Joško Franić, a developer at House of Code, recently gave an inspiring lecture titled “One-Way Ticket: The Life of a Programmer,” where he shared insights into the transformative mindset that shapes a programmer’s journey and approach to solving challenges.
Joško Franić, a developer at House of Code, recently traveled to Argentina. During his month-long stay on the other side of the world, Joško not only explored new places and spent time with family and friends, but also found time for meaningful professional engagement.
His guest appearance on a radio show and a lecture at a higher education institution gave him the opportunity to share his extensive experience as a developer with young colleagues in the field.
Radio appearance
Despite his busy schedule, Joško made time to talk with us. Here’s what he had to say about his experiences in Argentina:
How did your radio appearance in Argentina come about?
“It all started through a connection—a friend of my wife, who is Argentine, knew we were coming to visit. She suggested I give a lecture about my experience as a developer in Croatia and around the world, given my work with various companies. After arranging the lecture at the university, I was contacted by the radio show host to briefly present my work in Argentina and invite people to attend the lecture.”
What was the theme of the radio show, and what did you talk about?
“The theme was already set—I briefly talked about my arrival in Argentina, my experience as a developer, and I invited people to attend the lecture.”
What was your experience like on the radio? Were you nervous, or did everything go smoothly?
“I wasn’t nervous because public speaking is not new to me. Everything went smoothly and felt relaxed.”
What did they ask you during the interview, and what topics did you highlight?
“They asked me about my arrival in Argentina, my professional journey, and the topics I would cover in the lecture.”
Lecture at a higher education institute: Success and audience interaction
After a successful radio appearance, Joško extended his experience to a larger event—a lecture at a higher education institution. The lecture was held at Instituto de Educación Superior Nº7. Although Joško expected a smaller group of 15–20 participants, around 100 people attended the event.
After your radio appearance, you gave a lecture at a higher education institution. Where did you give the lecture, and how did it feel to present to professors and students at such a significant institution in Argentina?
“The feeling was great, especially since the audience included professors from various fields, with young programmers who are just starting their journey as the main audience.”
Key messages for aspiring programmers
Students don’t have to follow socially predetermined paths; they can create their own
What did you talk about during the lecture at the higher education institute? What were the main messages you wanted to convey to the professors and students?
“I divided the lecture into three parts: how I started in programming, the challenges I faced, and how I evolved from a programmer to a problem solver.
The main message was that students don’t have to follow socially predetermined paths; they can create their own, either by starting their own business or shaping a different professional environment.”
The audience was highly engaged with Joško’s presentation. Students were actively asking questions, showing great interest in how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world programming challenges.
How did the audience’s level of interest and connection with the topic seem to you?
“The audience was extremely interested, which I encouraged by actively involving them in the discussion with questions. This led to a dynamic atmosphere, exactly what I had hoped for.”
How did the students react to your IT experience? Were there any questions or comments that particularly surprised you?
“The students reacted very well, though there weren’t any particularly surprising questions. Most questions were standard for those just entering the programming world.”
One-way ticket: The programmer’s mindset
The lecture was titled ‘One-Way Ticket: The Life of a Programmer.’ Where did the idea for this title come from, and how did you choose the topic?
“The title came about spontaneously, but it perfectly represents the programmer’s mindset. Once you enter the world of programming, your mind automatically starts looking for solutions to all kinds of problems—from everyday issues to complex challenges. The programmer’s way of thinking becomes part of your daily life, and it’s like a one-way ticket because, once you go down that path, there’s no going back to how you thought before programming.”
programming is not just a technical skill but a way of thinking that constantly pushes you to improve and solve problems.
Why do you think it’s important to highlight this ‘one-way ticket’ in a programmer’s life?
“The ‘one-way ticket’ symbolizes the fact that, when you become a programmer, you constantly look for solutions to everything around you. That mindset becomes natural and inevitable. It’s important to emphasize that programming is not just a technical skill but a way of thinking that constantly pushes you to improve and solve problems. I also highlighted the importance of personal growth, not just as a programmer but as a person, and the readiness to embrace change if the current situation doesn’t offer enough opportunities for growth and progress.”
Advice and Challenges for New Programmers
What were your key pieces of advice for young students just entering the world of programming?
“I advised them not to stay in places where their efforts aren’t appreciated and to be bold in creating their own path. I also emphasized the importance of personal development and teamwork.”
Programming offers the possibility not just to follow technology passively but to be active creators
What challenges did you warn them about, and what opportunities did you highlight?
“I warned them about challenges like constant technological changes, the need for continuous learning, and adapting to new tools and trends. I emphasized how important it is to develop resilience to the uncertainties that come with working in a dynamic environment. On the other hand, I highlighted the opportunities that come with creativity and innovation, where they can create their own solutions and professional paths. Programming offers the possibility to not just follow technology passively but to be active creators, launching their own projects and creating new opportunities for themselves and others.”
Collaboration in global teams and international platforms
During his lecture, Joško shared experiences of working in global teams. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with diverse cultures. Adapting to different problem-solving approaches is essential. He stressed that adaptability and effective communication are key elements for success. These experiences broadened his perspective. They allowed him to understand various approaches better. Joško considers this understanding crucial for working in dynamic, multicultural teams.
Can this experience help you in your future work and career development? If so, how?
“Definitely. These lectures shape my thinking because the exchange of ideas and questions from the audience often leads to new insights and perspectives.”
Did you learn anything new through this experience?
“Yes, you always learn something through interaction with the audience and their perspectives, which helps me better understand other people’s situations and challenges.”
Sharing knowledge – an opportunity for growth
Do you have any advice for other colleagues who want to share their experiences on international platforms? What would you tell them if they get a similar opportunity?
“I would advise them to take every opportunity to share their knowledge, as it’s not only an opportunity to teach others but also to develop themselves.”
Do you plan to continue with similar appearances or lectures in the future?
“I’m open to new opportunities, but I wouldn’t force it. If an interesting opportunity comes up, I would definitely take it.”
Do you see more opportunities for sharing knowledge on a global scale?
“Yes, I believe there are always opportunities to share knowledge globally, especially in the IT sector, where international experience is extremely valuable.”
For Joško, this experience in Argentina was significant for his professional engagement. It also allowed him to share his experiences with young people entering the programming world. Through interactions with the audience, he recognized the value of his knowledge. This motivated him to continue sharing his insights in the future.
