Michal Holécy, our Android developer based in Bratislava, Slovakia, started the mobile development journey at university, where he started developing small Android applications as an intern. In his first job, he worked as a non-mobile computer developer and then returned back to working as a mobile developer.
“I ended up working at Kiwi.com when I returned from Czechia after seven years to my home country Slovakia. Many of my Czech ex-colleagues who started working at Kiwi.com gave me a good reference for this company, and I found out that they also have an office in Slovakia,” said Michal.
We talked with Michal about mobile development at Kiwi.com andhis work in the Bratislava office.
Hi Michal, why do you prefer working in mobile development rather than computer development?
You need the same skills as a computer developer. There are reasons someone might prefer working in mobile development rather than computer development like:
- Access to device features: Mobile devices come equipped with a wide range of sensors and features, such as cameras, GPS, accelerometers, and biometric scanners. Leveraging these capabilities allows developers to create innovative applications that integrate with the physical world, opening up possibilities for augmented reality, location-based services, and more.
- Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of people’s lives. They are widely used for communication, entertainment, productivity, and more. Developing applications for mobile platforms allows developers to reach a large and diverse user base.
- The mobile app market continues to expand rapidly, offering numerous opportunities for developers. With millions of apps available across various app stores, there is a constant demand for innovative and well-designed mobile applications.
Can you explain to us what exactly you do at work?
I work on the Booking part of our Kiwi.com Android app. It includes all the things from the point when the user selects a flight until successful payment. It means that my colleagues and I are guiding all the Kiwi Android users who want to travel somewhere through things like:
- passenger selection and management
- saving and loading previous unfinished bookings
- the payment process with different payment methods like cards, credits, promo codes, and saved cards
We fix all the bugs and implement new features and designs for this app part.
What is the most inspiring thing you have experienced at Kiwi.com office in Bratislava?
What I appreciate the most in this office are the people. In Bratislava we are a smaller office, everybody knows each other. We often spend time together also after working hours. For example, I like cycling, and we often organize cycling events after work. But there are plenty of other social or cultural activities organized, like hiking and cultural events in Bratislava or the office.
How can someone nowadays become an Android developer?
Becoming a proficient Android developer takes time and practice. Patience, perseverance, and a passion for learning are instrumental in becoming an Android developer. I would follow these steps:
- Learn Java or Kotlin – Java has been the traditional language for Android development, but Kotlin has gained significant popularity and is now officially supported by Google.
- Understand the basics of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Get familiar with the Android platform
- Explore Android development documentation and resources
- Start with simple projects and tutorials
- Learn about crucial Android development concepts
- Join online communities and forums
- Build more complex projects
- Keep up with industry trends and updates
- Build a portfolio and contribute to open-source projects
- Continuous learning
What advice would you give to someone who would like to join a Mobile team at Kiwi.com?
Show us your code, and we’ll reach out to you. But this is not entirely it. Technical skills are essential, but the ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and continuously learn and adapt are also required. We are not looking for just a colleague but also a friend.
Are you interested in boosting your career at Kiwi.com? Check our open positions and don’t hesitate to apply.