Post by Isidora Nikolić 
April 11, 2025 | 
Curious, hands-on, and always eager to learn – that’s how Marko’s exciting journey into full-stack cybersecurity started! He began with front-end development, which sparked a desire that led him to explore back-end systems. Over time, that curiosity grew into a drive to build complete products from the ground up. Today, he’s thriving as a full-stack developer in the cybersecurity field, solving real-world challenges and constantly expanding his knowledge.
One of the things Marko loves most is spending time outdoors, whether he’s running along the beautiful coast or hiking up a scenic trail.
A few years back, we ran the Business Run together. He brought great energy and made it an enjoyable experience, keeping us motivated to cross the finish line together. 🙂
In this interview, we talk about his work in both front-end and full-stack development, what keeps him motivated, and how sharing knowledge has shaped his journey.
As a child, you wanted to be a policeman, and now you’re in the world of coding and cybersecurity. What drew you into the path of full-stack in this exciting field and what do you like about it?
I’ve always enjoyed solving logical problems, and I believe both police work and programming require that kind of thinking. While my childhood dream of becoming a policeman is still somewhere in the back of my mind, I’ve truly found my passion for programming.
What I love most about this role is the combination of challenges and constant learning. I get to solve real problems while building things from scratch, which is incredibly satisfying.
Although I didn’t initially work in cybersecurity, joining BlueGrid.io allowed me to explore this field. That opportunity opened the door for significant learning and growth, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.
What motivated you to focus specifically on full-stack development?
I started as a front-end developer, but over time – partly due to work needs and partly out of curiosity – I began learning how the backend works. This helped me connect the dots and see the bigger picture. It was this understanding that ultimately led me to begin working as a full-stack developer, where I gained real confidence. I realized I could build and run everything – from the database to the front end. Having that kind of control over the entire process is a great feeling.
If a colleague were to spend a day with you in your role, what experiences would they gain? Can you describe a typical day?
Since I’ve been on this project from the start, a lot of my work revolves around developing prototypes. So, if someone shadowed me for the day, they’d likely see me building new product features and frequently communicating with the client to ensure we’re on the same page. It’s a dynamic mix of creativity and collaboration.
Developers have their go-to tools. What programming languages do you use most often, and which one is your favorite?
I primarily work with PHP (Laravel), which has become my go-to stack. For front-end work, I mainly use JavaScript and its frameworks, depending on what best suits the features I’m building.
Looking back over the nearly three years since you joined, how has your role evolved? What do you think changed the most?
Since I’ve been on this project from the very beginning, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the entire system and how everything works. Over time, this has strengthened my confidence, allowing me to suggest new ideas and solutions whenever I see a better approach.
Being so familiar with the project also puts me in a great position to help my teammates understand parts of the system they haven’t worked on yet.
Overall, working on this project has significantly contributed to my growth. I’ve faced new challenges and learned so much along the way, which has truly expanded my knowledge and experience.
Beyond technical skills, what other qualities do you think make a great full-stack developer?
I believe that important qualities for a great full-stack developer include patience and persistence. These traits are essential for overcoming challenges and tackling complex tasks that arise during development. A successful developer might be willing to adapt, learn continuously, and stay committed to finding solutions.
Sharing knowledge is essential for our team’s growth. How was your experience leading the Next.js knowledge transfer?
I had a wonderful experience and would recommend it to others. Leading the Next.js knowledge transfer not only helped me understand things better but also made me feel more confident in my skills, which I think is vital.
You’ve got a ton of running and hiking stories! What’s the most memorable running event you’ve taken part in, and what made it so great?
I’ve had quite a few unforgettable running moments in just the past couple of years. But my most memorable running experience so far was the Boka Half Marathon from Tivat to Kotor. It’s a stunning 21 km race that takes you along the beautiful coastline, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea. The scenery made the whole experience unforgettable, and crossing the finish line felt like a huge accomplishment!
Sharing a few pics from the Boka Half Marathon – and one from the Nova Skalinada running race too! 🙂
Working with a great team makes all the difference! What’s one thing you enjoy about our team here at BlueGrid.io?
Working at BlueGrid.io, I have met so many wonderful and interesting people, and my teammates are definitely among them. Honesty, a willingness to help each other, and sharing knowledge are some of the qualities I appreciate. There’s never a lack of a good atmosphere, which always makes the workday more enjoyable.
If someone is thinking about becoming a full-stack developer, what guidance would you give them?
Start by mastering the basics of both front-end and back-end development. It’s important not to rush into advanced frameworks or tools until you’re comfortable with the fundamentals. Take your time to build a solid foundation, and you’ll be better prepared for more complex challenges down the road.
Starting in full-stack development can be a bit overwhelming. What resources or strategies do you recommend for beginners?
I recommend starting with online tutorials, but it’s really important to begin with the documentation or a good book for the specific programming language you’re learning. Understanding the basics is essential before diving into tutorials, as it will give you a solid foundation to build on.
