“Take a little time to adjust with changes and keep your mind open for new or unfamiliar approaches.”
In just over a year with Cybernetica, Peeter Niidas has dived headfirst into the intricate world of tax and customs systems, taking on the complexities of the sector with curiosity and dedication. Peeter hasn't always worked in a tech role, and just recently he was our intern, learning the fundamentals of his current position. We sat down with him to chat about his role, his insights on teamwork, and the most memorable moments he's experienced so far in his career. Keep reading Peeter's dossier below!
- How long have you worked at Cybernetica, and on which positions?
On June 12th I was able to celebrate my first full year at Cybernetica. I’m working in Tax and Customs department as a junior analyst.
- Windows vs Linux vs Mac?
Definitely Mac. The first computer I got hands on approximately 30 years ago was Apple (to be exact it was an ancient Apple II) and so it remained. Of course, I have used computers with other operating systems (DOS, Win, Linux), but my favourite choice hasn’t changed.
- What’s your favourite part of the day?
Late morning – after first couple of coffees I feel most energised.
- Team paper notes or team digital notes?
Digital notes – one can store/sort and search within them and there is no clutter.
- Team morning workout or team evening workout?
Morning workout.
- Describe your team with 5 keywords
As I have several different project teams I will generally describe the Tax & Customs Department helpful, supportive, smart, fun, cooperative.
- Describe yourself with 5 keywords
This is the toughest question. Able to shift focus from one task to another when needed, friendly, helpful, good communicator, (trying to get rid of) a little laziness.
- Does pineapple go on pizza?
Yes and no, depends on other ingredients (definitely on Estonian Hawaiian pizza).
- What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
There are a lot of complex systems and if it seems that I have gotten to know some part of it, then there is always a ‘but' – it’s fascinating and challenging at the same time.
- How does your team keep each other motivated?
Our team is very frugal and therefore it’s easy to work with everyone. Since our team operates between Tallinn and Tartu offices, we make sure to get together at one office and then at the other, and we hold off-site team events regularly. Also, if anyone has any questions, usually the answer is just a direct message away, so open communication in the team is good.
- What has been the most profound lesson for you at Cybernetica?
Maybe it’s also connected with the challenging aspect of this work. If you haven’t been all hands on while designing some process or system, then you have to study the topic meticulously thorough before changing anything.
- The most memorable project/situation you had to deal with?
It is difficult to pinpoint the most memorable project as I have done many small parts in several bigger projects. Maybe the first that I had a part in and what went live in time AES (Automated export system). The most memorable situation – one of the reports in AES project took more than half an hour to compile and after successful optimisation it compiled within few seconds
- What changed for you when you became a full-time employee?
Obviously, I got to be the full-time staff member of a great company, but also it was clear to me that I have made a right choice on my career path.
- What would you like to say to your past self as an intern?
Enjoy the situation and possibilities! You can never be at the better position to learn something new (or different) than as an intern. I’m sure I did that and that was awesome.
- Is there something Cybernetica has to offer, that no other employer can?
Best professional team you could imagine and interesting/challenging projects
- What would you suggest to a person beginning a new career path to kickstart it quicker?
Take a little time to adjust with changes and keep your mind open for new or unfamiliar approaches. I can imagine, that if a person is already on the path on changing career, then the person has a clear view about what he or she wants to achieve. Therefore, I would say: “Stay on you chosen path and good luck!"
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