An inspiring interview with Aline Monroy, a 1Ci software developer
Although we've seen considerable improvement, as the proportion of women in IT has increased from 19% in 2019 to approximately 26% today, achieving true gender balance in the industry remains a distant goal.
Nevertheless, there are many women that are passionate about the IT world. We had a chance to sit down and have a conversation with one of them — Aline Monroy, a software developer at Smart eBusiness Solutions. Her enthusiasm for the industry was evident from the very beginning, and we dove right into her passions. This article aims to inspire and encourage other women that are striving to pursue a career in the IT industry. Let’s begin!
Can you share some details about your position and what an average day entails for you?
I work as a full-stack developer at Smart eBusiness Solutions with a primary focus on the front-end. My daily routine usually involves writing code for new features or addressing bug fixes, reviewing code from fellow engineers, and participating in status updates and design meetings.
How did you find your way into the world of information technology?I've always been fascinated by computers. Throughout high school, I invested a significant amount of time in exploring computer science. I was lucky to continue on this path at university. I've always sought out jobs that allowed me to embrace automation and innovation, as well as reduce the tedium in various tasks.
What aspect of technology captures your attention the most? Is it coding, analyzing problems, or designing solutions?I'm grateful for my ability to handle a variety of tasks, from developing and testing to implementing solutions. However, I’m particularly passionate about design, as I believe it forms the backbone of excellent programming. A solid design leads to improved implementation and reduces the number of errors. I'm quite fond of both design and development.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech field? Are there any insights you wish you had discovered sooner?I would simply encourage them to take the leap. A common misconception is that entering the tech sector is difficult, but in reality, there are numerous roles and skill sets required. The industry offers a wide range of opportunities, so I would advise anyone interested to just go ahead and explore their options.
What inspires you in your work?
Various factors inspire me, but as a mother, my children are my primary source of motivation and inspiration. I believe they have incredible opportunities in today's rapidly changing world. Technology is constantly adapting to smaller environments, and I feel that my children are at a crucial stage in this evolution. My primary motivation is their growth and education so that I can share my knowledge with them.
Do you think your career brings you closer to your children and their interests?Absolutely! It helps me stay up-to-date with their generation and allows us to bond over shared interests. I believe the foundation of any society is family, so having common ground is essential.
My children are interested in what I do – they ask me questions, and I make sure to explain and teach them. During the pandemic, I took on the role of not only a mother but also a teacher. I taught them to read and write, and through that process, I shared my passion for technology with them.
If you could give one piece of advice, what would you recommend to other women to help them progress in the industry?Never stop learning! The tech field is rapidly evolving, and it’s such an exciting industry to work in. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological breakthroughs within the industry can significantly boost your confidence in different conversations. There are many good courses available, often at no cost, so you can continue learning and delve into new areas.