In the dynamic world of app development, it’s crucial to have team members who bring both passion and expertise to the table. Melika Soltani, one of our dedicated iOS app developers at 14 Oranges is an example of exactly that kind of employee. With just over a year at the company, Melika has already made significant contributions, showcasing her skills and adaptability.

From University to 14 Oranges

Melika’s journey to 14 Oranges is a testament to the power of networking and being open to new opportunities. Fresh out of university, where she completed co-op terms at both a small non-software company and a larger software firm, Melika was referred to us by a friend who believed she would be a perfect fit. She joined 14 Oranges as her first job post-graduation and hasn’t looked back since.

Embracing Challenges and Learning Opportunities

What excites Melika the most about her role at 14 Oranges is the opportunity to delve into iOS app development. With a keen interest in technology and a background that didn’t extensively cover app development in university, Melika embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. 

“Being an Apple user myself, I was very excited to join as an iOS app developer. The team here provided excellent training, and soon, I was contributing to major projects,” she shares.

Melika’s role involves tackling various tasks, from implementing new features to hunting down and fixing bugs. One of her notable projects involved adding a forum feature to an app, improving user interaction. Her ability to break down tasks and collaborate with her team has been instrumental in her success.

The Balance Between Structure and Flexibility

One of the aspects that drew Melika to 14 Oranges was the company culture. She found it to be exactly the blend of structure and independence she was looking for, something that resonated with her experiences at her previous jobs. “There’s a good amount of independence and flexibility here, which is very appealing,” she explains.

A Day in the Life of an iOS Developer

Melika’s workday begins with checking emails and planning her tasks. Working fully remotely, she appreciates the flexibility to change her work environment, often moving from her desk to a coffee shop. Her tasks range from developing new features to resolving issues in the code, ensuring that the apps she works on run smoothly and efficiently.

Outside the Office

When she’s not coding, Melika enjoys the natural beauty of Vancouver, BC, where she loves hiking and picnics during the summer. In the colder months, she has taken up skiing. She also recently discovered a passion for baking, although she admits she needs more people to eat her delicious creations.

Advice for Aspiring Developers

For those starting in a similar role, Melika emphasizes the importance of learning your tools. “Spend time early on understanding how the tools you use can benefit you. Knowing the features and capabilities of your development environment can save you a lot of time down the line,” Melika says.

Perfect Memory: A Developer’s Dream Superpower

If Melika could choose a superpower to help her at work, it would be a perfect memory. “Being able to remember all the documentation, code, and design patterns I’ve ever encountered would be incredibly helpful,” she says. While Melika might not have the ability to remember every line of code she’s ever written, we think Melika’s passion and dedication to continuously improving her skills are a superpower that the 14 Oranges team is lucky to have.

Join Our Team

Melika’s story is just one example of the talented and dedicated individuals at 14 Oranges. We are proud of the culture we’ve built—a place where employees can grow, innovate, and enjoy a supportive work environment. If you’re interested in joining a team that values both structure and flexibility, check out our careers page and see what opportunities await you.

Sylvain Marcotte is CEO and President of 14 Oranges.