both highly regarded in technical roles.

Author bio: Anastasia, Software Engineer, Hack The Box Born and raised in Greece, Anastasia is a software engineer at Hack The Box. By day, she dives into the development world, turning concepts into reality with the architecture team. Beyond the world of coding, Anastasia embraces her adventurous side as a passionate bike rider and snowboarder, constantly pursuing thrills and exciting escapades. Home is where her heart is, sharing cozy moments and the delightful chaos of being a cat owner. ✨ Want to hear more from Anastasia? Connect with her on LinkedIn.