People of Interact: Youba Benhadj, Employee of the Year 2023

At the crescendo of our year-end festivities, the title of Interact’s 2023 Employee of the Year was bestowed upon none other than Youba Benhadj, one of the brilliant Software Engineers working within our Internal Operations department. 

We sat down with Youba to discuss his work, the best things about his role at Interact, and his wide variety of interests – from football to trance music ! Step into the spotlight and join us in celebrating the shining star of Interact’s 2023 journey.

Youba, tell us about your background…

I joined Interact after graduating from university, where I studied software engineering. Growing up, my family, particularly my mother, always wanted me to be a doctor but I realized I’m more comfortable with machines than with people. This led me to pursue a career in IT. 

What does your day-to-day look like?

One thing I love about my job at Interact is that no two days are the same. Each day brings new learning opportunities because of the diverse range of projects I work on. It’s challenging, but in the end, rewarding. 

The variety keeps me engaged and constantly growing in my role. On a typical day, I might be brainstorming with my team, mapping out strategies for new projects and features, or deep in development work. It’s this mix of cross-department teamwork, creativity, and technical problem-solving that makes every day interesting. 

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Efficient. 

What/who inspires you?

My biggest inspiration comes from my family. Their unwavering support and sacrifices have helped me get where I am today. I am immensely grateful for everything they’ve done for me. Their dedication not only inspires me but also pushes me to achieve more. 

What are the best things about your job? 

Working with the incredible people at Interact. Regardless of their department or role, everyone contributes to a friendly and healthy work environment. 

Another thing, as I mentioned earlier, is the variety in my day-to-day tasks which keeps my job exciting and far from monotonous. I’m regularly presented with new challenges. The opportunity to continuously learn and grow in my understanding of programming is something I greatly value. Moreover, the support and guidance from more senior colleagues have been invaluable. They’ve not only offered practical advice but have also been instrumental in my professional development. These are just a few of the many reasons why I thoroughly enjoy my job.  

Why is Interact a good place to work?  

Interact stands out as an exceptional workplace for several reasons, building on what I’ve already shared, the company culture is really dynamic and inclusive, focusing on innovation and technology. We also have a great work-life balance with flexible hours and remote work options. All of this makes Interact more than just a good job – it’s a great place to grow and develop professionally.  

And finally, what do you enjoy doing when you‘re not working?

When I’m not working, football is my biggest passion, whether I’m watching a game or playing. I also enjoy unwinding with video games and getting lost in fantasy books. I’m a fan of Formula 1 and have a love for trance music, which always energizes me. Traveling is another favorite activity of mine, especially during holidays, when I focus on spending quality time with my friends and family. 

At Interact, we’re constantly on the lookout for talented technical professionals to join our technical teams. 

You can view our live vacancies here.