At Polpo, we are always curious about the background and passions of our team members. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Frank, our talented developer.
What is your background, and how did you end up at Polpo?
I started programming in secondary school and went on to study Computer Science at the University of Amsterdam, with a minor in Artificial Intelligence. After graduating, I began working in consultancy, but at the time, it didn’t quite suit me. Eventually, I came across a vacancy at Polpo. Initially, I wasn’t interested in politics, but I’ve grown to follow it with interest. Now, I’ve been happily working at Polpo for four years.
What do you enjoy most about your work as a developer?
I love collaborating with the team to build a tool. It’s fantastic to be able to say, “Look, this is what we’ve made – how useful is this?!” I also appreciate that my broad interests fit well with all aspects of development. For example, I also guide colleagues and help expand the knowledge within the team. This variety makes the work extra interesting.
How would you describe collaboration within the Polpo team?
The collaboration is very pleasant. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and solutions, and we genuinely listen to each other. This creates an open and friendly atmosphere, where everyone feels valued. Together, we always find the best solutions.
We also have great contact with the business team, for example, during our Knowledge Days. These are moments when we exchange knowledge between teams. I often take away valuable insights that I can apply to my work.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing board games like Pandemic, Wingspan, and Forgotten Waters. I’m also a big fan of escape rooms – I love solving puzzles. Additionally, I enjoy building with LEGO, spending time in nature, or visiting the zoo.
What does the background of your laptop look like, and why did you choose it?
The background of my laptop is an autumn tree with beautiful lighting. I have a thing for nature; it helps me relax during work.
What is your dream project at Polpo, and how do you see the future?
My dream project is something I already work on daily: contributing to Polpo’s core, especially focusing on scalability and efficiency. I find it amazing to improve the system’s architecture and ensure we’re ready for future growth. It’s challenging work that involves considering many factors. It sometimes feels like make or break – it has to be spot-on. That makes it exciting. I enjoy exploring options, weighing choices, and building something that truly makes an impact.
Also interested in a challenging and varied role at Polpo? Get in touch!