IT families: Marat and Dinara Kamalov

Marat Kamalov, city — Astana, embedded software engineer at Sergek Group, Instagram

Dinara Kamalova, city — Astana, engineer at Sergek Group

About Us

Dinara. I am an engineer in the engineering department of Sergek Group. Marat is an Embedded software engineer. We work in the same department.

We met at work. During breaks, we often played table tennis. Thanks to sports, informal communication developed.

How we entered the IT field

Dinara. I studied at Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics, majoring in "Electronics and Nanoelectronics." University studies were interesting. For my thesis, I had to calculate and draw a device circuit, simulate its operation in software, and assemble a real device.

After graduating, I was invited to an interview at Sergek Group. During the interview, they told me about our department, explaining that we create circuits for future devices, route boards, assemble prototypes, invent new devices, and program microcontrollers. They asked which of these tasks I would like to do. With burning eyes, I said that I wanted to try everything because it is great to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.

I was lucky with the company and my manager. For the first three months, I performed small tasks, one or two per day. Then my manager offered me to work on my own small project — to create a test stand for checking the operation of our Specto A device.

Within six months, I completed the project: I drew the circuit, calculated its components, selected a case for the device, designed a PCB to fit the chosen case, soldered components to the board, wrote the software, and debugged the device's operation. The test stand is now successfully used to check devices in batches.

I have been working here for three years and three months. I have grown significantly and continue to grow.

Marat. I worked in the field of mechanical engineering and instrument making as an electronics engineer, and then transitioned to software engineering. I was involved in developing software for measuring devices used in the oil and gas industry. Then I joined Sergek. I am currently writing software for weather sensors and telemetry controllers.

Our work format is mainly office-based.

Division of Responsibilities

Dinara. We do not divide work into "female" or "male" tasks: we both handle household chores. Sometimes we cook together. We clean up when whoever has the strength and mood for it.

Marat. After work, we usually walk home, strolling through the park. Periodically, we go ice skating, skiing, visit the swimming pool, and also go hiking.

Family Traditions

Marat. We do not have family traditions yet. We are building our family by talking a lot, discussing various emerging issues, and planning for the future. Our plans are not strictly tied to time. We do things as our capabilities and energy allow, to avoid strain and overwork. We take care of each other.

Combining Household and Work

Dinara. Our work is calm, and there is no need to be at work around the clock. Sometimes after work, ideas or thoughts about improving work arise. You get excited about an idea and can't wait until tomorrow to try out the proposed solution in practice. Otherwise, nothing hinders household management; sometimes it even helps.

Moreover, your field of work can help in daily life. For example, Marat assembled a home weather station that shows CO2 levels, humidity, and indoor air temperature. While feelings can still be debated, we do not argue with sensors.

Recommendations for a Happy Family Life

Dinara. You need to find a person who resonates with your soul. Someone with whom you share similar interests and lifestyle. A person with whom you will understand and accept each other. A person with whom you can be yourself, act silly, and rejoice. There should not be strong emotional swings in relationships. Also, words and actions should not differ. Develop and move forward together. Agree "on the shore," discuss situations that might occur to understand how a person will react. Discuss moments related to finances, how and on what money will be spent, who pays for what. Do not make claims, speak about what you do not like, do not harbor grudges. Before marriage, try working as a team, do some repair work like hanging wallpaper, or organize a joint trip somewhere.

How IT Families Differ from Others

Dinara. I do not know about other families, but in my opinion, people connected with IT are calm. Of course, there are specialties with a lot of stress, such as information security. But as I see it, mostly adequate people go into IT. A calm atmosphere in the department and an adequate manager are indicators of a good company.

Marat. We are still a young family. We are comfortable with each other. Usually, people try to drift apart, do different things, be apart more often, and pursue their own hobbies. We have different hobbies, but we spend most of our time together. We even sit at adjacent desks at work. But at the same time, we are comfortable.