On Developing Career in Tech with Andrey Goncharov, Senior Software Engineer at Facebook

This story is a part of Hacker Noon's Meet the Writer series of interviews. The series is intended for tech professionals contributing the most insightful Hacker Noon stories to share more about their writing habits, ideas, and professional background (and maybe a hobby or two).

If you too would like to start contributing to Hacker Noon, you can do so here.

So let’s start! Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.

Hi! My name is Andrey G. I am from the middle of nowhere in Russia. Recently, I have moved to the UK. I am a senior software engineer at Facebook. On weekends, I am pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at Georgia Tech. I like thinking of myself as a full-stack TypeScript and JavaScript dev, although I have more expertise on the frontend. I used to play with Python in production and with C in the academic environment.

I love giving public talks at conferences and meetups whenever I have a chance and a decent topic. Occasionally, I poke my blog with a stick to make it feel alive. I love open source with all my heart. I sit on a program committee at React Global Summit and ITeaConf. In my spare time, I enjoy boxing, weight lifting, hiking, and snowboarding.

Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?

I told my story of how I got multiple FAANG offers in Europe.

Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?

It is one of the topics I like covering. Usually, I write about TypeScript, JavaScript, web, and career in tech.

Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)

I wish I had one :)

Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?

Time management. There is never enough time for everything.

What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?

Find my first team in Facebook and succeed in the new role.

Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?

I am a sugar addict. I am trying to fight it, but I would, probably, still trade my left arm for a donut in time of need :)

Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?

Boxing, weight lifting, hiking, snowboarding.

What can the Hacker Noon community expect to read from you next?

I plan to cover why I have decided to get a Master’s after 5 years in the industry.

Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?

It was my pleasure! Let’s keep in touch on LinkedIn and Twitter!