Nataliia is one of the integral members of Sprinterra’s Leadership. Ms. Iashchuk has more than 17 years of industry experience and a passion for achieving results. She coordinates complex project plans and executes strategies with ease. Before her role at Sprinterra, Ms. Iashchuk was perfecting her skills and growing her network with GlobalLogic. Nataliia received her Master’s degree in Electronics from the National Aviation University in Kyiv.
Today she lives in the Ukrainian capital – her hometown and her favorite city in the entire world. Nataliia and her husband are avid globe throttles. They also enjoy city walks, mountain hikes, and playing tennis. In her spare time, Nataliia explores foreign cultures and languages.
Nataliia, how is it to live and work in a country under a military attack?
The most challenging time was back in February when the war started. The word ‘shocked’ is not strong enough to describe how we felt at that moment. Some people couldn’t believe it, some were catatonic, and some just fell into pieces, constantly crying and praying. I froze at first but quickly gathered my thoughts, reminding myself that most of us, Ukrainians, had known what was coming for some time. Nonetheless, we couldn’t grasp the idea of the new reality. My husband and I almost didn’t sleep during the last week of February. We were trying to help our friends, families, and coworkers, including my extended Sprinterra family.
At first, we tried to convince ourselves that the war would be over soon. But it’s been over three months, and Ukraine is still fighting for her life. We don’t see much combat in Kyiv. However, the sirens and helicopters are still interrupting our days and nights. Somehow we got used to the situation. I cannot explain how someone can get used to war. And I want to echo the Ukrainian First Lady who urged the US to “not get used to this war.” We are coping with the situation, and this is the right way to describe how we feel. Otherwise, we’ll go mad. But the collective West cannot do the same; the US and Europe are now our hope in helping Ukraine win this war.
Life in Kyiv seems to be returning to a degree of normalcy. It looks like the city is returning to life, as some services are up and running, and many stores and businesses are opening again. It is very encouraging to see. This view gives me hope and strength. We, at Sprinterra, are working at a full capacity, delivering on time and communicating with our clients daily. Our workflow has no interruptions, and we meet the deadlines. This is the right way, in my opinion, to support our country’s economy and help Ukraine win this unjustified war. I urge everyone to help our brave soldiers, too. The Ukrainian military needs support, and we continue to help by donating to Democratic Axe.
What brought you to Sprinterra, and what is your favorite part of working here?
A happy coincidence, I’d call it. I felt stuck and uninspired at my previous job and was looking for a new place where I could apply my knowledge and improve my skills, and grow professionally and personally. Lucky for me, I knew Sprinterra as an outsourcing company with a very similar workflow. When I was offered a job with Sprinterra, I was pleasantly surprised to find a family-like atmosphere, and it felt like I belonged here right from the start. Almost one hundred employees are working for Sprinterra today. We are a huge and happy family of similar-minded people. I trust my coworkers, learn from them and receive constructive feedback when I need one. I love being able to work remotely now. But having forward-thinking, supportive management that realizes employees are the company’s greatest asset – is one of the fundamental reasons I enjoy working here. Together, we create something new and exciting. I feel like being part of something significant. I love what I do and would like to extend my gratitude to the entire team!
How is it – working for somebody seven or eight hours behind? Do you have to stay up late to finish your assignments?
No, I don’t. When working for a global company, work hours tend to stretch beyond the typical nine-to-five schedule. Sprinterra’s clients and projects are always a priority, but our management respectfully asks everyone not to work over eight hours. As time management is one of my strong points, I don’t have a problem organizing my tasks according to New York or even Los Angeles time zones. Before the war, we had a trial run with Covid’s lockdowns and remote work. Working from home has its advantages. I get to spend more time with my family, cook, and go for a walk when I feel tired or overwhelmed. Instead of driving or commuting to work, I have the opportunity to spend this time with my family and friends. Watch TV, read, and learn something new. I think it’s a perfect work-life balance.
How is Sprinterra different from other software development companies?
What sets Sprinterra apart is the close-knitted atmosphere and strong support system. We’re growing and welcoming new people to our team. That comes alongside introducing new rules and regulations for the employees. We continue to do our best to create a place where everyone wants to work and contribute to the company’s success. We supply our team with tools to improve their skills and knowledge, challenge them to solve interesting problems, and own the solutions.
How we work with our clients is also different from other software companies. We consider our customers – our partners and treat them as such; we value their time and appreciate their input. Their success is our pride. So when we help our clients be more profitable works for us too, and vice versa.
The main goal of the project team is to listen to and understand the client and his needs and requirements and set up objectives and a timeline. Then, we strive to meet and exceed the client’s expectations.
What is your favorite project?
All our projects are my favorites. I’m involved with every one of Sprinterra‘s projects; they are like my children, and it is impossible to pick just one. For example, there was an exciting project within the Entertainment industry when our team developed a unique piracy-prevention software (and more). Another one I liked working on was a major assignment with a Financial services company. Sprinterra worked on a customized big data solution to increase employees’ productivity and improve and automate financial processes in the company with the help of tech innovations such as AI and ML. I also love working on projects involving Acumatica because we are Acumatica’s partner and ADN (Acumatica Development Network) program participant of Acumatica.
What advice would you give to a prospective hire?
In a few words – be proactive, fast, take responsibility, and enjoy! One must love what they do otherwise is a waste of time for both of us. When welcoming a new member to our team, Sprinterrains open their arms and hearts, and that’s what we ask our new employees to do too – be open and kind!
