The tech industry has historically exhibited a strong male presence; however, recent years have witnessed a notable shift. Numerous women now hold prominent positions, and Tech387 is at the forefront of endeavors to bridge the gender gap. Among our core team members is Emina Čohodarević, whose charisma and warmth have earned her the endearing nickname "the ray of sunshine." Emina has been an integral part of our business development department, and her contributions have been captivating. Emina's remarkable ability to engage with our partners and clients, with her adeptness in negotiation, leaves an indelible impression. She effortlessly blends kindness and assertiveness, creating the perfect balance in her interactions. With great enthusiasm, we now introduce you to Emina, a true asset to our team.

From beautiful Herzegovina to the capital of Bosnia 

Emina, a little bird, told us that you studied German. Can you tell us how you ended up in a tech company?

I chose to study German with the dream of becoming a teacher and my passion for working with children. I enjoy working with young minds, and teaching will remain my first love. However, during the practical part of my education, I discovered that working with children, while immensely rewarding, also comes with challenges. It made me realize the importance of patience and understanding, qualities I continue to develop.

Given my youthful spirit and curiosity, I wanted to explore options for utilizing my German skills. Unlike many others, I wanted to stay and work in Bosnia instead of leaving the country. 

I was intrigued by the thriving IT industry and decided to venture into it and see if there could be a suitable path for me. To my surprise, my German skills opened the doors to the world of technology.

Today, I can confidently say that German played a pivotal role in starting my career path in the tech world. It expanded my horizons and allowed me to merge my language skills with the ever-evolving tech landscape. This journey has been both exciting and enlightening, and I'm eager to continue exploring the boundless possibilities it offers.

You are a proud Herzegovinian woman. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? Who is Emina outside of work?

Stolac holds a special place in my heart because it's the birthplace of my parents. It might also be worth mentioning that I grew up there and spent my summer holidays there. Within the company and among my close friends, I have earned a reputation as a volunteer marketer for the beauty and charm of Stolac.

I love traveling, and whenever I get the chance, I seize the opportunity, even if it's just for a weekend getaway. It doesn't have to be a big trip; I'm content exploring small villages or nearby cities.

When it comes to travel plans, I'm always the one to gather my friends and set things in motion. And let me tell you, I take my role as a passenger very seriously. Just ask my colleagues—they'll vouch for me! I've got a knack for making the journey smooth, enjoyable, and full of laughter. *Laughs.*

For several years, I had the incredible experience of singing in a choir until the onset of the COVID pandemic. Being a part of the choir shaped my team player skills during my teenage years.

Being a part of the choir also opened doors to unique opportunities and adventures. As an open-minded person, I seized the chance to travel and explore various places. Through our choir travels, we were welcomed into the homes of different families who graciously hosted us. This eye-opening experience broadened my perspective and enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and ways of life.

If you could choose only one place to visit, which country would you choose?

Exploring every corner of the world is a dream of mine, but if I had to choose one country, it would undoubtedly be Australia. There are numerous reasons behind this choice. I will share some with the audience: abundant sunshine, breathtaking beaches, incredible natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and mesmerizing views.

Emina’s Tech387 journey: From lead generation to business development

From all the tech companies, how did you end up in Tech387?

I wanted to explore the IT world, and that chance presented itself while collaborating with one of my professors. He needed software for our project, and Tech387 built it for him. That's when I learned about the company. A few months later, they needed someone with excellent German skills, so I applied for the job. The application process was challenging and moved me out of my comfort zone. I was successful and I got offered the position of lead generation specialist. I had to google the responsibilities of a lead generation specialist since I didn't know much about the role. That's how my journey at Tech387 started.

How does it feel to work at Tech387? We know they love to brag about the healthy atmosphere, is it true? 

True! The working environment at Tech387 is healthy, but they continuously adjust to ensure everyone's happiness. Having spent a year here, I can confidently say it's a dynamic environment where something is always happening. However, the most significant change occurred when the interns from Product Arena joined our team. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and educational paths was fascinating, and witnessing their seamless integration into the team was truly special.

Beyond the workplace, I built strong relationships with some of my colleagues. I've made some incredible new friends through my time at Tech387. We hang out together and enjoy activities like escape rooms, theaters, concerts, and even road trips. They share my passion for traveling, and it makes our experiences memorable.

Now you are a business development representative, how did that happen?  

As a lead generation specialist, I found great satisfaction in the challenges. However, I wanted to contribute more to the company and sought a solution. Fortunately, luck was on my side as the opportunity presented itself. I received a promotion to join the business development team and accepted it with gratitude. Since November 2022, I have been thriving in my current role, cherishing every single moment of it.

A day in the life of a business development representative

What are the biggest challenges in the role of a business development representative?

One of the most simultaneously challenging and fascinating aspects of my role is the constant need to learn something new, particularly when it involves new projects and technologies. One captivating area I've delved into so far is the creation of pitch decks and understanding the essential elements of raising investments in the tech world. There's no one-size-fits-all recipe I can offer. But I've discovered that being creative and authentic is vital. The key is ensuring that everyone comprehends your idea, no matter how complex it is.

What are the three most annoying work habits that you have?

I must admit that I can easily get distracted, especially when my colleague, who's earned the nickname Chatty Katty, is around in the office. She will recognize herself. *Laughs.*

When the weather is beautiful, and we find ourselves on the 360 terrace during the break, it becomes quite challenging to return to the office and focus on my work. Additionally, I have a sweet tooth! If I can't find any, it tends to make me a bit angry. *Laughs*

Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back

If I could advise my younger self, I would encourage her to explore different experiences, both in life and at work. And to all the young women aspiring to start a career in the tech world, my message is clear: don't be afraid to venture into the unknown, even if you don't have much prior knowledge of the tech industry. Our team is expanding, so I encourage you to browse the available positions. Even if you don't find an exact match for your qualifications, don't hesitate to send us your resume. Our team member Amer will reach out to you and explore potential opportunities.

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