Sara Horvat, a Business Analyst at Comtrade Gaming, started her career as a Junior Developer. Over time, inspired by her thesis and her passion for understanding business processes, she transitioned into the role of a Business Analyst. Beyond her professional achievements, Sara is a driving force behind several internal initiatives, including organizing the Foosball League and leading the company's Book Club. In this Team Talk, we dive into her journey, motivations, and contributions to our vibrant workplace culture.
1. Can you tell us about your journey at Comtrade Gaming, from starting as a Junior Developer to your current role as a Business Analyst?
My journey at Comtrade Gaming began as a Developer, but my passion for technology started long before that. I was fascinated by forensic IT from TV shows, where they used technology to uncover crucial information. This curiosity led me to explore programming in high school, where I enjoyed creating apps, including a "Wheel of Chores" app to make cleaning more fun. As my career progressed, I became increasingly interested in the bigger picture - understanding business needs, optimizing processes, and bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams. This shift led me to transition into a Business Analyst role, inspired by my thesis on Project Management, which deepened my understanding of planning, organization, and coordination.
2. How has your programming experience helped you in your current role?
The skills I developed as a developer; logical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving, remain essential in my current role, helping me collaborate with developers and translate business needs into technical requirements. Looking back, the transition from development to business analysis felt like a natural evolution, combining technical expertise with strategic thinking, and I’m excited for the future opportunities to grow in this dynamic field.
3. What does being a Business Analyst involve, and what excites you most about the role?
Being a Business Analyst means understanding business needs, analyzing processes, and working with technical teams to create solutions. I engage with stakeholders, ask the right questions, and use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement. The most exciting part of the role is seeing how my work creates meaningful improvements and drives positive change. Helping both business and technical teams speak the same language and driving meaningful change is what I find most rewarding.
4. You’re actively involved in internal initiatives like the Book Club. What inspired you?
I’ve always loved reading, and that passion inspired me to take on initiatives like the Book Club. I’m grateful that Comtrade Gaming values these initiatives and actively supports employees in fostering a sense of community. I enjoy creating a welcoming community where everyone feels included and encouraged to explore new ideas. For me, the best reward is when someone tells me that I’ve helped them rediscover the joy of reading or inspired them to read more. Seeing how happy they are while diving into a great book makes it all worthwhile and reinforces the power of shared experiences in building a stronger, more engaged workplace.
5. How do you balance professional growth and extracurricular initiatives? And do you even have time left for your private life?
Time management is key. I set clear goals, use time-blocking, and rely on my planner to stay organized. These initiatives enhance my leadership, organizational skills, and creativity, while providing valuable networking opportunities. Engaging in extracurricular activities helps me stay adaptable, fosters creativity, and strengthens my ability to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently, ultimately contributing to both personal and career growth.
6. What advice would you give to someone looking to transition into a new role in their workplace?
Be proactive and develop the key skills needed for your desired role, seek mentorship, and gain hands-on experience. Take ownership of your growth, stay current with industry trends, and embrace challenges. Staying organized helps me balance my responsibilities and continue growing personally and professionally. In my own journey, having a great mentor made a huge difference. She provided guidance, support, and valuable insights that helped me navigate challenges and grow in my career. Staying organized helps me balance my responsibilities and continue growing personally and professionally.
Sara’s journey from developer to Business Analyst showcases the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and proactive growth. Her contributions to Comtrade Gaming go beyond her role, fostering connections and building community through initiatives like the Book Club. As Sara continues to grow in her career, her story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to explore new paths and make meaningful contributions both professionally and personally.