I’m a junior again – and I’m sensational about it

Magdalena Makarewicz

Junior Java Developer (Krakow, malopolskie province)

Although I am a structural designer by education and experience and(the last 8 years!), my curiosity about the IT world pushed me to change my career path. In my last company I worked with developers creating tools for engineers and discovered how fascinating the world of technology is. I decided to go into the backend because I love solving complex problems, analyzing data and taking care of the details. Working in IT gives me a lot of satisfaction and motivates me to keep growing. A dynamic environment and endless learning opportunities – this is my daily life. It feels like I’m in the right place. The Girls Code Fun Foundation has helped me believe in myself and take the next bold steps. I live in Krakow on a daily basis, and I love to spend my free time actively outdoors – it’s the best way for me to relax and catch a new perspective. I have a great curiosity in me – I discover, try, experience, taste, and at the same time go with the flow 🙂

You have crossed the path of re-branding. With success. What do you do today?

I have been working as a Junior Java Developer for a few months now (October 2024), and in this direction I plan to develop further – to expand my knowledge of Java, software architecture and best practices. I want to learn new tools that are useful in my work, and in the future I want to share my experience, knowledge and support people starting their adventure with software development. Why? Because I am fortunate to now be supported by more experienced colleagues – I know how much it brings in self-confidence and the will to act. I’m also thinking about continuing to learn JavaScript and frontend technologies so that I can work as a full stack developer. I gained a solid foundation thanks to you – Girls Code Fun Foundation. I have participated in many workshops, so I have the materials and motivation to continue developing in this direction.

And what prompted you to participate in our projects?

I found Girls Code Fun in a moment of doubt and resignation – it had been a good year and a half since I decided to change industries. I spent a tremendous amount of time, energy, commitment and money, taking individual lessons in Java, solving problems on my own for hours, learning theory and practice. Initially combining this with work, and despite my efforts, the search for a job in a new industry had no effect. I no longer remember whether it was on a Facebook group or maybe on LinkedIn, but I saw a post about an event organized by Anna Osowska and Qualtrics about effective recruiting for technology companies. I hadn’t thought about such initiatives before, and wasn’t at all aware that there were such wonderful people and Foundations supporting women in their professional development. I applied for participation. I thought it was a good opportunity to, firstly, seek guidance from people who work in the technology industry, and secondly, to meet women who are in a similar place and perhaps have the same concerns as me. Of course, there were concerns “how will I find myself at such a meeting”, but completely unnecessarily. The warm, supportive atmosphere and the attitude of the presenters and participants reawakened my belief that my decision to change is a good step and that I will ultimately succeed – it’s just a matter of persistence and consistency.

What valuable things did you learn from our meetings and workshops?

Oj many important topics. It depends on the project. In a meeting about recruiting for technology companies, I learned what my resume should contain and received tips on how to handle myself at interviews. Importantly – this included live coding, at the thought of which I was previously paralyzed 🙂 For a change, during the JavaScript workshop I learned the solid basics of the language, as well as HTML and CSS. I had a great opportunity to write two small applications – the workshop lasted only 15 hours, and provided a wealth of knowledge, practical tasks and motivation to continue learning. In addition, the presenter – Dominika, a tremendously committed, helpful and inspiring person, introduced us to the topic of digital accessibility, which increased my awareness and interest in the issue. I think the first of these events helped me gain confidence in recruitment processes, and the knowledge provided by Dominika about digital accessibility increased my attentiveness in this direction. I will also return to the materials from the workshop as soon as there is space to delve deeper into the front-end path 🙂

You worked, had a personal life and passions. The road to change was parallel. So what motivated you to persevere in it? What challenges did you face?

All of this is true. Motivating was the commitment of the presenters – their charisma and real desire to support women, I felt it at every step and interaction. The energy that emanates from the people who are involved in the Foundation’s activities is amazing, it gives you the wind in your wings and the belief that you will succeed. All this is accompanied by professionalism. The challenge for me during the workshop was to find time between meetings (which were weekly) to repeat the material in order to best prepare for the next meeting and get the most out of it.

Can we immodestly conclude that our projects have influenced your decisions? Have they strengthened you?

Without sweetening – that’s exactly right. I gained confidence in my abilities again, and began to slowly free myself from the imposter syndrome. This is where networking conversations and invaluable contact with people working in the industry helped. The JavaScript workshops encouraged me to develop also on the frontend path and generally broaden my horizons. It was the mix of positive experiences and support that gave me the power to change and persevere on this path.

And what do you consider your greatest success? What benefits have you gained – now and for the future?

The biggest – I got my first job in my dream position! Huge happiness. Mentioned confidence, which translated into less stress during the recruitment processes. I also improved my resume, and after all, this is the first thing that gets evaluated. Perhaps if it weren’t for the valuable comments of those involved in the Foundation’s projects, my resume would not have attracted attention. There is something else…I was inspired to bring support to others, which in turn I consider a great personal success 🙂 In the future I hope to help women who decide to change their path and enter the world of technology. Just like me.

Does imposter syndrome still afflict you?

I fight it all the time, but every day I gain more confidence, distance and slack 🙂 Diagnosed – it hurts a little less. It’s an amazing professional and personal adventure to find myself in a junior position again. Learning from people younger than myself, admitting ignorance and still learning new things – I grow every day.

What surprised you the most while participating in the project?

Definitely the fact that there are so many of us! Women who want to enter the world of technology, who are committed, who are working hard to make a difference in their lives and find a rewarding job.

Any advice for others who are where you were?

Take the first step – it costs nothing except your time. I know, it’s worth more than material goods, but if you’re thinking of changing or looking for your path, it’s the best you can do. After this first step, the next steps will be much easier and magic will happen 🙂 Trust the Foundation, Ania puts her heart into her actions, she lets you feel that you have hit an auspicious current that is worth sailing with. Combined with commitment and diligent work, you will achieve your goal.

And according to you – graduate students – why exactly choose the Foundation as a place for self-development in IT?

You can learn new things – I recommend to everyone! Expand your knowledge on topics that interest you, catch a fave, meet friendly people, find support, and on top of that have a nice time. The Girls Code Fun Foundation provides a lot of opportunities for development for women of all ages – I myself follow the activities of the Foundation with admiration and gratitude, and I certainly will not hesitate to apply to participate in the events organized by Anna.