Full-time mom enters IT industry

Natalia

“Full-time mom” (Gliwice, Silesian province).

I enjoy deepening my knowledge and passing it on. I see the benefits of digital skills education. I am looking for a way to return to professional activity. I know I am on the right path. On a path that requires commitment and constant attentiveness.

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

Simply put – I wanted to change my professional situation and increase my competence in the IT area. Why? Anyone thinking about being professionally active without digital competencies simply won’t make it in the market. Digital skills are the key to feeling confident when looking for a job and talking to an employer. And the Foundation’s projects looked professional. I qualified for the first one and then waited for the next ones. I got to know their educational value – the financial one is not there, because they were all free for female students. Big plus.

So what skills have you gained over the course of these as many as five projects?

Each project offered a wealth of knowledge imparted in an interesting way by the instructors. They are true enthusiasts. I became very interested in No-Code technologies and digital accessibility. Of course, knowledge of JavaScript or Python are hard skils that stay with me. I also know how to effectively support myself with artificial intelligence. Through watching the Foundation, I had the opportunity to attend the Digital Skills Summit 2024 and Women in IT Day conferences. It’s a valuable experience – I saw a lot of women who were in a situation analogous to me and found their way in the world of technology.

What was your biggest motivation and challenge?

My goal was to expand and consolidate my knowledge. Completing each project was a must have for me. I gave myself a promise and wanted to keep it. Was it easy? Both yes and no. Yes, because the material, the instructors and the atmosphere were very supportive. No, because there were family and personal challenges on the other side. But I did it – I brought each project to completion!

Have you benefited from mentoring – how has it affected you?

Each meeting with a mentor is a huge dose of knowledge, served in a warm, supportive atmosphere. It has opened my eyes to many professional issues and helped me determine my next steps. It’s invaluable. Now it’s time to take action and try out my options.

What benefits do you see from participating in our projects?

There are many of them! I improved my time organization, met a community of supportive women, and expanded my knowledge of IT. In addition, I used the online platform provided by you, where I completed a course on English in IT and an introduction to cyber security.

So taking advantage of the foundation’s offerings realistically affects your future?

No question about it. I discovered different fields of IT and determined which were closest to me. Even when I failed to get into one of the programs once, I took it as motivation to enroll in more courses, such as Future Skills and Skills of Tomorrow AI.

Will you give a tip or advice to other women considering participating in our projects?

I am usually cautious about giving advice, but here I will make an exception. I strongly encourage all women interested in IT. The projects are professionally conducted, the instructors impart specific knowledge, and the participants are supportive. The sooner you start this adventure, the better for your educational and professional development.