From Grad to L2 Dev in 14 months

Bridging the gap between university theory and professional software engineering doesn’t have to take years. At NextGen, we give early talent room to grow by trusting them with real, impactful projects from day one.

We sat down with Zachary Bower, to talk about his journey from a Graduate to an L2 Developer in just 14 months.

Q: What specific projects helped you progress from a graduate to an L2 Developer so quickly?

A: “Two main projects stand out:

1. Automated data verification feature: This was my first big project, where I drew up complete end-to-end flow diagrams to understand the overall architecture. Months later, when a critical issue popped up, I was able to diagnose and fix it quickly because I already understood how all the pieces fit together.
2. Financial data API integration: This project required collaborating across multiple internal teams and microservices while managing undocumented design shifts along the way. It really pushed me to adapt on the fly rather than simply follow a static spec.”

Q: How did mentorship and team support help you bridge the gap between university and professional engineering?

A: “The biggest learning curve was testing. At uni, code ‘just has to work,’ but production code is a totally different ballgame.

When I started, I knew relatively little about professional testing standards. Thanks to direct feedback from senior developers, I transitioned from basic concepts to writing tests against target metrics, using advanced testing methods to catch edge-case bugs, and now actively review tests written by others.”

Q: What project made you realize your impact at NextGen had scaled up significantly?

A: “My work on our internal AI transformation initiatives. I’ve been building developer productivity tools used across the entire company, including integrations that connect our daily platforms directly with AI assistants, as well as an AI Peer Review service that speeds up development workflows.

The real turning point wasn’t just completing tasks; it was when colleagues started coming directly to me for troubleshooting and advice. I transitioned from taking assigned tickets to solving problems brought straight to my desk.”

Q: How would you describe NextGen’s culture to a prospective graduate?

A: “It’s supportive, fast-moving, and highly practical. Responsibility grows at a natural pace – you’re trusted with real, impactful work early on, but you’re never left without support. Everyone is approachable, so asking questions or seeking assistance never feels like a burden.”

Q: Reflecting on your first 14 months, what advice would you give to new graduates?

A: “Four key recommendations:

3. Ask questions early: The team is always happy to help and it saves you tons of time.
4. Map the systems deeply: Put in the effort to understand how complex flows work; it pays off significantly when troubleshooting later.
5. Speak up: Share your ideas because your perspective is genuinely valued, even as a grad.
6. Seek stretch opportunities: Take on work slightly outside your comfort zone, that’s where growth actually happens.”

If these insights have made you curious to learn more about the people who make NextGen special, you can:

• Explore our current openings: Find your next challenge on our Jobs Page.
• Stay connected: Not ready to apply just yet? Join our Online Community to stay updated on new roles and see what is happening behind the scenes.
• Get to know us: Learn more about our mission, our values, and our people by visiting our Careers site.