In the heart of the Balkans, where tradition meets modernity, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the tech world. This revolution is not just about lines of code or cutting-edge technology; it’s about people — those who dare to embrace challenges and transform visions into reality. Darko Gjorgjieski is one of those people. As the first HTEC employee in North Macedonia, Darko has been at the forefront of a journey that has seen both him and the company grow in remarkable ways.
When he joined HTEC, there was no office in North Macedonia, no established infrastructure, and no colleagues — just a vision of what could be. Darko played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to fruition in the region.
This year marks the third anniversary of HTEC’s presence in North Macedonia. Since its inception on June 1, 2021, HTEC North Macedonia has grown from a single employee to a dynamic team, culminating in the opening of its new office, which serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration. This milestone reflects HTEC’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of growth, paving the way for continued success and technological advancement in the region.
Darko’s journey at HTEC is a testament to the company’s dynamic culture and its commitment to fostering innovation and personal development. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Darko’s experiences, career evolution, and passion for technology and adventure.
HTEC’s beginnings and growth in North Macedonia
Darko Gjorgjieski is a senior software engineer with over 17 years of experience in backend development, primarily working with .NET technologies. Currently transitioning to the role of a data engineer at HTEC, Darko has been instrumental in establishing the company’s presence in North Macedonia. When Darko was first approached by HTEC, the company didn’t even have a legal entity in North Macedonia. Yet, within a short period, Darko found himself at the helm of HTEC’s expansion in Skopje, becoming the company’s first employee in the country. “It was an exciting challenge,” Darko recalls. “We started from scratch, and in the first year alone, we grew to 100 employees, purely through hiring local talent.”
A key driver of the initial growth was Darko’s ability to attract top-tier senior developers to the new location. Leveraging his extensive network and deep understanding of the local market, Darko played a crucial role in building a strong foundation for HTEC in North Macedonia. “I reached out to colleagues and friends I had worked with over the past 17 years of my career as a software developer, and I shared the HTEC vision,” Darko explains. “It created a chain reaction — one senior developer brought another, and before we knew it, we had a team of highly skilled professionals who were all committed to driving the company forward.”
Since opening offices on June 1, 2021, HTEC’s growth in North Macedonia has been remarkable. The office now has 130 employees. “This growth speaks to the strength of HTEC’s vision and the opportunities it creates,” Darko says.
Professional transition from software engineer to data scientist
With over 17 years of experience in software engineering, Darko’s career has been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. He started as a senior software engineer at HTEC, but soon felt the need for a change. “I had been working with .NET for so long, and I wanted to explore new horizons. Data engineering, with its focus on AI and big data, seemed like the logical next step,” he explains.
HTEC supported Darko’s transition by offering him the chance to take specialized courses and work on data engineering projects with colleagues who are experts in the field. “The company provided the resources and opportunities I needed to make the switch,” Darko notes. Now, he is on a fast track to becoming a senior data engineer, a role he finds both challenging and rewarding.
A culture of collaboration and growth
HTEC’s unique culture has been a cornerstone of Darko’s positive experience. “Even though our teams are distributed across different countries, the culture is consistent,” he says. “There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and a willingness to help each other.”
In Skopje, the office is unique because it predominantly employs senior engineers. This strategic decision created a solid foundation in a new market, but it doesn’t mean that the office is isolated from junior talent. “HTEC actively supports events and initiatives that bring together both junior and senior engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment,” Darko adds.
The future of technology: AI and big data
Darko’s enthusiasm for emerging technologies is palpable. “AI and machine learning are the future,” he asserts. “These technologies won’t replace jobs; they’ll create new opportunities for those who know how to use them.” Darko’s decision to shift from software engineering to data engineering was driven by his desire to be at the forefront of these technological advancements.
Beyond the screen: a passion for adventure
Outside of work, Darko is an adventure seeker with a passion for motorbiking. “I ride every weekend,” he shares. “It’s my way of recharging and exploring new places.” His adventures have taken him across the Balkans, from the rugged mountains of Bosnia to the scenic routes of Romania. For Darko, this passion for exploration is not just a hobby — it’s a crucial part of maintaining a work-life balance in the fast-paced world of tech.
Parting notes
Darko Gjorgjieski’s journey at HTEC reflects the company’s ethos of innovation, growth, and personal development. From helping to establish HTEC in North Macedonia to navigating his career evolution, Darko’s story is one of adaptability and relentless pursuit of knowledge. As HTEC continues to expand, employees like Darko are helping to shape the future of the industry.
