Nikita Alexandrov’s Career Story: From Math to Engineering Excellence at EPAM Cyprus

Nikita Alexandrov’s Career Story: From Math to Engineering Excellence at EPAM Cyprus

Every EPAMer has a story: a unique path shaped by curiosity, challenges and a drive to solve problems. For Nikita Alexandrov, Lead Software Engineer at EPAM Cyprus, his journey to becoming a data engineering expert is a tale of growth, adaptability and passion. Nikita’s interest in math led him to where he is today at EPAM. His journey is all about embracing lifelong learning and constantly pushing for innovation.

How It All Started

Nikita’s journey in software engineering started at university. He always knew he wanted to build software, but the exact path forward only became apparent when he faced a particularly challenging exam in Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics.

“I started to use Python for the first time to solve mathematical tasks,” Nikita recalls. “I realized I could write small scripts to compute T-squared tests, Pearson statistics, confidence intervals and more. This programming, combined with math showed me the stability of blending analytical thinking with software craftsmanship.”

This moment was a turning point, and by his third year of university, Nikita decided to focus on the data field. After graduation, he began his career as a risk management analyst at a bank, then transitioning to data analysis and eventually data engineering. “It was a step-by-step journey, diving deeper into the field of data from different perspectives,” he explains.

A Smooth Transition and a World of Opportunities

Before joining EPAM, Nikita had already heard of the company. “I first heard about EPAM five or six years ago through interviews by Arkadiy Dobkin,” he shares. “The story of EPAM’s growth from the 1990s was motivating. It showed how a company could build something remarkable even in challenging times.”

When EPAM acquired the company where he was employed, Nikita was impressed by how seamless the transition was. “Our day-to-day work largely wasn’t interrupted,” he says. “The scale changed overnight. We went from being a small company to a global organization. This meant stronger governance, tighter security procedures and enterprise processes to adapt to. However, the payoff was clear: broader client exposure, technological discussions and well-defined career paths.”

Nikita credits EPAM’s supportive culture for making the transition smooth. “Having our Cyprus leader nearby made communication easier,” he notes. “While adapting to enterprise processes took effort, the overall experience was positive.”

A Day in the Life of a Lead Software Engineer

For Nikita, a typical day is full of technical tasks and collaboration. As a Scrum Master, Nikita facilitates Scrum ceremonies like Daily Stand-Ups and Sprint Reviews on his main project. He also takes care of Azure infrastructure-related tasks and works closely with EPAM engineers on the project.

Additionally, he participates in technical interviews and teams up with EPAM’s broader community. “There’s always an opportunity to connect with colleagues from different locations and projects. It’s a vast network of specialists and the collaboration is invaluable,” he says.

The Importance of Mindset and Purpose

With a strong background in data engineering and years of experience, Nikita understands what it takes to stand out in client interviews. He emphasizes that technical skills alone aren’t enough. “Candidates should be prepared to explain why they want to work in the role and what business value they can create in addition to writing code,” he advises.

He also highlights the importance of adaptability in the evolving field of data engineering. “The ability to learn effectively and adapt to changing tools is crucial,” he says. “The data engineering market evolves rapidly, with new ETL tools emerging constantly. Engineers need to focus on fundamentals and understand the purpose behind tools rather than mastering every detail.”

For Nikita, asking “why” is a critical skill. “Understanding the business value of your work is essential. It’s not just about writing clean code. It’s about solving real problems and creating meaningful impact,” he explains.

How is EPAM different?

Nikita’s take on this question is simple: EPAM stands out in the IT industry for its flexibility, innovation and ability to deliver end-to-end solutions. “EPAM has a great reputation and a strong footprint in the market,” he says. “It reacts quickly to trends, like Gen AI, and introduces tools like DIAL 3.0 on the client side.”

He also appreciates EPAM’s role as a leader and driver in the tech industry. “EPAM is flexible and works on the sharp edge of technology,” he explains. “This flexibility is a luxury not every big company can afford.”

Nikita also highlights EPAM’s holistic approach to client solutions. “We don’t just create a product and hand it over,” he says. “We help clients implement, adapt and fully integrate the technology into their operations. It’s a full package, from consultancy to support.”

Growth Opportunities at EPAM: A Culture of Continuous Learning

EPAM’s commitment to professional development has been a significant factor in Nikita’s growth. “I’ve already passed an assessment successfully,” he shares. “EPAM helps me grow by exposing me to diverse viewpoints, allowing me to sharpen my judgment and understand compromises in software design.”

He is currently obtaining technical certifications and working on self-studies, which are clearly aligned with his goals. “There’s always an opportunity to learn and grow. The company provides the resources and support needed to stay ahead in the industry,” he says.

Pursuing Passions Beyond Work

For Nikita, EPAM is more than just a workplace — it’s a community. Together with his colleagues, he participated in the AWS DeepRacer Challenge — a global autonomous racing league, driven by reinforcement learning, and they claimed top spots. Nikita values the strong sense of companionship and teamwork.

Nikita also has a passion for cycling. “I started cycling long distances here in Cyprus,” he says. “I also cycled 2,400 kilometers across Japan earlier this spring. I never would have done this without the encouragement and support of my colleagues.”

Nikita Alexandrov’s journey at EPAM Cyprus is a story of passion, adaptability and continuous learning. His love for mathematics and programming laid the foundation for a successful career in data engineering, while EPAM’s supportive culture and commitment to innovation have helped him thrive.

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