In the tech world, nine years at a single company is often seen as a lifetime. However, for many of our colleagues at Levi9, those years represent a journey of personal growth, professional development, and countless memorable moments.
We recently sat down with Marina Djurin, Test Lead based in Belgrade, to discuss what makes Levi9 such a special place to work and how her career has flourished over these remarkable 9 years.
Joining Levi9: A Step Into the Unknown
“As a student, I heard about the companies that were considered top leaders in the market at the time, and Levi9 came up on several occasions,” Marina recalls. “I knew some people who were already working there, so I decided to apply. What really drew me in was the fact that not all companies (at that time) were offering QA as a dedicated role, and that focus on quality attracted me even more.”
Fast forward nine years, and her perception of the company has only deepened. “Levi9 is always evolving, always staying ahead of trends. It keeps things exciting and challenging, which I love.”
Tackling Diverse Challenges Across Projects
Over the years, she has been involved in eight projects spanning various business domains, each with its own set of tools and technologies.
“Every project milestone stands out for me. Whether it was completing an MVP phase on time or pushing an application to production, it was always a great feeling when me and my team accomplished something together.”
One project that stands out was adapting Volkswagen’s systems to modern financial and banking models. “I had to dive deep into financial books, credit and debit invoices, and car policies – fields I had no prior experience in. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding to see it all come together.”
Staying Ahead of the Curve in Testing Development
It feels surreal when you say 9 years at one company. But when you look at how many projects have passed, how many people I had a chance to work with, both inside and outside of our company, it really feels that professional growth was enormous.
“Since our company is also taking care of personal development, it also gave me a lot of ‘aha!’ moments. Personally, I’ve matured through new roles and challenges”, Marina shares.
Nine years at Levi9 have offered her countless opportunities for growth. She highlights the importance of versatility in the ever-changing IT landscape. “Levi9 pushes us to stay on top of the latest tools and technologies. It keeps us adaptable, which I see as one of the most valuable skills in this industry.”
Adapt, Grow, Lead: The Levi9 Experience
When asked what makes Levi9 unique, she points to the company’s way of working. “It’s about direct communication with clients, proactive problem-solving, and a constant drive to adapt and improve. That culture of collaboration and innovation is rare.”
Even after nearly a decade, she remains motivated by the variety her role offers. “Every year brings new projects and business domains. I’ve had the chance to try out different things, discover my strengths, and improve in areas where I needed to grow. Becoming a Department Manager has been a highlight – I now get to help others on their journeys to becoming experts.”
For those just starting their careers, Marina has simple advice: “Be ready for change, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. Embrace challenges—they’re opportunities to learn and grow.”
Finding Balance: Navigating Career and Life at Levi9
Balancing personal and professional life has always been important to her. “There were challenging years, but they ultimately helped me grow. Work and life often overlap, and the growth I’ve experienced at work has positively impacted my personal life, too.”
Looking ahead, Marina is preparing for a new chapter: maternity leave. “It will be a challenge to find the right balance between my career and my new responsibilities, but I’m excited to continue learning and contributing.”
As Marina reflects on her journey, she’s optimistic about Levi9’s future. “I love my job and the impact we have as a team. I want to keep learning, stay on top of my game, and be part of the group driving the company forward.”
Nine years in, and her story is a testament to Levi9’s culture of growth and innovation. It’s a reminder that a career is not just about what you achieve but also about the person you become along the way.
