Are STEAM fields my world?

Aleksandra Napierska

IT and management student, IT intern at Hikvision Poland

As a high school student, I asked myself questions: who am I, what do I want from life? By chance, I stumbled upon the Girls Code Fun and the first edition of the STEAM Academy program, where I discovered what programming was. I thought this is my chance – I wasn’t wrong. After 3 years I can say out loud that the foundation gave me wings, built character and confidence in IT. It gave meaning and the desire to develop. Today I am a second-year IT student and a participant in another GCF project – Java JUMP Bootcamp. I am grateful for the chance to participate and I am making the most of it. Dear Girls Code Fun Foundation – you never let me down!

What prompted you to take part in the Girls Code Fun Foundation project?

I was just curious if STEAM directions were my fairy tale – I had that feeling. And I wasn’t wrong. I started the project at the foundation when I was a teenager. After that, I chose to study IT and I’m still learning programming – including through more Girls Code Fun projects. I’m trying different opportunities for further education and looking for my place in the IT world.

What skills and knowledge did you acquire during the programs? Do you use them in your work?

At STEAM Academy I had a full overview through the front end and back end. That’s off to a good start. And in Java JUMP I gained extensive knowledge of Java, programming and side tools closely related to the above – GIT, Hibernate, ORM.

Have the foundation’s projects changed your approach to technology, career goals, life goals?

Definitely. He positively changed my approach to technology and my career path. It shaped me and my further view of my future, career and interests precisely in technology, where before my first project I faced many stereotypes about women in IT. The foundation helped me discover myself and fight for myself in this yet still male world, but fortunately this thinking is changing.

What changes have you noticed in yourself after participating in the foundation’s projects?

I can consciously say that behind the acquisition of hard skills, my confidence in myself and my competence has increased significantly.

And what surprised you most about working with us?

Objectively completely I will say that professionalism was a huge plus. Was it a surprise? To some extent I expected that such a foundation represents a high level, but at the same time its scale really encouraged me positively to observe your activities. And as you can see, to benefit from more projects, because I didn’t stop at one. I received a lot of support and I was able to combine learning with practice.

What would you say to girls who measure themselves by stereotypes and are afraid to try?

Don’t be afraid of failures – they are part of the learning process. Pick yourself up and keep going. Remember – the greatest successes are born from passion, determination and patience!

What are your plans for the future, given the skills you learned at Girls Code Fun? Will you continue your education or pursue a career in the technology industry? Or have you already started working in IT? Inspire others!

Plans for the future are already coming to fruition. I have made many steps. In addition to choosing IT studies, I’m starting a job – an internship at a tech company. Given the skills I’ve acquired, I’ll grow in this direction. I’m just starting my first professional steps in the industry, so I can’t wait – keep your fingers crossed!