Everyone has the opportunity to be a pioneer.
Everyone has the opportunity to be a pioneer.
The Story of...
Marjan
Marjan
Marjan
28
.
10
.
2025
6 min read
Finding My Place
I’m Marjan, I’m 34 years old, and I’m originally from Iran, born and raised there. Almost four years ago, I moved to the Netherlands with a job offer, and that decision completely changed my life. Now I live together with my partner and 3 year old cat!
I have a bachelor’s in Software Engineering and a master’s in IT Engineering, majoring in e-commerce. I’ve always liked learning about the business side of things, not just the technical part. That curiosity led me to study a Master of Commerce next to my job. It opened my eyes to marketing, e-commerce, and how technology connects with people. I’ve always been drawn to AI. In my master’s program, we studied how it can be used in marketing, but my fascination with AI has only deepened over time.
I’m Marjan, I’m 34 years old, and I’m originally from Iran, born and raised there. Almost four years ago, I moved to the Netherlands with a job offer, and that decision completely changed my life. Now I live together with my partner and 3 year old cat!
I have a bachelor’s in Software Engineering and a master’s in IT Engineering, majoring in e-commerce. I’ve always liked learning about the business side of things, not just the technical part. That curiosity led me to study a Master of Commerce next to my job. It opened my eyes to marketing, e-commerce, and how technology connects with people. I’ve always been drawn to AI. In my master’s program, we studied how it can be used in marketing, but my fascination with AI has only deepened over time.
I’m Marjan, I’m 34 years old, and I’m originally from Iran, born and raised there. Almost four years ago, I moved to the Netherlands with a job offer, and that decision completely changed my life. Now I live together with my partner and 3 year old cat!
I have a bachelor’s in Software Engineering and a master’s in IT Engineering, majoring in e-commerce. I’ve always liked learning about the business side of things, not just the technical part. That curiosity led me to study a Master of Commerce next to my job. It opened my eyes to marketing, e-commerce, and how technology connects with people. I’ve always been drawn to AI. In my master’s program, we studied how it can be used in marketing, but my fascination with AI has only deepened over time.
Curiosity and Culture
Outside of work, I love exploring. I guess you could call me a travelholic, but not just because I like visiting new places. I love learning from people. I want to see how they live, how they think, and how their culture shapes the way they work and communicate.
Every trip teaches me something new. Sometimes I bring what I learn into my own life, sometimes I just keep it in mind, especially when I work with people from different backgrounds. For example, when I worked for a German company, I learned a lot about discipline. I like observing cultures, picking up what I admire, and respecting the rest.
Since moving here, I’ve also fallen in love with cycling. In Iran, it wasn’t really safe to cycle in the city, so now I really enjoy it. I often go cycling to other towns, sometimes 30 kilometers away. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and explore.
Outside of work, I love exploring. I guess you could call me a travelholic, but not just because I like visiting new places. I love learning from people. I want to see how they live, how they think, and how their culture shapes the way they work and communicate.
Every trip teaches me something new. Sometimes I bring what I learn into my own life, sometimes I just keep it in mind, especially when I work with people from different backgrounds. For example, when I worked for a German company, I learned a lot about discipline. I like observing cultures, picking up what I admire, and respecting the rest.
Since moving here, I’ve also fallen in love with cycling. In Iran, it wasn’t really safe to cycle in the city, so now I really enjoy it. I often go cycling to other towns, sometimes 30 kilometers away. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and explore.
Outside of work, I love exploring. I guess you could call me a travelholic, but not just because I like visiting new places. I love learning from people. I want to see how they live, how they think, and how their culture shapes the way they work and communicate.
Every trip teaches me something new. Sometimes I bring what I learn into my own life, sometimes I just keep it in mind, especially when I work with people from different backgrounds. For example, when I worked for a German company, I learned a lot about discipline. I like observing cultures, picking up what I admire, and respecting the rest.
Since moving here, I’ve also fallen in love with cycling. In Iran, it wasn’t really safe to cycle in the city, so now I really enjoy it. I often go cycling to other towns, sometimes 30 kilometers away. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and explore.
Joining Pionect
After my experience with a German company, I wanted to work for a Dutch one since I live in the Netherlands and want to integrate. I found Pionect and liked that it felt international but still had a Dutch heart. The founder is Dutch, many colleagues are too, and I saw it as a great opportunity to really get to know Dutch culture.
When I had my interview with Daniel and Egbert, I immediately felt comfortable. The interview was friendly, not formal or political, and that told me a lot about the company culture. I could already sense that Pionect was a place where you can be yourself.
Now that I work here, I can say that my first impression was right. People are friendly, supportive, and genuinely helpful. There is no toxic competition, no pressure to prove who’s better. Everyone helps each other and wants to make things better together. It feels like working with friends rather than just colleagues.
After my experience with a German company, I wanted to work for a Dutch one since I live in the Netherlands and want to integrate. I found Pionect and liked that it felt international but still had a Dutch heart. The founder is Dutch, many colleagues are too, and I saw it as a great opportunity to really get to know Dutch culture.
When I had my interview with Daniel and Egbert, I immediately felt comfortable. The interview was friendly, not formal or political, and that told me a lot about the company culture. I could already sense that Pionect was a place where you can be yourself.
Now that I work here, I can say that my first impression was right. People are friendly, supportive, and genuinely helpful. There is no toxic competition, no pressure to prove who’s better. Everyone helps each other and wants to make things better together. It feels like working with friends rather than just colleagues.
After my experience with a German company, I wanted to work for a Dutch one since I live in the Netherlands and want to integrate. I found Pionect and liked that it felt international but still had a Dutch heart. The founder is Dutch, many colleagues are too, and I saw it as a great opportunity to really get to know Dutch culture.
When I had my interview with Daniel and Egbert, I immediately felt comfortable. The interview was friendly, not formal or political, and that told me a lot about the company culture. I could already sense that Pionect was a place where you can be yourself.
Now that I work here, I can say that my first impression was right. People are friendly, supportive, and genuinely helpful. There is no toxic competition, no pressure to prove who’s better. Everyone helps each other and wants to make things better together. It feels like working with friends rather than just colleagues.
Challenges and Growth
Of course, every job has its challenges. One of mine is working across time zones. I collaborate closely with Brad, who is based in the US. Because of the time difference, reviewing code or discussing feedback can take longer than usual. Sometimes a short conversation ends up taking a few days.
I’ve been a developer for about ten years, and I truly believe that soft skills are even more important than technical ones. You can always learn a new programming language or framework, but if you cannot communicate or work in a team, you won’t go far.
As you grow in your career, you start leading projects or mentoring others, and that’s when communication, decision-making, and openness become essential. You can’t always be right, and that’s okay. Listening and learning from others makes you a better developer and a better teammate.
Of course, every job has its challenges. One of mine is working across time zones. I collaborate closely with Brad, who is based in the US. Because of the time difference, reviewing code or discussing feedback can take longer than usual. Sometimes a short conversation ends up taking a few days.
I’ve been a developer for about ten years, and I truly believe that soft skills are even more important than technical ones. You can always learn a new programming language or framework, but if you cannot communicate or work in a team, you won’t go far.
As you grow in your career, you start leading projects or mentoring others, and that’s when communication, decision-making, and openness become essential. You can’t always be right, and that’s okay. Listening and learning from others makes you a better developer and a better teammate.
Of course, every job has its challenges. One of mine is working across time zones. I collaborate closely with Brad, who is based in the US. Because of the time difference, reviewing code or discussing feedback can take longer than usual. Sometimes a short conversation ends up taking a few days.
I’ve been a developer for about ten years, and I truly believe that soft skills are even more important than technical ones. You can always learn a new programming language or framework, but if you cannot communicate or work in a team, you won’t go far.
As you grow in your career, you start leading projects or mentoring others, and that’s when communication, decision-making, and openness become essential. You can’t always be right, and that’s okay. Listening and learning from others makes you a better developer and a better teammate.
The Excitement of AI
Right now, I’m very interested in AI. I follow developers and researchers on YouTube, and I love learning about new algorithms and AI agents. At Pionect, there is an upcoming project related to AI agents that Egbert mentioned, and I’m really excited about it. It’s exactly the kind of work I want to grow into.
I see my future moving more toward machine learning and AI. I’ve been in development for years, and now I want to use that experience to build smarter systems.
Right now, I’m very interested in AI. I follow developers and researchers on YouTube, and I love learning about new algorithms and AI agents. At Pionect, there is an upcoming project related to AI agents that Egbert mentioned, and I’m really excited about it. It’s exactly the kind of work I want to grow into.
I see my future moving more toward machine learning and AI. I’ve been in development for years, and now I want to use that experience to build smarter systems.
Right now, I’m very interested in AI. I follow developers and researchers on YouTube, and I love learning about new algorithms and AI agents. At Pionect, there is an upcoming project related to AI agents that Egbert mentioned, and I’m really excited about it. It’s exactly the kind of work I want to grow into.
I see my future moving more toward machine learning and AI. I’ve been in development for years, and now I want to use that experience to build smarter systems.
Life Outside Work
Outside of work, I’m developing my own application for nutrition management. It’s a personal project, but it excites me a lot. I’ve used many calorie-counting apps before, but I wanted something that helps people build healthy habits, not just count calories.
My idea is to combine AI with habit tracking so people can better understand what they eat and how to improve their routines. For example, how to reduce insulin spikes by eating certain foods at the right time. I love that I can use my development skills to create something that can genuinely help people.
When I’m not coding, I enjoy simple things. Walking around Haarlem is one of my favorite daily rituals. After work, I often take long walks through the city center, sometimes for one or two hours. I love the canals, the atmosphere, and the architecture. Sometimes I go with friends or my partner, sometimes alone, but it always gives me energy.
Outside of work, I’m developing my own application for nutrition management. It’s a personal project, but it excites me a lot. I’ve used many calorie-counting apps before, but I wanted something that helps people build healthy habits, not just count calories.
My idea is to combine AI with habit tracking so people can better understand what they eat and how to improve their routines. For example, how to reduce insulin spikes by eating certain foods at the right time. I love that I can use my development skills to create something that can genuinely help people.
When I’m not coding, I enjoy simple things. Walking around Haarlem is one of my favorite daily rituals. After work, I often take long walks through the city center, sometimes for one or two hours. I love the canals, the atmosphere, and the architecture. Sometimes I go with friends or my partner, sometimes alone, but it always gives me energy.
Outside of work, I’m developing my own application for nutrition management. It’s a personal project, but it excites me a lot. I’ve used many calorie-counting apps before, but I wanted something that helps people build healthy habits, not just count calories.
My idea is to combine AI with habit tracking so people can better understand what they eat and how to improve their routines. For example, how to reduce insulin spikes by eating certain foods at the right time. I love that I can use my development skills to create something that can genuinely help people.
When I’m not coding, I enjoy simple things. Walking around Haarlem is one of my favorite daily rituals. After work, I often take long walks through the city center, sometimes for one or two hours. I love the canals, the atmosphere, and the architecture. Sometimes I go with friends or my partner, sometimes alone, but it always gives me energy.
Making an Impact
Something I truly value in life is helping others. Back in Iran, I used to teach people web development, especially those who couldn’t afford classes. One of my students was from a small village. Within two months, he learned enough to start taking on projects. He still messages me today to thank me or share new opportunities.
It makes me happy to know I had a small role in helping someone improve their life. I don’t just want to live my own life and enjoy it. I want to make a positive impact on others too.
If you asked me what I’m most proud of, it would be moving to the Netherlands. It wasn’t easy. I was very spoiled growing up and had never lived alone. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone and felt very lonely at first. There were moments I thought about going back, but I didn’t. I stayed, pushed through, and became stronger and more independent. That experience changed me. It taught me to face my fears and believe in myself.
Something I truly value in life is helping others. Back in Iran, I used to teach people web development, especially those who couldn’t afford classes. One of my students was from a small village. Within two months, he learned enough to start taking on projects. He still messages me today to thank me or share new opportunities.
It makes me happy to know I had a small role in helping someone improve their life. I don’t just want to live my own life and enjoy it. I want to make a positive impact on others too.
If you asked me what I’m most proud of, it would be moving to the Netherlands. It wasn’t easy. I was very spoiled growing up and had never lived alone. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone and felt very lonely at first. There were moments I thought about going back, but I didn’t. I stayed, pushed through, and became stronger and more independent. That experience changed me. It taught me to face my fears and believe in myself.
Something I truly value in life is helping others. Back in Iran, I used to teach people web development, especially those who couldn’t afford classes. One of my students was from a small village. Within two months, he learned enough to start taking on projects. He still messages me today to thank me or share new opportunities.
It makes me happy to know I had a small role in helping someone improve their life. I don’t just want to live my own life and enjoy it. I want to make a positive impact on others too.
If you asked me what I’m most proud of, it would be moving to the Netherlands. It wasn’t easy. I was very spoiled growing up and had never lived alone. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone and felt very lonely at first. There were moments I thought about going back, but I didn’t. I stayed, pushed through, and became stronger and more independent. That experience changed me. It taught me to face my fears and believe in myself.
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© 2025 Pionect. All rights reserved.
Start the Conversation
Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
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Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
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amsterdam
rotterdam
portland
© 2025 Pionect. All rights reserved.
Start the Conversation
Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
Start the Conversation
Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
sign up for the insights
amsterdam
rotterdam
portland
© 2025 Pionect. All rights reserved.
Start the Conversation
Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
Start the Conversation
Let’s talk about how custom software can solve your toughest challenges and drive growth.
sign up for the insights
amsterdam
rotterdam
portland
© 2025 Pionect. All rights reserved.