Graduate Series – Meet Alperen

From University to the Real World: Alperen’s First Few Weeks at NextGen

Transitioning from a university degree to a professional career is a massive shift, and after Alperen’s first few weeks as a Graduate Developer at NextGen, he’s realised it’s about much more than just writing code. Here’s a look at what his journey has been like so far.

What has been the most surprising difference between university and your professional career? In university, collaboration was a scheduled event – you’d finish a group project and likely never speak to those teammates again. At NextGen, collaboration is the heartbeat of every day. Whether it’s a quick sync or a deep-dive problem-solving session, I’m learning that being a great developer is just as much about communication as it is about the terminal.

How would you describe the support you’ve received during onboarding? The process has been fantastic. I’ve been able to learn at my own pace with the backing of a manager who is always happy to answer questions, technical or otherwise. NextGen also provides incredibly organized documentation, which has been a lifesaver while I sharpen my SQL skills and dive into data transformation languages like XML and XSL.

What has been the most challenging part of the transition? The sheer scale of the ApplyOnline codebase was intimidating at first. Coming from smaller academic projects and having no prior background in finance, navigating an industry-leading product was a steep climb. However, the team turned that challenge into a learning opportunity. They pointed out the most critical files to focus on and explained our role in the lending industry, giving me the confidence to link the code I write to the actual product we develop.

Does the day-to-day reality align with your expectations from the interview? Absolutely. The “work-life balance” discussed in my interviews is a genuine reality here. On days when I have evening commitments, I have the flexibility to work from home – though it’s honestly hard to stay away from the office when you have a stunning view of the harbour to keep you inspired!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to students applying for the next intake? Don’t overthink it – be yourself. While technical skills matter, the Talent Acquisition team and hiring managers at NextGen truly want to see your personality shine through. They value who you are just as much as what you can build.It’s been an incredible start to the journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the next few months take me.

Explore more graduate success stories or discover why graduate recruitment is a top priority at NextGen here.