Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:27:07 +0000
When things get overwhelming, I take a step back – whether by going for a walk or doing some different activity. It gives my mind some breathing space and helps me tackle challenges more effectively.
About me
I am Mala Devi Selvarathinam. I am currently working as an Azure Cloud Consultant at Eficode. My role is fascinating because there are new challenges and new things to do every day. This keeps my work exciting.
From India to Finland
I completed my bachelor’s in India in 2014 and I worked as a GRC analyst for an MNC company for five years. I was leading a team, but I felt like I was not very interested in the field. I had always been fascinated about Cloud technologies, and I knew I had to make a switch. That’s when I started applying for a scholarship in Erasmus Mundus to study in Europe for my Master’s degree.
When I got selected, I was super happy and packed my bags to Finland in 2019. It was a double program degree. I studied at Aalto University in Finland for my first year and my second year at the Technical University of Denmark. Little did I know, the journey ahead would test me in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Mala Devi Selvarathinam, Azure Cloud Consultant, Eficode
Overcoming challenges
I started my Master’s in a new country in 2019, and just a few months later, the pandemic hit the world. This was one of the most stressful periods because everything around me was shutting down. It was also difficult because summer internships were challenging to find at the time and no one knew what was happening. But Finland and Aalto University were very supportive. I took the initiative to join one of Aalto’s research teams as a research assistant, which gave me insight into the research industry and kept me going through uncertain times.
In 2021, I completed my Master’s degree, but the world was still feeling the aftershocks of the pandemic. Starting over in a new country was daunting—especially when I found myself back at square one, working as a trainee at KPMG. The thought of beginning as a trainee again after years of experience in India was intimidating.
However, KPMG turned out to be a great learning experience. I smoothly transitioned into consulting in Finland, climbing from trainee to junior consultant and then to senior consultant. I learned how consultation works in Finland and was also embracing the work culture which was very different to how it is back home. Leaving KPMG was bittersweet, but I wanted to dive deeper into Cloud and DevOps-related aspects, and Eficode matched what I wanted to do.
How did I find Eficode?
I’ve been aware of Eficode since my Master’s days at Aalto University. I have been following their work, subscribed to their newsletters, and admired their expertise in DevOps and Cloud—areas that aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.
So, when I spotted an opening, I didn’t hesitate to apply. Six months ago, I officially became part of Eficode, and it has been an exciting journey ever since!
Working at Eficode
One key thing that I find exceptional at Eficode is that I’m not afraid to ask anyone any questions. There are no silly questions. That is nice, and it makes your work easier because you don’t get stuck with anything. You know you can always reach out for some help. We have a welcoming and helpful culture. The company’s hybrid work model offers flexibility, allowing me to balance work and life seamlessly.
As a consultant, I work with multiple clients, and the requirements are different for each client. My day involves prioritizing which client has urgent demands and working on those things. No day is the same here, which keeps the job exciting. The ever-changing nature of the job keeps things fresh and engaging—I’m constantly learning, adapting, and growing.
My motivation to join the IT field
In the early 2000s, computers were part of my high school lab. This was a prestigious place to get access to. Seeing a machine complete tasks that we once did manually was mind-blowing. This intrigued me quite a lot. But what truly inspired me was my uncle who worked in IT—he always had answers to my questions, all thanks to the internet!
So, after high school, when I had to choose my specialization, it was a natural choice to do Computer Science. From playing video games to exploring programming, my curiosity only grew stronger, leading me to where I am today. I was fascinated as a kid, and I still am.
Tips to overcome challenges
When things get overwhelming, I take a step back – whether by going for a walk or doing some different activity. It gives my mind some breathing space and helps me tackle challenges more effectively. I tackle things one at a time and see where that leads. Second, I remind myself of my end goal, and why I am here doing these things. Keeping the bigger picture in mind puts everything into perspective.
About the impact of AI
AI is an incredible tool—it has the potential to handle mundane, repetitive tasks, freeing up our time for more meaningful work. But like any powerful tool, it needs to be used wisely. Striking the right balance is key.
I have been experimenting myself with AI tools and it’s amazing to see what they are capable of. It is going to be exciting to see what the future has in store and how this will change the ways of working in IT.
Skills in IT
There are two primary skills you must have in the field of IT: the first one, and probably the most important, is being adaptive. Technology evolves rapidly. Adapting to changes is essential because what’s relevant today might be obsolete tomorrow. Staying informed is essential.
While it’s good to have a broad understanding, specializing in one area gives you a strong foundation. Once you’ve mastered one domain, it’s easier to branch into another. And this further improves your expertise.
My life outside work
Outside of work, I’m passionate about art—I enjoy calligraphy, painting, and knitting. Reading is another big part of my life; I make it a point to read at least a couple of books a month, preferably fiction.
Cooking became a necessity when I moved to Finland, but over time, I fell in love with it. Now, I’m always experimenting with new recipes alongside my husband.
And of course, I’m a huge fan of animated movies! My life mottos—”Just keep swimming” (from Finding Nemo) and “Keep moving forward” (from Walt Disney)—keep me motivated no matter what challenges come my way.
The post Role model blog: Mala Devi Selvarathinam, Eficode first appeared on Women in Tech Finland.
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