A Journey Through Software Development! 

About Me

I'm Ahmet Refik Bakalim, a passionate software developer. My journey into the world of technology began at METU Ankara, where I pursued my degree in Computer Science from 2016 to 2022. Since then, I've immersed myself in various roles, each contributing to my growth and expertise in the field. Notably, my time as a Software Engineer at Xcitium saw me deeply involved in full-stack web development, alongside managing cloud deployments. I also played a pivotal role in building and maintaining payment infrastructure, leveraging the Stripe API. Currently doing my MSc in Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at University of Bradford.

My skill set is diverse, covering languages like C++, C#, Java, Python, and more. I've worked extensively with cloud services such as AWS and Google Cloud, and my expertise extends to areas like database management systems, machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing. This breadth of knowledge has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a range of projects, from Discord bots to VR games. Collaboration is key in this field, and I take pride in my ability to work effectively within teams, fostering creativity and innovation.

Beyond technical proficiency, effective communication is vital. I'm native in Turkish, proficient in English and have a basic proficiency in Japanese, which has proven invaluable in navigating multicultural work environments. My commitment to continuous learning and pushing the boundaries of innovation drives me forward. As I continue to evolve in my career, I remain dedicated to leveraging my skills and experience to create impactful solutions that positively shape the digital landscape.

Headshot of Refik Bakalim
+

years of experience

Skills

C++
C
SQL
NOSQL
Python
C#
HTML
Java
JavaScript
TypeScript
Vue.js
React.js
CSS
Next.js
AWS
Google Cloud
Docker
Unity
Stripe API
Kafka
Grafana
Prometheus

Experience

  • Software Engineer @Xcitium R&D (a.k.a Nurd, Comodo)

    2022-2023 | Ankara, Turkey

    Actively participated in full-stack web development projects, overseeing deployment on cloud services such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Kubernetes. Independently managed the integration and utilization of the Stripe API within projects, ensuring secure and efficient transaction processing.

  • Software Engineer Intern @Eksim Holding

    2021 | Istanbul, Turkey

    Conducted research on database management systems while actively developing .NET Core Web APIs, exploring emerging trends in databases and applying the latest technologies in web development.

  • Software Engineer Intern @EYESOFT

    2019 | Ankara, Turkey

    Developed VR games using Unity and C#, including a hands-on internship project focused on creating a simple VR game. Demonstrated proficiency in implementing realistic hand animations and interactive object manipulation within the Unity environment.

Education

  • MSc in Applied Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence @University of Bradford

    Sep 2024 - Sep 2025 | Bradford, UK

    Machine Learning, Cloud AI, Big Data, Mobile Application Development

  • BSc in Computer Engineering @Middle East Technical University (METU)

    2016-2022 | Ankara, Turkey

    Relevant computer engineering/science courses. Studied Machine Learning, Natural Language Proccessing, Computer Vision, Database Management Systems as technical electives.