Beyond der Code
- Hilal Kesikci
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
Every career has its own story, sometimes leading from the first lines of code to leadership roles in international tech and finance environments. In our Beyond the Code series, we talk to former Defia colleagues about how their journeys evolved after their time with us.
This time, we’re happy to introduce Kerem. He was part of the Defia team in 2015–2016 and now lives in London, where he works as a Vice President in the international finance and technology sector. His journey into software started early, driven by curiosity and a passion for building things. At Defia, he worked on real-world projects that shaped both his technical skills and his approach to teamwork.
Let’s dive into his story: beyond the code.
Can you tell us how your journey in software development began, and what first sparked your passion for it?
I’ve been interested in video games since I was a kid. My first experience with something close to coding was actually writing a macro in an MMORPG back in 2007.
How did you first become part of Defia, and what attracted you to join the team?
After completing my master’s degree, I started looking for opportunities in Istanbul. I wanted a highly technical role with strong industry connections, where I could contribute to projects that people actually use in their daily lives. Defia’s project portfolio was exactly what I was looking for, and I’m really glad I was offered the role.
Was there a particular project or challenge at Defia that left a lasting mark on you?
During my time in Defia, I made a lot of good memories. One of the key projects I worked on was a traffic camera application we were developing for a client, which introduced me to many new challenges. I remember struggling with a specific UI element — a slider with three thumbs. I spent a few days trying to solve it on my own before finally asking Ozan for help. Looking back, I realize I should have reached out to him sooner.
Looking back, what were the most important turning points or “game changers” in your career so far?
I’ve realized that to stay relevant in the industry, I need to keep learning new technologies and methodologies. This really reflects quote: ‘Today’s code is tomorrow’s legacy code.’
What personal strengths or values did you discover or develop while working at Defia?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that, to develop effective software, the first step is always to fully understand the requirements.
In your opinion, what makes Defia stand out from other workplaces in the industry?
Defia is a great software house, with strong hands-on technical expertise and a company culture that always strives for best practices.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in software development today?
The first thing is to be open to learning from your co-workers and their experiences, but also to read blogs, books, and explore resources online to expand your horizons as much as possible.
If your career journey so far could be summed up in one motto or quote, what would it be?
“The function of good software is to make the complex appear to be simple.” — Grady Booch
And finally: if you had to sum up your Defia days with one GIF, which one would you choose?
We’d like to sincerely thank Kerem for sharing his story and experiences with us. His journey shows how curiosity, continuous learning, and a strong technical foundation can shape an international career. Stay tuned — Beyond der Code: more inspiring stories are coming soon on our blog.
