Hi, my name is Alexander Kabanov!
Salesforce Professional at your service!
Hi, my name is Alexander Kabanov!
Salesforce Professional at your service!
6 min read
updated on February 18, 2024
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (Technical University), Moscow, Russia. Upon completing my degree, I embarked on my professional journey as a system administrator at an audit firm. In this role, I delivered prompt and professional technical support across various domains, including computer systems, networks, hardware, and software. My responsibilities extended to managing office equipment and providing technical assistance to internal users, particularly with Windows and Microsoft Office Suite.
A significant part of my role involved working with 1C: Enterprise, a leading CRM platform in Russia, akin to Salesforce in the US for its comprehensive development environment, extensive library of business applications, and proprietary programming language. Unlike Salesforce's cloud-based architecture, 1C: Enterprise requires installation on a database server and client machines, a process I became intimately familiar with during my tenure. And I hope 1C Company now provides cloud-based service.
Our IT infrastructure heavily relied on 1C: Enterprise for CRM activities, requiring installation and maintenance across all company computers. As the only team member with a keen interest in 1C: Enterprise, I found myself navigating various challenges, from installation and data backup to preparing executive reports and training key personnel on the platform. My eagerness to learn and adapt quickly was pivotal as the company expanded, necessitating no-code solutions and administrative adjustments to the 1C platform.
To enhance my expertise, I pursued further education in 1C, culminating in my promotion to a 1C Administrator role. This position allowed me to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute significantly to our team's success, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the evolving field of IT.
Transitioning into development, I delved into the proprietary programming language of the 1C Platform, akin to Salesforce's APEX. This new skill set enabled me to tackle more complex issues beyond declarative solutions. My rapid learning and adaptation journey prepared me for a significant career move to a 1C Developer role.
At my most recent position in Russia, I was employed by a leading distributor of European household chemicals, experiencing rapid growth. One of my initial, pivotal projects was to oversee the migration from an older version of 1C: Enterprise to a newer release, a task comparable to transitioning from Salesforce Classic to Lightning Experience.
This period of growth wasn't just for the company; my development skills were advancing swiftly. The expansion into new departments and branches, alongside the need to integrate with our European partners' systems, presented a series of challenging yet rewarding tasks. These opportunities allowed me to refine my technical prowess and devise scalable solutions.
Promoted to Lead Developer, I recognized the importance of enhancing my soft skills. The most fulfilling aspect of my role involved:
This role demanded flexibility, creativity, and a strong problem-solving ability, alongside leadership qualities and a robust work ethic.
Over a decade with the company, I progressed from Lead Developer to Director of Software Development, a testament to my growing expertise and the value I brought to our core corporate information systems powered by the 1C: Enterprise Platform.
My journey from System Administrator to Lead Developer and eventually to the head of the department spanned roughly eight years, marking a significant phase in my over fifteen-year IT career in Russia. For more detailed insights into my professional experiences, please refer to the Experience section.
In late 2013, my family and I made the significant decision to relocate to the USA, fully aware of the challenges and the fresh start it entailed. Initially, I continued my work as a remote 1C Developer for a Russian company. However, I soon recognized the need to integrate more fully into the American professional landscape, which meant improving my English language skills, particularly in speaking, despite having a solid technical English vocabulary.
To address this, I embarked on a year of English courses at a local community college and participated in a Public Speaking Club. This involvement enhanced my English speaking proficiency, a skill I plan to continue developing. Though I have since left the club, my commitment to refining my communication skills remains steadfast.
During this adaptation period, I discovered a burgeoning interest in Internet Marketing and embarked on a venture selling goods on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. I registered my brand and launched several home decor products, achieving notable success, particularly on Amazon. This experience was invaluable, teaching me the importance of clear, concise communication, emotional intelligence, resilience under pressure, deadline adherence, and the critical role of data analysis in driving business success.
By the end of 2021, I decided to sell my online business to realign with my original passion. Several factors drove my desire to return to the IT sector:
This realization marked a pivotal moment in my journey, reigniting my passion for IT and the impact I could make within the industry.
Embarking on a journey back to IT, I delved into researching where my skills could be most effectively utilized. My exploration led me to Salesforce, a platform that resonated with my background in CRM systems. Eager to learn, I discovered the Trailhead website, where I began my Salesforce education. Each new badge earned reaffirmed my capabilities, echoing my previous experiences on a different platform.
In 2022, I embarked on my Salesforce journey, achieving my Salesforce Administrator Certification in May. To verify the active status of my certification, please refer to my Trailblazer account. Additionally, I participated in the Talent Stacker - Salesforce Career Development Program, which systematized my Salesforce knowledge and provided an opportunity to contribute to a volunteer project, detailed further in the Projects section. By December 2022, I had earned my second certification as a Salesforce Platform Developer.
Looking ahead, I have outlined several goals to further my career in IT:
I am fully aware of the challenges and the dedication required to navigate this 5-7-year journey, perhaps even longer. However, my innate abilities as a quick learner, diligence, and capacity to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines will propel me towards achieving my ambitions.
Thank you for exploring my portfolio site!
P.S. I'm currently open for an entry-level Salesforce Administrator / Developer position.