HI KEVIN, CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hi, I'm Kevin! I work as a Mobile Developer at Essent IT. I’m part of the mobile platform team, building the foundations the app is based on, and making sure other teams can do their work and thrive. Outside of work, I love to travel! Some recent trips include Nepal and Japan, and this year I’m heading to Taiwan. When I’m not out exploring, I’m usually on the couch playing games.

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE IT FIELD?

Honestly, it started with pressing F12 and seeing code pop up in the browser...that moment pulled me in. From there, I went through MBO and HBO, studied at Fontys, and kept wanting to go deeper technically. What I like now is that at Essent, you can really go in-depth into a specific area. You’re not just building the same thing over and over. Instead, you’re thinking about how to build applications that work for today and for the future. That’s better for both customers and future colleagues.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC INFLUENCES OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED YOUR CAREER PATH?

IT was always around me. My uncle worked in IT and really pushed me forward, and my father was a technical engineer, but more on the hardware side. My previous company also played a big role in helping me grow and eventually make the step to Essent.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT ESSENT?

I was looking for a bigger company where I could have more impact. At Essent, you can actually see how your work affects a huge number of people. That idea of making a real difference for over a million people was a big driver.

WHAT EXCITED YOU THE MOST ABOUT JOINING THE COMPANY?

The brand recognition was definitely part of it, but what stood out most is that it doesn’t feel overly corporate. It feels accessible, and you can actually see how things pan out and evolve.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I usually start really early and prep for the day, or a Vliegende Start, as it's called. A lot of time goes into code reviews, supporting teams through things, and handling tickets and meetings as part of BAU. As the app team grows, a big part of my role is making sure different ARTs are properly onboarded onto the app.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB SINCE YOU STARTED?

How much the role can change in about a year! Before, it was more ticket-based. Now, it’s much more high-level. It involves looking at the bigger picture and understanding how everything fits together. I’ve really zoomed out and started seeing different aspects of the whole app ecosystem, and there’s a lot of freedom to do that.

CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT A SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT YOU FEEL HAS BEEN PIVOTAL IN YOUR CAREER HERE?

One of the big ones was introducing a new navigation system. The problem was that creating new pages in the app was difficult. We worked on a solution, refined it, documented it through architectural decision records, and got the mobile app development community on board. In the end, we did a full refactor of the navigation system. That was a huge step forward.

Also, Essent gave me the space to organise a meetup, which was something I’d always wanted to do. It was really fulfilling to see that kind of initiative being supported and valued.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE WITHIN YOUR TEAM OR DEPARTMENT?

Within the ART, it’s very open and collaborative. Even when we disagree, we always find a way forward. It might take a bit longer, but it works. Outside of work, we also spend time together, whether it's team outings, bouldering, potlucks. So there’s a good balance!

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR ROLE?

Being proactive. Honestly, anyone can do this role if they take initiative and keep pushing forward.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

The shift towards an app-first mindset. It’s still new, and teams are adapting, but it’s interesting to be there at the beginning and see that change take shape.

ARE THERE ANY HABITS OR ROUTINES YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EFFECTIVENESS?

I always carry a notebook. There are so many meetings that I can’t rely on remembering everything. I'm dependent on it to the point that if I forget it, I feel completely lost. Having time for exercise before or after work also helps a lot. The work-life balance here makes that possible.

CAN YOU SHARE A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW?

After a mentally heavy day, I like to cook or bake. Things like slow-cooked stew, cookies, cake, baklava, or jam. It helps me tune out, and at the end of it, you have something tangible. Recently, I even got a new “weapon of choice”—a chopping board from Ukraine on Etsy.

WHAT COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR FIELD WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISPEL?

That frontend development and mobile development are interchangeable—they’re not! Mobile development has its own challenges. You need to test across different devices, variations, and conditions. You can not just push a release and everyone will see it instantly. There is a whole process through Google and Apple, where it could take from 2 to 48 hours to get an update live! You have to keep up with trends and nuances, especially since mobile is such a key user-facing platform.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT?

It gets better. You’ll overcome obstacles you never even knew existed. Looking back, I wouldn’t change the path I took. I wouldn’t be here otherwise!

Thank you, Kevin, for taking the time to chat with us!