Social media handle(s): Linkedin
A few words about me:
I am a Senior Developer at dxw, in the GovPress team. I have a degree in Philosophy and started but never finished another one in Psychology.
I knew even before starting my degree that I would not be able to find a job in the field, but I was lucky; during the research for my thesis, I started using a computer, and then it became my job.
After working as a Developer for 15 years, I thought a change of perspective could be lovely, so I moved from Milan, Italy, to London, UK.
I'm still unsure what I will do when I grow up.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
At the start of my career, I worked extensively in e-learning-related companies with different roles. It was fun, but at the time, there weren't so many B2C services for that.
One of the most fun jobs I ever had after was for an interactive satellite television called gay.tv.
It was like having a party every day!
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
I would say 50/50. My education was non-STEM, my professional experience the opposite.
Where did your professional journey start?
It started right after graduating; I worked for my university's Computer Centre. They taught me HTML, ASP and databases. They hired me because, as the first in my field, I decided to make a CD with my thesis, so I asked for their help with the software licenses. We liked each other, so I graduated in June and started working for them in September. It was 1998.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
I had my first computer in 1994 and realised I love working with computers! At the time, it was also the fact that you only interacted with the machine and not with people that I liked most. I'm still an introvert, but I learned to interact with colleagues and clients and really appreciate it.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
I was the CTO for a company that was selling cars online, and I was also managing the technical aspects of the car dealers. One day, one of those dealers had a problem with our systems, so he called us, and my colleague put me through. After greeting him, he asked: "Can I talk with a technical person? I don't want to talk to a secretary."
For another job, I was the Senior Developer, and after exchanging emails with our CEO, he came to the office one day, so I met him in person. He was talking with another man, I don't remember who it was, but at some point he said to him: "And she is pretty, too!"
"Most of what I like, I happen to dislike. For example, you must always be up to date on new technologies, languages, etc., and that's great, but sometimes you don't even have time, or your mind is not ready to absorb new information. But when you do it, it's wonderful."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
Nothing in particular comes to mind, maybe because I think it's a great journey.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
When we took a company trip to Toronto, Canada, and then to Boston, to MIT. I had often heard of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a place of worship, but going there in person was incredible.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
Most of what I like, I happen to dislike. For example, you must always be up to date on new technologies, languages, etc., and that's great, but sometimes you don't even have time, or your mind is not ready to absorb new information. But when you do it, it's wonderful.
"If you think about doing it, do it, you won't regret it."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
My favourite moment is when you work on a project for a long time, then put it online, and it comes alive. It's a satisfaction I get every time.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
If you think about doing it, do it, you won't regret it.
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