A day in the life of a Full-Stack Developer: Meet Tehreem

Full-stack development is a key part of any technology organisation today. Full-stack development combines the process of writing code for both the front-end and back-end of a piece of software. 

The front-end of any web application, known as the user interface, is what a user sees and interacts with, while the back-end is typically the database and code that drives the technology. 

Combined coding skills, plus the ability to look wholistically at a piece of software is what makes Full-Stack Developers vital in web development today. 

Want to know what it’s like to work as a Full-Stack Developer for Xref? We spoke to Tehreem Akhtar, who shared her day-to-day life with us as a Full-Stack Developer. Tehreem, who independently contracts out of Pakistan, shared with us her strategies for managing time effectively when working with colleagues overseas. 

Please explain your role with Xref

My role as an Xref Full-Stack Developer involves ensuring the seamless operation of all services within Xref and working on exciting new features to enhance our platform. 

I collaborate closely with an amazing team of fellow developers. I write and review my own code, participate in team meetings to conduct broader code reviews and assist my colleagues by brainstorming solutions to bugs. 

Describe your typical day with Xref

As I am an independent contractor based in Pakistan, my day starts by catching up on important messages that the Australian team has sent overnight. 

Next, I focus on addressing any roadblocks. Collaborating with my colleagues is a helpful way to overcome such roadblocks. In my team, collaboration typically takes place in the form of meetings so if we need to overcome any roadblocks, I schedule meetings or prepare for meetings that others have booked in my calendar. 

To finish my morning, I focus on completing critical tasks before the Australian team logs off. I also coordinate with the Quality Assurance and Customer Success teams to resolve urgent issues. 

At the end of each day, I write a list of tasks to complete and questions to address. This to-do list helps me stay organised and make the most of my time, which is especially important when navigating the time difference between Pakistan and Sydney. 

What technologies do you use in your role?

Xref uses full-stack technologies such as Angular and Django. In addition, we utilise several tools to streamline our daily activities:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): For running our databases, Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances, and various other cloud services.
• Datadog: For error tracking, monitoring system performance, and gaining real-time insights.
• LaunchDarkly: To manage feature flags and control feature rollouts efficiently.
• Fury: This is for uploading and publishing our internal packages.

What do you find most fulfilling about your role at Xref?

The most fulfilling aspect of my role at Xref is the abundance of opportunities for learning and growth. I transitioned from a background as a SugarCRM developer primarily working with Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP). This opportunity with Xref allowed me to explore new technologies and expand my skills. 

Thanks to the Engineering Director, I’ve been involved in exciting projects that offer immense learning experiences. 

The support from Xref’s Senior Developers has been invaluable—they are always ready to help me navigate new challenges. 

Xref’s commitment to continuous learning allows us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. 

Xref provides access to resources like LinkedIn Learning and Pluralsight, which help me stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. 

There is always more to learn, and Xref has been a supportive rung in the ladder of my professional journey, providing the tools and opportunities needed to grow.

What do you find most challenging about your role? 

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is tackling complex problems within tight deadlines. 

Balancing the need for a thorough solution while meeting project timelines can be demanding. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and learning, pushing me to enhance my problem-solving skills and work more efficiently under pressure.

Can you share some time management strategies that help you stay productive?

To manage my time effectively, I rely on a few key strategies. I start by preparing detailed to-do lists and planning for the day ahead, which provides a clear overview of my tasks. 

My team and I use the software tool Slack. Mine is filled with my lists, which is essential to stay on track and manage my time effectively. 

Also, prioritising tasks based on urgency and breaking down large tasks into smaller steps helps me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Which of the Xref benefits do you enjoy the most? 

Xref offers a range of benefits from flexible, hybrid work, learning and development opportunities to working anywhere in the world for two weeks. 

I particularly enjoy the hybrid work environment and the flexibility of working remotely in another country outside of Xref headquarters. 

The time zone difference between Australia and Pakistan offers structure to my day. Hybrid working has allowed me to reunite with my family and maintain a better work-life balance. This flexibility greatly enhances my productivity, and I am grateful to Xref for providing it.

Describe your experience with the leadership at Xref

The leadership team at Xref is very supportive. They are passionate about providing learning and development opportunities for mentorship and growth. 

Recently, Xref’s Engineering Director offered me a fantastic opportunity to mentor an intern. While it was a bit nerve-wracking as it was my first time in such a role, it was a valuable learning experience. 

This opportunity allowed me to develop my mentoring skills and highlighted the supportive, growth-oriented nature of the leadership at Xref.

What inspired you to become a Full-Stack Developer?

My father and brother inspired my journey to becoming a Full-Stack Developer. 

Growing up, I was always fascinated by their work in the technology field. Their passion and dedication to their projects sparked my curiosity and interest. 

When it came time to pursue my career, I was looking for a way to make the most of my computer science knowledge and development skills. I wanted to combine my interests in front-end development and back-end technologies. 

The early exposure and inspiration from my family drove me to pursue a career in Full-Stack Development. 

What advice would you share with someone wanting to become a Full-Stack Developer? 

For anyone aspiring to gain a Full-Stack Developer job, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and practice is crucial. 

My advice is to stay curious and never stop exploring new technologies and frameworks. Consistency is key. Start small, keep at it and gradually build your skills. 

Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek help when you're stuck—collaboration and mentorship are invaluable. 

Remember, the learning journey in tech never truly ends, so keep pushing yourself to grow and evolve.

Why I love working at Xref

Xref is full of growth opportunities and continuous learning. Plus, I get to work with amazing people.

The dynamic and supportive environment at Xref makes every day an opportunity to innovate and grow.

Wrapping up

While there are many different roles at Xref, I’m sure that most people agree that no one day is ever the same. 

Our team is global and diverse. Each employee brings their own unique experiences to make their role their own. 

At Xref, everyone shares a common goal: to transform the way the world approaches hiring

Follow our ‘Day in the Life’ series for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of different Xref teams, from Finance Managers to Account Executives, Customer Success, and more.