How trust makes it possible at Omnisend

One factor that’s usually repeated by new joiners at Omnisend is that right here, individuals genuinely dwell by the corporate values and embrace its tradition. And a giant a part of that’s group play and belief. It’s actually constructed into how every group works.

One of many clearest examples of that belief is the corporate’s method to hiring builders.

Despite the fact that most of Omnisend’s backend runs on Go, new engineers aren’t anticipated to be Go specialists once they be part of. What issues extra is curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to be taught. Or in different phrases — Omnisend hires for mindset, not for syntax.

Shifting gears

For our Software program Engineers Agris Šuminskas, Povilas Žvirblis, and Edgar Reis, that mindset got here into apply from day one. All three got here from completely different technical backgrounds — Java for Agris, C# for Povilas and Edgar — however shared the identical problem: studying Go on the job.

Agris remembers being excited in regards to the alternative: “I used to be excited to be taught a brand new programming language whereas fixing real-world issues,” he says. “I already had expertise with a number of languages, so it felt like one other means to enhance myself.”

Povilas, nonetheless, was a bit extra cautious at first: “I used to be a bit of shocked,” he admits. “My first thought was, ‘Why Go?’ However once I realized that many individuals right here got here from different stacks too, I felt assured I might make the shift.”

And Edgar noticed the change as a part of the enjoyable: “I used to be type of into it, as I used to be truly searching for an organization that makes use of a much less widespread language.”

The mix of curiosity and confidence displays Omnisend’s tradition so nicely — persevering with to grasp what you’re already good at is perhaps useful, however the willingness to discover new issues is what drives this group ahead.

Studying on the go

The transition to Go turned out to be smoother than anticipated — partly due to the language’s simplicity, and partly due to the atmosphere they discovered themselves in.

“Go is a quite simple language — typically too easy,” laughs Povilas. “I miss a few of the syntactic sugar from different languages, however that simplicity helps you get productive actually quick. I used to be studying on the go (pun meant), and my first manufacturing change occurred within the first week.”

For Agris, it was extra about reawakening previous habits than studying one thing fully new.

“I needed to keep in mind what pointers are,” he says. “I hadn’t used them since college. Additionally, I nonetheless haven’t gotten used to these single-letter variable names — it feels barbaric,” laughs Agris.

And whereas Edgar jokes that “any code is production-ready in the event you’re courageous sufficient,” all three engineers share a quiet confidence rooted in the identical factor: a group that trusts them to be taught by doing.

At Omnisend, builders are inspired to develop by way of collaboration and autonomy. Certain, errors occur, however they’re merely handled as a part of the method.

Belief over checklists

Omnisend’s engineering tradition runs on belief, not checklists. As an alternative of strict pointers or approval chains, groups are trusted to determine issues out. And that’s what helps good engineers turn into nice ones.

“The extra senior you’re, the much less a programming language issues,” says Povilas. “On the finish of the day, it’s simply one other instrument beneath your belt. The essential expertise are problem-solving, decision-making, and structure — understanding when to make tradeoffs.”

It’s a sentiment that echoes throughout the group. Agris factors out that engineers who embrace this mindset are those who thrive:

“Engineers with robust foundations don’t see studying a brand new language as a barrier,” he says. “It’s a part of the craft.”

At Omnisend, that philosophy extends past particular person expertise. Groups personal their scope, make technical choices, and are accountable for outcomes. That sense of possession influences how builders understand each high quality and affect.

“Every group owns its scope,” explains Povilas. “That freedom works as a result of individuals listed here are accountable. Once you deal with your space, life will get simpler. Neglect it, and ache turns into an excellent trainer.”

Agris provides that the corporate’s iterative, feedback-driven method makes the educational course of really feel protected and supportive.

“We launch iteratively and validate in small batches,” he says. “It’s much less error-prone and simpler to be taught. Most of my colleagues are senior, collaboration is inspired, and also you at all times have assist if you want it.”

Rising past the code

For all three builders, studying Go ended up being much less about choosing up a brand new language and extra about increasing how they suppose.

“Code is only a reflection of the self,” says Edgar. “Each new language is like studying to dream in a unique syntax.”

That shift in perspective is one thing Povilas credit Omnisend’s tradition for: “I turned a greater developer right here, however not due to Go,” he says. “It’s about how we construct merchandise — fascinated by affect, not simply strains of code.”

And Agris sees each new language as one other alternative to develop: “Every new expertise you be taught provides you one thing new to attract from later,” he says. “It’s expertise you may reuse anytime.”

Be curious and simply do it

If there’s a theme that ties all their tales collectively, it’s curiosity and braveness — the willingness to attempt one thing new even when it feels unsure.

“You’ll be able to at all times change again,” says Povilas. “But when the one factor holding you again is concern of the unknown, take the leap.”

Agris agrees: “It’s not that troublesome. You already know the primary ideas — it’s simply syntax. Particularly with Go, there’s not that a lot of it.”

And go away it to Edgar to say it greatest: “Studying a brand new language mid-career is like refactoring your soul — complicated, messy, however finally lovely. The syntax fades, however the journey compiles completely within the coronary heart.”