Meet the Instructor: Dragos-Robert Neagu

How long have you been coding? How did you get started?

I started coding for fun when I was 15 and through my passion for the wizarding world of Harry Potter creating dynamic websites. Professionally, I have been programming for the past 10 years in different roles.

What do you enjoy about working at Manchester Codes? // New? What are you most looking forward to with working at Manchester Codes?

Since I was a teenager I've always wanted to teach others and help them grow, learn something new. When our students finish their final projects and they themselves see how much they've been able to progress in just 24 weeks, as well as when they land that tech job they've wanted, that's the moment I enjoy the most and makes me feel so proud.

What gets you excited about Technology?

The amount of good it can do if used properly.

Favourite language and framework/library/ tool?

In my free time I really enjoy coding in Swift and Kotlin for my own mobile app, KINN - Contacts & Groups, which is available on iOS.

Least favourite language and framework/library/ tool?

I have a philosophy of "the right tool for the right task" so I don't hate on any particular language if it makes sense to use it, but I personally do not want to see, read or touch any codebase in C# or ASP.NET.

One piece of advice you have for people fresh to Software development?

There will be ups and downs, moments of "aha!" and of frustration and one thing is for sure: you will always find new things to learn in this field so get comfortable with the unknown.

Outside of work, what do like to do for fun? How do you spend your downtime?

I travel a lot, like to cook for my friends and ride my bicycle.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a teacher, and I am a software developer who also teaches at Manchester Codes, so one could say I am doing exactly what I want.

Do you have a pet? If so, what do you have?

I don't currently have a pet but I sure want a four-legged friend.

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

Nightcrawler from X-Men, because he could teleport anywhere so I could travel places quickly.

What would your dream holiday destination be?

I really like the culture of South America, and especially Brazil. I've already been there twice, and I'd go there anytime

If you were stranded on a remote island, alone. What piece of technology/ gadget would you be unable to live without?

A solar powered iPhone, ha!