Yulia
Relocating to Copenhagen, Yulia was captivated by the city’s charm and natural beauty. “It’s such a safe city, with canals and waterfronts everywhere. During the summer, you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard—it keeps you so active,” she shares.
She appreciates Copenhagen’s unique balance between nature and urban life. “You’re close to nature, with parks that have llamas, cows, and sheep just outside the city,” she notes. For Yulia, the city’s size is another perk—big enough to offer plenty of opportunities but small enough to feel cozy. “With a bike, you can reach anywhere in no time,” she adds.
Unlike many engineers, Yulia didn’t start her career in tech. With a background in literature and languages, she initially worked in an IT support department, leveraging her skills in English and French. Over time, she transitioned to a role in mobile app support and began learning the ropes of quality assurance (QA).
“The QA team taught me what good tooling is, how to work with developers, and what a solid release cycle looks like,” she explains. Alongside on-the-job training, Yulia pursued coursework and certifications to deepen her technical expertise.
After joining Shape Games as a QA specialist, she took another leap in February, stepping into the role of Engineering Manager. “Engineering chose me,” she says with a smile. Her story proves that passion and adaptability can lead to remarkable career shifts.
When she’s not at work, Yulia finds joy in adventures and cultural pursuits. A seasoned traveler, she’s trekked to Everest Base Camp, explored the Faroe Islands, and hiked through the Swiss Alps. “Reaching 5,500 meters during the 15-day trek to Everest was unforgettable,” she shares.
Closer to home, Yulia has embraced Copenhagen’s vibrant social dancing scene, particularly bachata, which she was introduced to by a colleague and close friend. She’s also learning Danish and continues to nurture her passion for languages, having mastered English, French, and Russian while dabbling in Spanish.
For Yulia, leadership revolves around people. “As a manager, you must have a genuine passion for people and psychology,” she explains. Her experience in QA highlighted the value of soft skills. “QA requires adaptability and tailoring your approach to each individual. Those same skills are equally vital for a manager.”
She also emphasises the importance of decision-making, noting that effective leadership often means making thoughtful, timely choices that consider both people and outcomes.
For Yulia, the answer lies in the culture and opportunities. “It’s such a supportive environment, especially when moving to a new country. The company helps you integrate into the culture and lifestyle, and there are many opportunities to grow,” she says.
Shape Games’ innovative approach to technology is another highlight. “It’s a progressive and pro-innovation company, making it an exciting place to develop and create something new.”
The open and welcoming culture at Shape Games has left a lasting impression on Yulia. “The people here are incredible—eager to help, fun to be around, and always up for activities after work,” she says.
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