Why Engineering? Why Not! | Workhuman

TL;DR

From starting out with no programming knowledge to becoming a successful software engineer, Jean shares her journey and challenges in the tech industry.

Transcript

if I had an option I would have become a Dancer the truth is I came back from the Middle East and a friend of mine who was in recruiting said Jean it's really lucrative do you want to make loads of money I remember in first year I had a introduction to computer science course and we were programming in C++ and I was so happy when I finished that mo... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💻 Jean's journey highlights the potential to overcome initial aversions to coding and develop a passion for software engineering.
• ❓ Stereotypes about engineers being introverted or antisocial are still prevalent, but Jean challenges those assumptions.
• 👩‍💻 The tech industry has historically been male-dominated, but there is an increasing interest and participation of women in engineering.
• 🤳 Imposter syndrome is a common challenge in the tech industry, but having self-belief and confidence is crucial to success.
• 🗯️ Finding the right cultural fit in a tech company is important for job satisfaction and personal growth.
• ❓ Continuous learning and improvement are necessary for success in software engineering.
• ⌛ Pursuing a career in engineering does not require comprehensive knowledge from the beginning; it can be learned and developed over time.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jean's interest in technology develop?

Jean became fascinated with technology at a young age and taught herself how to create blogs and websites, sparking her interest in programming.

Q: Did Jean face any challenges in learning to code?

Yes, Jean initially disliked programming and even developed a hatred for computers after a difficult introductory course. However, she overcame her fear and developed a passion for coding.

Q: How do people perceive Jean's role as a software engineer?

People often assume Jean is a designer rather than a developer when she mentions her profession. There is a misconception that engineers are introverted, but Jean challenges this stereotype.

Q: How did Jean navigate her career in the tech industry?

Jean emphasizes the importance of finding the right cultural fit in tech companies and being willing to explore different opportunities. She encourages others to understand their goals and find the best path for themselves.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jean initially had no interest in programming but was inspired by technology and taught herself how to create blogs and websites.

• She overcame her fear and developed a passion for coding, eventually pursuing a conversion Masters in software engineering.

• As a female software engineer, Jean challenges stereotypes and encourages others to pursue their interests in technology.