Today we're taking a moment to celebrate and shine a light an incredible member of our team. Learn about Guilherme and his work here at Meaningful Gigs below.
How long have you been at Meaningful Gigs and what is your role?
I’ve been with Meaningful Gigs for about 2 years now, and I’m currently working as a Backend Software Engineer. I'm basically responsible for making sure that our applications are stable, performant, and showing the correct data.
Where are you based?
Paracatur, Brazil
What parts of our mission do you connect with?
What inspired me to join the Meaningful Gigs team was the fact that we were just starting, and I wanted to build a product from 0. I knew that it was going to be challenging, but I don’t regret my decision. But what really inspires me now is the fact that our ultimate mission is to create a middle class in Africa, by offering them jobs that will pay from 3x to 10x what they’re currently making in their home countries. Being born and raised in South America, I know from experience how that kind of opportunity can change lives.
(It’s not just about money; it’s about having financial stability and being able to focus on other parts of your life - family, health, experiences, soul search)
What has your experience been with our company culture?
Absolutely fantastic. I’ve never experienced something like our culture before. Our core values aren’t just words; we live and breathe them in our day-to-day life through our rituals and our actions. Everyone on the team is so motivated and hardworking that it's actually inspiring.
What is your team like?
We’re small, but a super high-performing and highly collaborative team. We all want to achieve great things, so it's absolutely necessary that all members are fully committed to our mission, and I’m glad to have them as my colleagues. I consider a lot of these folks as my personal friends, although they’re miles away.
How have you grown professionally while at Meaningful Gigs?
Definitely, creating a product from zero forces you to wear many hats at once, so I’ve been learning things that I wouldn’t learn in a typical 9 to 5. I'd say especially my soft skills. We want to innovate and disrupt the industry, which requires condensing a period of 50 years of hard work into 10. Being able to communicate clearly and being a team player is absolutely necessary.
Which benefits are your favorite and why?
Unlimited PTO that’s actually unlimited and encouraged. Sometimes you just need a break to recharge the batteries. It’s also nice that Meaningful Gigs gives me full support on my study routine and has been paying for all my certifications and courses.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m passionate about traveling, hiking, swimming, and playing bass (not a great bass player though, but I love to jam, lol).
What’s some advice you would give to someone starting their career as a software engineer?
Focus on the fundamentals first, learn the frameworks and other trendy stuff later. Also, focus on developing soft skills; knowing how to communicate effectively is super important.