Vulog’s Tech Talk gives you exclusive insights into what drives our tech and mobility experts at the world’s leading shared mobility tech provider.
NICE. September 7, 2021 Welcome to our new “Tech Talks with Vulog’s Tech Experts” interview series! Here we delve into the personal insights of our very own Tech Experts, where they talk about their journeys working in the tech and mobility industry. Are you ready to get inspired?
Introducing our tech expert
Introducing Carla Pomian, Software Developer at Vulog, where she analyzes users’ needs and designs and develops software to meet those specific needs. You know that smartphone app you use every day? That computer game that held all of your attention for hours as a kid? Well, they exist thanks to talented software developers. So let’s dive into the creative mastermind of our very own Carla!
Favorite tech device?
C: I actually love all tech devices, but if I had to pick one that I like the most, it would have to be the laptop. Today, we have many gadgets designed for different purposes: the iPad, smartphone, e-book reader, or game console. Still, the computer is valuable for many reasons: it’s more convenient for multitasking and working while offering comfort at the same time. I mainly like it because of its screen size: I prefer to have a bigger font when I read something! Plus, a laptop can perform every task that can be performed on many tech devices: from gaming, listening to music, chatting, and calling friends.
Favorite tech person?
C: My favorite tech person is Elon Musk for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative spirit. He is open-minded to exploring space and intelligent enough to understand that we need to act when it comes to helping the planet. He helped to fund SolarCity, which became the highest producer of solar energy across the United States. He also founded Neuralink, a startup to integrate the human brain with AI technology, thinking that this might cure paralysis in the future. From PayPal to SpaceX, and of course Tesla, I think he has had genuinely innovative ideas. But most of all, I think he is an example of an entrepreneurial spirit in his ability to overcome failure. SpaceX went almost bankrupt and faced much criticism initially; Tesla had technical issues, and both SpaceX and Tesla went practically bankrupt. Still, despite all these issues, both companies moved on and are famous today. I admire him for his willingness to push new ideas forward, work hard and not give up.
Where did you study?
C: First, I finished my Bachelor’s degree at the West University of Timisoara in Romania in Mathematics and Computer Science, continuing with a Master’s in Computer Science. I also completed a Master’s in Computer Engineering at the University of Limerick, Ireland, where I discovered my passion for trips and traveling.
What are some examples of your previous work experience?
C: For ten years, I worked both as a back-end developer and as a QA engineer during my time in several companies. Both positions opened new doors for me, mainly because they made me see the end product as a whole from the testing and developer perspectives. I understood how necessary testing is and how beneficial it is to work side-by-side with the QA and production team to better understand the client’s needs and wishes. Some examples of my previous work experiences would be coding, testing, and automation, whether in the automotive industry or the financial sector, where I worked on a transaction management system.
What drew you to working in the tech industry?
C: I have always had a passion for mathematics and science, so I applied for mathematical and computer science profiles. However, when starting high school, we had a new computer science teacher working as a developer in a large tech company. He had excellent teaching skills; he invented games and strategies to explain the loops, search algorithms, design patterns, and many things related to coding. I chose software development because I like innovation, and I was always drawn to new technologies emerging over the years. I wanted to play with tech devices as they significantly advance everyday life, such as operating systems and mobile phones – they all impact our day-to-day lives. I wanted to get involved somehow in this kind of development. I also like coding as this consists of creation, algorithmic thinking, and, most of all, helping others. Whether people code for the programming of x-ray machines, car boards, machine learning, or carsharing technologies, it first involves alleviating people’s everyday problems.
What inspired you to work at Vulog?
C: When I had my interview for Vulog, I saw a very welcoming company with innovative approaches to carsharing. I was amazed to know that they came to the market with the idea of free-floating. I was happy to hear about the cutting-edge technologies they used, and I felt that it was a company that is open to new suggestions if new technologies emerge on the market. I also chose Vulog because of the team. We have amazing people from all over the world, and I have felt welcomed since my first day here. The colleagues are friendly, ready to help, and I learned a lot from them over the years. Lastly –
I strongly believe we should move towards a greener future, with less pollution and more carsharing facilities. Those were the values I saw at Vulog – and still see – where they aim to bring shared mobility across the world.
Carla Pomian
Software Developer, Vulog
What is your favorite project that you have worked on at Vulog? Or a project that you are particularly proud of?
C: One project that I am particularly fond of at Vulog is the AiMA Platform, the intelligent mobility platform developed by the company. The project was inspiring as it combined two kinds of services: free-floating and scheduled booking. Since I participated in the project initially, I could see the ideas developing one from the other. I learned a lot from our architects who designed the system, the developers I worked with as a team, and our QA team members who helped us test and challenge our code. It was the first project that I have participated in, from the design of the databases to the solution proposed to the client, and this was very rewarding as you can see the product as part of your day-to-day life. I am proud to see that the solution is now used worldwide and that we help people move across the globe.
Where do you see mobility technology heading in the future?
C: I think innovation and data science will drive carsharing mobility in the future. There is high demand for urban carshare services, especially in Europe, where there is a lack of parking spaces in big cities. I see this technology thriving, especially with the research for self-driving cars and micro-mobility, whose aim is to facilitate people’s transportation, whether to commute or just for traveling. Also, considering the global warming and pollution levels, people will be more inclined to the idea of driving electric vehicles and reject the everyday commute with their cars. As a result, the demand for carshare mobility will increase. Overall, I see mobility technology will become part of our day-to-day life.
What is your strategy when it comes to choosing the best solution to a problem when working as a software developer?
C: When working on software development, there are many ways to solve a problem, just like in real life. Every time I have encountered a problem, I make an analysis first to make sure that I understand where the issue lies. Most of the time, I try replicating it in another context. After a thorough examination, if the solution requires more development, I come up with different answers. Then, together with the team, we try to analyze each proposed idea to pick the best, depending on various factors, such as delivery timeline, resources available, speed, etc. If there are many options and the problem is critical, I would schedule a meeting with the other team members to hear their opinions. Then, after thorough thinking, we would pick the solution that best suits the client’s needs and the company’s.
The tech industry is moving: is now the time to dive in?
After hearing Carla’s tech insights, are you interested in learning more about our roles at Vulog? Look no further: check out our Careers page! We are always looking for new innovative thinkers to join our team, whether in France, Germany, or Canada! Vulog is built by an international team hailing from dozens of countries, and that’s a big part of what makes us so unique. And we value diversity because it drives innovation, enriches our own company culture, and helps our business grow!
We love what we do at Vulog and strive to create a great working environment so that, together, we can change the world, one vehicle, and city at a time. Do you want to be a part of the shared mobility revolution?
Vulog is the world’s leading tech mobility provider: we are committed to building a greener future, one city at a time.
