Our spotlight is on Tsvetina Gramova. 

What it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
I am a software developer with focus on backend development and DevOps services. I’m a pretty organized person. I like to plan my work in advance (when possible) and usually, a typical workday for me runs in the form of a series of small tasks that solve bigger problems.

What made you decide to go into computer science?
I’ve always loved solving problems and learning new things. I am pleased when I can understand, plan and divide the problem into smaller parts. I also have an affinity to arrange things so that everything works in the most effective manner. Initially, programming for me was experimental when I still didn’t know what I wanted to do and was trying to find my calling. Almost immediately, however, it turned out to be the most natural thing to invest my efforts and energy into, because it became not just my job, but also my passion.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt your gender has affected the way that they are perceived or treated? How did you handle it?
I personally, have never experienced a negative situation for being a female programmer in my few years of working experience.
I have always met understanding and support from my colleagues. Perhaps, somewhere around the world, there is still a particular attitude towards women programmers, simply because for a long time this job has been perceived as “masculine.” But the tendency is for women to become more motivated and to prove that they are in no way inferior to their male counterparts.

What do you think is the best part of working in the tech industry?
For me working in the tech industry is very exciting, challenging and interesting. This is mainly due to the dynamics and pace at which the sector is evolving. In order to keep up with new trends and technologies, you need to constantly read and learn new things, maintaining your desire to develop, which in turn guarantees you a fascinating job.

Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?
As I said before, perhaps the assumption that the technology sector is predominantly for men is still affecting women’s thinking and they worry that they will not be taken seriously and will be underestimated. But in fact, more and more women take the courage and shift towards technology. In one of the previous tech companies I worked for, the percentage of women to men was almost 50:50. There were women programmers as well as women in other technical positions – QAs, PMs, UX designers, business analysts and so on. 

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry?
I certainly believe that women are no less capable than men to write software and develop great technologies that solve important problems. Even, maybe in some cases, we are more motivated and try harder to prove that we are also good at our job. Therefore, I would advise all women considering a career in the tech industry not to be afraid to show themselves and to believe that it is important not what gender you are, but how ambitious, confident and decisive you are.