Dominika Pietrzyk
Technical Graduate Trainee | Junior Data Engineer, HSBC
I graduated in Chemical Technology and worked as a Project Manager, but later decided to take a new direction and start a career in the data field. I enjoy analyzing problems, looking for solutions, and constantly learning new things. Growth and taking on new challenges are very important to me.
Dominika, today you are a Junior Data Engineer. But where were you in life and education before you took part in our Java JAMP bootcamp?
To be honest, I was a bit at a crossroads. I didn’t quite know which career direction I wanted to take. I graduated from a technical university with a degree in chemical technology and worked as a project manager in the automotive industry. Thanks to these experiences, I began to better understand what brought me the most professional satisfaction. I noticed that I felt best in technical areas—I enjoy analyzing things and tackling challenges that require solving complex problems. That was the moment I started consciously steering my path toward technology.
Let’s go back to the end of your studies. What was that time like for you?
It was a time full of challenges and a lot of uncertainty. Despite doing internships and gaining experience during my studies, finding a job turned out to be a bigger challenge than I expected. Many questions arose about what to do next and whether the plan I had for myself actually stood a chance of working out.
It seemed to me that this job was out of my reach. I wasn’t sure if everything would work out, but I knew I would regret it more if I didn’t try. And I am grateful to myself that I decided to see for myself what working at HSBC actually looks like from the inside.
Did you already have a specific plan for yourself back then, or were you rather looking for a direction? When did it cross your mind that IT was the right path for you?
I had a plan, but life and the job market quickly verified it. Over time, I realized that sometimes you need to let go of the original script and open yourself up to new opportunities. Instead of clinging to a single vision, I started looking for a direction that would be a better fit both for me and the realities of the market. It wasn’t one specific moment. It was more of a process and a compilation of experiences, both during my studies and later at work. Over time, I noticed that I was most engaged by tasks that required analytical thinking, problem-solving, and a technical approach. That’s when I began to understand that this was exactly the direction I wanted to develop in.
What was most important to you, then, when making the decision about “what’s next” for your career?
Above all, I wanted to do something that simply interested me. I always felt more comfortable with technical topics and felt that this way of thinking came more naturally to change. I knew I wanted to develop in that specific direction—even if I didn’t have a complete roadmap to get there yet.
And that is how you ended up joining the bootcamp and, ultimately, the event?
In a nutshell, yes. I found out about the event thanks to Girls Code Fun, and I discovered the bootcamp on the Internet. The bootcamp gave me a solid technological foundation—I gained knowledge in Java, Git, Spring Boot, SQL, and many other areas. Crucially, it wasn’t just theory, but a practical approach to learning and problem-solving. Today, I use all of this in my daily work, and I continue to develop some of these topics on my own. Java JUMP gave me the tools and the mindset that helped me find my footing in the world of technology. It guided me step-by-step through many new and initially complex concepts. I still know I have a lot to learn, but the difference now is that I no longer view learning as something overwhelming—instead, I see it as a natural part of growth.
And the event itself? It turned out to be much more than just a meeting. It was the beginning of my professional adventure. I was able to see what a company like HSBC looks like from the inside, meet people, talk to employees, and see for myself that behind a large, global organization stand very open, kind individuals who want to support others.
The event gave me something that no program description on social media or an employer’s website ever could—it allowed me to get to know the organization from the inside and understand what I would actually be doing after a successful recruitment process. I also met a ton of girls with diverse backgrounds and different plans for themselves. It was a wonderful opportunity to exchange experiences. I was captivated by the atmosphere. Many factors came together to bring me to the place where I am today.
When was your “aha moment”—when you realized you wanted to grow your career specifically at HSBC? At the event, you had the chance to check out the company from the inside. So, what won you over? The atmosphere, the reviews, the support?
There were three key factors. First of all, a major influence came from a friend of mine, who landed a job as a Junior Java Developer right after the Java JUMP bootcamp and the event. Interestingly, she had previously worked as a production engineer in a factory, so her story showed me that shifting career paths is entirely possible. I thought to myself back then: if she could try, maybe I should also give myself a chance and take on this difficult challenge.
Secondly, conversations with other women who were already working at HSBC played a huge role. It turned out that many of them had also been at a crossroads before, changed their direction, or started out with something completely different. I thought to myself then: if they gave it a shot and are here today, why shouldn’t I try too?
And the “aha moment” itself definitely came after the Women in Technology event, when all the dots connected. I saw the employees and felt the atmosphere. A professional environment, yet at the same time very kind and supportive. I met people who truly encouraged me to believe in myself and not be afraid to try. So, it was the people who convinced me the most. The employees spoke very openly about their career paths and showed that many of them had also started with non-obvious decisions or shifts in direction. That gave me the feeling that perhaps the story of my beginning wasn’t so different from theirs after all.
So, what did participating give you, and how did your next steps unfold after the event?
The belief that it is worth trying and changing your perspective. I went there with curiosity and left with a feeling that perhaps there is a place for me in the world of technology. The support I received from the team at the event convinced me that it is worth asking questions, meeting people, and giving yourself a chance. By talking to people, I realized that with hard work, consistency, and determination, many things are possible—even those that previously seemed out of reach.
After the event, I decided to take the next step and applied for the Graduate Programme, a path dedicated to university graduates, postgraduates, or participants of the Girls Code Fun bootcamp. I went through the recruitment process and received a job offer in one of the HSBC teams. Looking back, that was the exact moment when my professional adventure in the IT industry truly began. I gave myself a chance, took on the challenge, and worked hard to achieve my goal. I had no certainty that everything would work out, but I figured I would regret it more if I didn’t even try. In hindsight, I can see that it was one of those decisions that can truly change the direction of your career path.
What did you think of your skills before the event? What do you think now?
Before the event, I was convinced that regardless of my efforts, working at HSBC was simply out of my reach because it was only for specialists with degrees in finance or IT. The event gave me a completely new perspective and, above all, the belief that I could succeed. Reaching the place where I am today took a lot of hard work and effort, but as you can see, sometimes it is truly worth giving yourself a chance, believing in yourself, and opening up to challenges and changes. Before the event, I was focused mainly on what I didn’t know yet. It seemed to me that I lacked experience and that others were much more prepared than I was. Today, I look at it completely differently – I know that curiosity, willingness to learn, and readiness to take action are very important. Competencies can be developed step by step – sometimes you just need to take that first step.
What does your role look like today?
Today, I am a participant in the Graduate Programme and I work as a Junior Data Engineer. In my team, we work with kdb+ – a technology designed for handling and analyzing very large datasets. On a daily basis, I program in the q language, which is specifically dedicated to working within the kdb+ environment. It is a very interesting and dynamic environment that gives me plenty of space for learning and growth.
Do you feel that you were given a real opportunity for growth? From our perspective, that is exactly what your story sounds like.
Definitely yes. Every day brings new challenges and space to learn. I try to approach this with openness and a positive attitude – I view it as an opportunity for growth.
What are your plans for the future?
I definitely want to continue growing in the field of Data Engineering and technology. I would like to deepen my knowledge, develop my technical skills, and become an increasingly better q developer. I also know that technology is an industry where learning practically never ends – and that is exactly what I like about it.
Is it worth taking advantage of the offer from the Girls Code Fun Foundation?
Definitely. Because it is about much more than just learning technology. It is an opportunity to gain knowledge, meet inspiring people, and see what the IT world actually looks like from the inside. For me, it was the first step that truly impacted my career path. The programme provides not only skills but also motivation and the belief that it is worth trying — even if you have more questions than answers at the beginning.
And is it worth participating in the event? We are being read by women facing various choices.
Without a doubt. You have nothing to lose, and you gain so much — go and feel the atmosphere and meet the people. And aim high. I am proof that achieving your goal is actually well within reach, but that first step is absolutely necessary.
Dominika, thank you for the interview. Good luck!
If Dominika’s path sounds good to you – join the event and start your own story. Details and registration below.
