spotlight | José Avila
José Avila
Sr. Technical Consultant
This spotlight's recommendations from José are:
Movie
Hostel
Movie | 2005
Music
In this edition of our Employee Spotlight, we introduce José Avila, our Sr. Tech Consultant. With a wealth of experience in both front-end and back-end development, José has been instrumental in supporting and enhancing the medical portal for one of our premier clients.
His commitment to ongoing professional development, combined with his extensive expertise in software engineering and his proactive approach to embracing industry innovations, makes him an indispensable member of our team.
Beyond his technical expertise, José is an avid runner, a former high school soccer goalkeeper, and an enthusiast for languages. Join us as we explore his professional journey, personal passions, and the unique contributions he makes to our organization.
Professional
Jose Antonio Avila, a Mechatronic Engineering graduate from Tec de Culiacán, embarked on his professional journey by crafting a database and user interface, sparking his passion for software development. Today, as a Senior Technical Consultant at Mayan Technologies, he skillfully manages a vital medical portal and tackles diverse internal projects.
Join us as José shares his career experiences and the key insights he has gained throughout his tenure at Mayan Technologies.
What do you do at Mayan Technologies?
As a Senior Technical Consultant and Full-Stack Developer at Mayan Technologies, my primary responsibility is to provide comprehensive support for our assigned clients. Currently, I am dedicated to enhancing a medical portal, where I address reported issues, execute requested fixes, and implement new functionalities as directed by our Project Manager.
My tasks range from debugging to feature development and conducting essential research. While the medical portal remains my primary focus, I am also expanding my involvement to include internal projects within the same clinic.
What are some key skills you have developed at Mayan Technologies?
Since joining Mayan Technologies, I've really expanded my technical skills. One major tool I've gotten to know is Sequelize, a library that helps connect the backend of our apps with our databases. It's something I hadn't worked with before and learned here. While I'm not an expert, I handle it well now.
Another handy tool I've learned is Cron, which automates tasks that happen at regular intervals, like sending out reminder emails to patients. This kind of automation is a huge time-saver and lets us focus on more important stuff.
How do you keep up with the latest trends and advancements in your field?
I find that learning through YouTube videos is really effective for me, especially from channels that focus on development. They're great for keeping up with new libraries and updates in the tech world.
Another favorite resource of mine is a Twitch channel called Midudev. It's run by a Spanish streamer who does daily live streams, and I find these incredibly informative and useful for staying on top of current trends in software development.
How would you describe your key strengths and how do they influence your work at Mayan Technologies?
I consider myself quite introverted, with consistency being one of my primary strengths. For example, when I learn that we'll be adopting a new library or technology at Mayan Technologies, I commit to studying it for at least an hour daily.
This disciplined approach helps me build a solid understanding of the new tools within just a few months. As a result, I'm able to contribute effectively to projects that incorporate these technologies, ensuring my work is both efficient and impactful.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional experience and the industries you have worked in?
My professional journey began in Tijuana, where I developed a database and interface for a large warehouse, sparking my interest in software. This led to my next role in Culiacán, where I focused more on software development for over a year before joining Mayan Technologies.
At Mayan, I've been handling both front-end and back-end tasks, as well as server-side work. Initially, my tasks were simpler, like changing colors or text, but as I became more familiar with the portal, I was assigned more complex tasks. Currently, I’m working on communication between clinic administrators, doctors, and patients and an internal project within the same company.
Have you always been interested in your current field of work?
During my academic years, I found myself at a crossroads, choosing between electronics, systems, and mechanics. It was my initial programming courses in college, coupled with my first professional experience in software development, that steered my career toward software. This early exposure helped me discover my true passion for programming. I am very happy in my current role at Mayan Technologies, where I particularly enjoy tasks related to enhancing security measures and introducing new functionalities.
What do you think makes Mayan Technologies stand out from other companies?
What really sets Mayan Technologies apart is our company culture. Even though we're all from different backgrounds and work in various departments, we come together really well, thanks to fun company games and contests. Plus, there's a genuine respect for our personal time here. Our Project Manager makes sure we stick to our work hours unless there's an urgent need, which shows how much the company values our work-life balance. I truly appreciate that.
As someone who works from home, how do you feel working remotely has affected or changed the way teams collaborate in the software development industry?
The shift to remote work has really changed how we measure productivity in software development. Unlike in an office setting where your presence might count for a lot, remote work demands more discipline because it's all about the progress you make on your tasks. Personally, I prefer this setup. It focuses more on the actual work done rather than just the hours spent at a desk. This way, once you understand your assigned tasks, you can concentrate fully on them, and your productivity is judged based on the tangible progress you make during your workday.
What do you prioritize when interviewing or selecting new team members?
When bringing new members into our team, I really focus on two key aspects: experience and attitude. Firstly, it’s crucial that candidates have solid experience and knowledge of the technologies we use. This gives me a good sense of their ability to jump right into projects and be productive from the start.
Secondly, I look for a positive attitude towards learning and adapting to new technologies and methods. Even the most experienced candidates can face challenges if they aren’t open to change. Flexibility and a genuine willingness to learn are vital traits that help new team members integrate smoothly and succeed in our dynamic environment.
As a Senior Tech Consultant, what are your long-term goals, and how do you envision contributing to our team's growth and our customers' satisfaction?
I'm really happy in my current role, particularly when it comes to implementing new features on the medical portal and kicking off new projects. Moving forward, I see myself continuing in this role because I thrive in the development aspect. I also have ambitions to lead entire projects from the ground up, like developing new portals for different clients, which would further enhance our offerings.
Additionally, I’m working towards earning Amazon Web Services certifications to deepen my expertise in server-side tasks such as managing online databases and uploading repositories. These skills will enable me to contribute even more effectively to our team's growth and continue enhancing our clients' satisfaction.
Preferences + Stats
Years of Experience -
4+
Preferred Framework -
NextJS
Programming Style -
Declarative
Preferred DB -
Relational
Most comfortable in libraries like
React, Node, NextJS and NestJS
Spoken Languages:
English, Spanish, German and Portuguese
Personal
Beyond his professional achievements, José is a running enthusiast with a strong foundation in technology and a commitment to continuous learning. He brings consistency and dedication to his role at Mayan Technologies. His admiration for soccer has been a lifelong passion.
Join us as we explore José's personal journey, unveiling the experiences and passions that define his unique character. From early dreams to present ambitions, learn what truly motivates José.
Could you tell us a little about your family and personal background?
I was born and raised in Culiacán, where I currently reside. I'm 27 years old and have lived here most of my life, except for a year I spent in Tijuana for a university internship. Recently, I began a new chapter in my life by marrying my wonderful wife this past February. We now live together, enjoying our journey side by side.
You've mentioned that running is a favorite hobby of yours. Do you still find time to run?
I'm still very much committed to running. It's a solo activity for me most of the time, but I also enjoy participating in local 5K or 10K races here in Culiacán. Occasionally, my mom joins me for these events, which makes them even more enjoyable. My routine is pretty consistent—I run every weekday morning. I wake up, prepare, run, shower, and then start my workday. I keep up with running because it's something I love and it really boosts my wellbeing. I definitely feel a difference on the days I don't run; it's an essential part of my daily life that keeps me feeling my best.
Could you please share with us your training regimen for preparing for a half-marathon?
When I first took up running seriously, I began training at a local gym with my coach, José Antonio (Shespy) Flores, who is not only a three-time world champion but also a fourteen-time national champion. He crafted a structured training regimen tailored specifically for me. Typically, my week starts with a 15-minute light jog on Monday to ease into the routine. From Tuesday through Friday, the training varies—it might include interval training, like sprinting for a minute followed by a 30-second rest, repeated several times. Sometimes, it involves running longer distances, such as 1 km stretches with a minute rest in between. Over the weekends, I do my longest runs, which range from 10 to 12 km, often aligning these sessions with race days. This routine, developed by Coach Flores, has been instrumental in building my endurance and enhancing my marathon performance.
You previously mentioned your love for soccer and a particular admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. Can you tell us more about that?
My admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo started back in elementary school when soccer was a pivotal part of our recess activities. I vividly remember my friends discussing iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, and Robinho, especially during the peak soccer moments between the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.
My passion for soccer was further fueled when I received my first Xbox as a Christmas gift. Diving into the virtual soccer world, I learned more about teams such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, frequently playing with the teams Cristiano was part of. His prominence in discussions and video games deepened my admiration for his on-field prowess and charismatic presence.
What were your main aspirations as a child?
When I was younger, my dream was to become a football player. However, as I matured and transitioned into middle school, my ambitions evolved towards the tech industry. I set my sights on achieving a leadership role within a major tech company like Google or Amazon. I envisioned myself in a significant position at one of these renowned firms, a vision that has seamlessly aligned with my current career trajectory.
Have you participated in any marathons? How far do you typically run in these events?
Yes, I've completed three half-marathons, each 21 kilometers long. My first was in Mazatlán this past December. It was a tough race—I dealt with cramps but managed to finish in about 2 hours and 23 minutes. The second race was right here in Culiacán, where I encountered similar challenges but improved my time to 2 hours and 12 minutes. The most recent one, the FETASA marathon organized by a local steel company, I completed in 2 hours and 8 minutes. With each race, I've been able to shave off some time and improve my performance, which is incredibly rewarding.
Is there a dream destination you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet had the chance?
Europe has been on the top of my travel wishlist, especially cities like Madrid, London, Paris, and Lisbon. Specifically, I've been longing to visit the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. I'd love to experience the sights, catch a soccer game, and explore the museums. Plus, I'd love the opportunity to purchase some Real Madrid merchandise and, of course, witness a live game. It's a destination I've been dreaming about for a long time.
What do you hope to be remembered for in your professional and personal life?
Both professionally and personally, I aspire to be remembered for my unwavering perseverance. I want to be known as someone who never shies away from challenges, no matter how daunting they might be. Whether it's overcoming obstacles in professional projects or pursuing personal ambitions, my goal is to be recognized as someone who consistently demonstrates persistence and determination.
Do you have any specific goals you are currently working towards or plan to pursue soon?
Absolutely. One of my major goals is to travel to Europe, with a particular interest in exploring cities like Madrid. Concurrently, I'm dedicated to securing financial stability with my wife through diligent saving and strategic financial planning. In the near future, we are also looking forward to starting a family, hopefully within the next two to three years.
Dedicate a portion of each day to enhance your skills. Even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant growth over time.
Tips from Our Experts
We have the privilege of working with very talented experts. Why not share some of that knowledge?
Here are Jose's tips for navigating the ever-evolving world of software development.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends – Continuously seek out the latest technologies and updates in your field. Even if these aren't immediately applicable to your current job, practice with them. This proactive approach ensures you're prepared for future opportunities.
Consistent Skill Improvement – Dedicate a portion of each day to enhance your skills. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming; even small, consistent efforts can lead to significant growth over time. By setting aside time regularly, you ensure continuous development and keep your skills sharp and up-to-date.
Focus on Practical Solutions – Prioritize understanding the problem you aim to solve before diving into coding. Effective programming starts with clear problem comprehension, ensuring your code is both relevant and efficient.
Did You Know?
Here are three things you probably didn't know about Jose:
Jose used to play soccer in high school as a goalkeeper.
Jose’s favorite soccer team from Mexico has always been Cruz Azul.
His favorite soccer team from European teams, Real Madrid.
Gallery
Step into the dynamic world of José Antonio Avila through our curated photo gallery. From pounding the pavement in various running events to defending the goal as a skilled goalkeeper, these images capture José's dedication and enthusiasm both on the track and on the soccer field.
Thank you for reading this month's Spotlight article, where featured team members provide insight into their job at Mayan Technologies and detail what their role encompasses while opening up about their personal life.
Stay tuned for our next Spotlight article about:
Viviana Vega
CAM, Sr. Consultant