Staff Spotlight – Isaac Suarez

 

 

In our latest feature of Sparta’s spotlight series, we shift our focus to Isaac Suarez, our Front End Engineer. Join us as we embark on a journey through Isaac’s career in the tech world, exploring the ins and outs of his role here at Sparta and lifting a lid on the unique qualities that define him. Let’s celebrate Isaac’s contributions and uncover the individual behind the screen!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COMPANY?

I’ve been around for two and a half years since September 2021.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE?

As a front-end engineer, I’m continuously improving the web app that our clients use. This involves tasks ranging from fixing small buttons that aren’t styled correctly to creating entirely new pages from scratch, complete with tables, charts, and live data.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?/CAN YOU GIVE ME A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CAREER PATH UP UNTIL THIS POINT?

I began studying programming when I was 19 years old and started looking for a programming job just a year later, while still continuing my studies. I found a job as a junior front-end developer at a tourism company, where I worked alongside their tech team on software solutions for hotels and tour operators. During this time, I balanced work in the mornings with studying in the evenings.

After a little over two and a half years, having completed my studies, I made the decision to move to Barcelona to work for a technical consultancy. My motivation was to learn how to build various projects from scratch. I spent two and a half years there.

Eventually, I learned about Sparta from a colleague at my first company who was already working there. It was a tough decision to leave my previous company, as I had enjoyed my time there and felt comfortable. However, I have no regrets about embarking on this new adventure with Sparta!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT SPARTA?

The team is amazing, both professionally and personally. In my opinion, if you’re going to spend 8 hours a day working on something, you have to love what you’re doing (if you want to be happy and avoid burnout).

But beyond that, you also need to feel comfortable with the people you’re working alongside, and that’s something I’ve found at Sparta, and I truly appreciate it.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

Being able to start working in the industry while studying and not burn out in the process was challenging for me. I was constantly focused on tech-related tasks all day, doing homework until midnight, sleeping less than I had hoped, and managing a heavy workload. However, it was all worth it!

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON HERE AT SPARTA?

Last summer, we began working on an Excel add-in at Sparta. It was a new venture for us; we had never tackled anything quite like it before. However, when we executed it for the first time, witnessing our system seamlessly integrate and provide real-time data in Excel… It was an incredible feeling!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

Transparency and trust are fundamental values at Sparta. From the outset, I’ve observed Felipe and Miles’ (Sparta’s founders) commitment to honesty and clear communication regarding the company’s overall performance.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Believe in yourself, don’t fear failure; if you do fail, rise, learn, reflect, and try again.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?

Now, as a front-end team, we hold greater ownership and responsibility for the project than ever before. With the project expanding and the team growing, it’s crucial to ensure that our project remains maintainable and scalable.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

The computer never lies; perhaps you’re mistaken, but you’re unaware of it.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS/YEARS?

Professionally, I still have a lot to learn and improve, so that’s my main focus. Personally, in a few years, I plan to permanently move back to Mallorca to be closer to my parents.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB

Being a developer isn’t like what you see in the movies; we don’t programme on a black screen with green text.

CAN YOU SHARE A PARTICULAR SKILL OR EXPERTISE YOU’VE DEVELOPED IN THIS ROLE THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT TO ACQUIRE

Google and Stack Overflow are a developer’s best friends, so type in exactly what you need to find what you’re looking for.

This is not always as easy as it seems and is a skill that I’ve never thought I’d need.

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

“Copenhague” by Vetusta Morla.

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGE-WATCHING OR READING?

I’m currently watching an anime called ‘Attack on Titan’.

WHAT’S ONE THING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

I have a board game called ‘Scythe’, an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period.

Isaac Suarez our Front End Engineer here at Sparta and can be contacted at
isaac.suarez@spartacommodities.com

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Sparta is a live, market intelligence and forecasting platform that enables oil traders, refiners, banks, hedge funds and wholesalers to have access to real-time and global actionable insights to capture market opportunities before others.

To find out how Sparta can allow you to make smarter trading decisions, faster, contact us for a demonstration at sales@spartacommodites.com