by: Tatiana P Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:22:06 +0000 We can no longer say that the jobs will stay the same 10 years from now, so we need to constantly re-evaluate our options based on reality and what is available out there. About meI am Krittika Varmann. I am a Senior Cloud and AI Developer for F-Secure. I am an engineer at heart, drawn to solving problems simply for the joy of the process -sometimes, the journey matters more to me than the destination. I have always been eager to see my work have a real-world impact, and I strongly believe in maintaining a balance between work, health, hobbies, and relationships. These values have significantly shaped my career path and life choices. Instead of pursuing theoretical research or academia, I gravitated toward industrial innovations, applying AI to solve real-life challenges. Beyond engineering and AI, I am endlessly fascinated by human behaviour and technology. Whether it is cognitive biases, effective communications, or the art of persuasion, I love exploring how psychology intersects everyday life and business. You will often find me immersed in books on these topics. In my free time, I enjoy playing board games with friends, going to the sauna, winter swimming, and baking. On my path to F-SecureI have seven years of experience in data, cloud & AI, with a career shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a motivation to stay ahead of industry trends. My journey began as a researcher and project coordinator at the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu. From there, I transitioned to Kone, where I worked as a data scientist before shifting into data engineering. I made this transition for two key reasons. First, I wanted to develop hands-on skills by working across the entire data pipeline -from start to finish- so I could build and manage solutions independently. Second, I saw data engineering to future-proof my career, keeping myself highly employable and aligned with in-demand roles. After four years at Kone, I moved to Sanoma, where I worked as a cloud engineer for about a year and a half. Then, four months ago, I transitioned to F-Secure, a move driven by careful deduction, prioritization, and a clear vision of what I want from my career and life. The main reason for me joining F-Secure was the cybersecurity domain of the company. As technology evolves and data becomes even more valuable, security threats are increasing. Cybersecurity, in my opinion, will only grow in importance in the coming years. F-Secure is an incredible place to work, and what I appreciate most is that the product itself is software. The company’s core focus is on building high-quality, industry-standard code, which aligns perfectly with my values as an engineer. The role itself also allows me to bring together all the skills I have acquired through the shifts in my career: API development, cloud infrastructure, ML modelling, MLOps, testing & writing production-grade code. The people I work with have fantastic work ethics, so I have much to feel inspired by my colleagues. And as I said, cybersecurity is such a critical domain in this world right now. I see this as an opportunity to make a real-world impact and contribute to a vital field in protecting information. Krittika Varmann, Senior Cloud and AI Developer, F-Secure The beginning of my studiesI have a bachelor’s in printing engineering, where I explored media, ink, paper, and printing technologies. During my studies, I completed two internships -one at a packaging company in China and another at a German startup researching electronic ink through the DAAD scholarship. Later, I received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for my master’s in colour science: a dual degree in optics and computer science across France, Spain, and Finland. My thesis focused on applying AI to smart lighting solutions. Upon arriving in Finland, I immediately felt at home -the direct culture and strong work-life balance resonated with me, leading me to stay. Strategic Approach to Learning Strategic decisions have shaped my academic and career choices. Coming from a highly competitive environment in India, I sought alternative fields where I could stand out. Instead of pursuing computer science or electronics engineering, I chose printing engineering, where competition was lower, allowing me to excel in this field and still have time to acquire other skills like studying German and Mandarin. I proactively reached out to professors worldwide, securing unique job opportunities. These experiences had a snowball effect -my internship in China and my German language strengthened my application for the DAAD scholarship which in turn positively affected my application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship to do my master’s degree. Maximizing Future OptionsMy advice for those starting is to maintain a curious mindset and keep pushing to create and expand future opportunities at every step. When you begin, you have fewer options, but you can expand opportunities for the future so that you have options to choose from. Sometimes, I’ve seen people start with something, get stuck with it, and spend many years doing it. I’ve seen people staying in the same work for 20 years, and that’s not necessarily bad for somebody who wants that. But for me, that narrows down my options. I believe in maximizing future opportunities rather than getting confined to a single domain. This philosophy aligns with Morgan Housel’s powerful definition of wealth from ‘The Psychology of Money’: ‘Wealth is having the freedom to do what you want, when you want, with whom you want, for as long as you want.’ I strive to maximize this kind of freedom in my career. Many people stay in one job for decades, which works for some, but I prefer versatility. If I ever wake up feeling unfulfilled, I want the flexibility to switch paths. Without the foundational work I put in early on, making transitions would have felt overwhelming. However, transitions have become much smoother and more natural for me because I developed the habit of adapting and exploring different domains from the start. We can no longer say that the jobs will stay the same 10 years from now, so we need to constantly re-evaluate our options based on reality and what is actually available out there. We must be ready to jump to things and do things that don’t make us feel comfortable. If we want to thrive in this fast-changing environment, we must keep adapting and pushing ourselves to take on new challenges. In a world where technology evolves rapidly and jobs become obsolete, adaptability is crucial. You can either stay in your comfort zone and risk stagnation or embrace change and continuously challenge yourself. Both come with struggles, and choosing the struggle that aligns with your long-term goals is key. Networking tips from Krittika Value Networking in Tech BringsThe tech industry is quite tightly knit, especially in Finland, where the community is small. After a while, you’ll find everybody knows everybody. It’s not uncommon to hear a Finn say, “Oh, I know him from back in the Nokia days!” This, along with the concept of Nordic Trust, meaning there is a great deal of trust in recommendations, business operations, and general dealings in Nordic communities, can significantly influence your career prospects. As a personal example, after finishing my third semester studying in Finland, I had the opportunity to pursue my master’s thesis anywhere in the world, but by then, I had already decided to stay in Finland and opted for an industrial Master Thesis rather than an academic one. I did it with a Finnish innovation company, and later, when I applied for a position at Kone, my former manager saw my supervisor’s name and said, “Oh, I know him from Nokia times. Mind if I give him a call?” My supervisor gave me a stellar recommendation, and I was hired. Preparing for NetworkingI usually research the person and find something in their bio/LinkedIn/resume/publications/websites that could serve as good common ground. I use that to start a conversation, e.g., “Oh, I noticed you worked on satellites at XYZ company. That seemed interesting to me. I also worked on satellites during my astronomy lessons. I was wondering how you solved ABC using XYZ technology?” Then I find a way to segue into something else. Finding Offline Networking OpportunitiesFor tech-related networking, I usually attend AWS Meetup groups and other similar events like Confluence-led meetups or Terraform meetups. I’ve also gained many networking benefits by attending the AWS Stockholm Summit, where I met AWS experts in the Nordics while improving my knowledge base on cloud technologies. There are also opportunities to participate in hackathons like Junction, hosted by Aalto University along with other companies. It’s a great way to get noticed by companies. A huge source of networking for me has been being part of the Finland Young Professional group. Unfortunately, the only way to join is by working for a company that is part of the network, but the good news is that many tech companies in Finland are already members. FYP frequently hosts events like the Hiimos ski break and the Tallinn trip, where group activities turn professional contacts into close friends. I would suggest finding events where you can showcase your projects and talk about what you have learned and how they can benefit real-life problem-solving. Podcasts, blogs, and online content shared on social media are also great directions. Maintaining & Nurturing Professional NetworksThe most important thing when you meet someone is to add them on LinkedIn. This opens many channels as your network grows, and someone who knows someone can often help you out when in need. I’m active in the LinkedIn community, and when a contact posts updates, I often react and comment with encouraging words. This helps keep the connection fresh and reinforces the acquaintance. I’ve changed companies a couple of times but made sure to keep in touch with former colleagues. Every few months, I suggest going out for dinner, which has kept those bonds alive. Being genuinely curious about people, adding them on LinkedIn, following up after networking events, and being proactive in organizing or attending tech events, even if you don’t know anyone there, is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. Networking MistakesA few mistakes one could make in networking include: being overly self-promotional, being too aggressive (pushing for referrals or jobs), not expanding beyond your comfort zones, and the biggest one: not preparing for networking events. Showing up without knowing who will be there and having some conversation starters ready can lead to missed opportunities. Best Advice That Helped Advance My CareerThe best advice would be: In life, you get exactly what you ask for. If you don’t know what you want, how to formulate it, or how to ask for it, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever get it. I’ve never shied away from asking for more, and even one proactive action can lead to ripple effects for the future. For example, I was a highly inexperienced bachelor’s student in my home country and somehow managed to get into a printing press as a summer intern. There was a visiting technician from the UK who was fixing a packaging machine, and I stood next to him every day, observing and taking notes on what he did. He noticed my curiosity, and when I asked him if he knew of any internship opportunities abroad, he immediately gave me a contact in China. At just 20 years old, I got to do an internship abroad in a production facility, which helped my Master’s applications in Europe. I often think back to that day fondly. If I had never asked for that opportunity, I might not have ended up in Finland. Gaining More ConfidenceI recommend reading How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The book talks about several tips for improving communication, such as showing curiosity about other people’s lives, remembering people’s names, and listening actively. Another book worth reading, especially for introverts, is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson. It talks about many mechanisms for navigating life better. A relevant tip is The Spotlight Effect, which, from psychology, means that when we are in public, we tend to think everyone is looking at us. The paradox is that, since everybody thinks this way, they are more aware of themselves than of you. It’s more likely you remember making a fool of yourself than they do. You can use this information to your advantage because it frees you from the fear of making mistakes and helps you stop taking yourself so seriously. Finally, the last thing I want to say is that, as a proponent of gender-balanced opportunities, research shows that women have been raised not to fail, whereas men have been raised with more freedom to make mistakes. I use this information to inspire myself because a man wouldn’t hesitate to approach a stranger and start a conversation, possibly making mistakes in his career. But women tend to overthink and underdo, which prevents them from even getting those opportunities in the first place. In my opinion, it’s far better to get an opportunity and make a mistake than to try to be perfect and never take any chances at all. Amplifying Your Voice as a Woman in TechTwo pieces of advice that stuck with me from Pia Nilsson, Director of Engineering at Spotify, during the Stockholm Summit: 1. If you, as a woman, are doing a lot of glue jobs like organizing social events that contribute positively to the workplace atmosphere, make sure your upper management is aware of that and your role in it. Also, try to set up a rotation cycle so you’re not stuck doing it all by yourself. 2. If, after 4 years of being an engineer, you’re asked to become lead, imagine a few years down the line when you try to lead a team of engineers with 10-14 years of experience. You’ll have no clout to lead them, and you’ll become a default “people leader.” Also, I believe in the mantra Let action speak louder than words. Go get that certification, go make mistakes, go learn from them, and use facts and reason when discussing problems with colleagues. When you make good points, it’s hard to negate them. The Constantly Evolving Tech IndustryThe best thing (and sometimes the worst) about the tech industry is that it’s constantly evolving. This means a person can have 10 years’ experience coding in Java and still not get a job in software engineering because they don’t know Python or have no experience with other coding languages. Most tech people are self-taught, and being in tech is largely about being willing to fail, pick yourself up, and start again the next day. Not to undermine seniority, but if there’s any industry where fast learning skills often overtake experience, it’s tech. There are many stories of young tech startup founders becoming big shots overnight because they dared to dream and take actions, even without experience. Everybody starts somewhere, and it’s never too late to start. In general, my motto in life is not to compare myself to others but to simply remember we are all on our own journeys and paths. It’s also about an abundance mindset: There are enough resources and opportunities out there for each of us. There’s no need to compete. All you need is one spot, one opportunity, one person to believe in you. If someone has more experience, it means they’ve put in their time and effort to get there, and if you want to be like them, you must be willing to put in the work and fail just as they have. Let that inspire you rather than demotivate you. Also, remember you bring unique skills and talents to the table, so there’s no need to be anyone else. Make it your own. The post Role model blog: Krittika Varmann, F-Secure first appeared on Women in Tech Finland.

Mentorship has always been a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. A guiding hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement from someone who has walked the path before you can make all the difference. At our Women in Enterprise, Professional, and Business Careers community, we are committed to creating a culture of mentorship to help every member reach their fullest potential. Why Mentorship MattersMentorship goes beyond offering advice. It is about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for growth. Here are some key reasons mentorship is invaluable: Guidance Through Challenges: Mentors can help you navigate career obstacles and offer strategies to overcome them. Expanding Perspectives: Learning from someone with a different background or more experience opens new ways of thinking. Networking Opportunities: Mentors often connect mentees with key people and resources. Confidence Building: Having someone believe in your potential can boost your confidence and resilience. How Our Mentorship Program WorksWe aim to create a dynamic mentorship program that matches members based on their goals, expertise, and interests. Here’s how you can participate: For Mentees:Set Clear Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through mentorship. Is it career advancement? Skill development? Navigating workplace challenges? Be Open to Feedback: Mentors are here to support you, but growth requires a willingness to listen and adapt. Ask Questions: Take advantage of your mentor’s experience by seeking insights, advice, and practical tips. For Mentors:Share Your Journey: Talk about your career path, lessons learned, and key experiences that shaped your growth. Provide Support and Encouragement: Be a source of motivation and a sounding board for your mentee. Foster Independence: Encourage mentees to make decisions and take ownership of their progress. Benefits of Being a MentorBecoming a mentor is not just about giving back—it’s also a chance to: Sharpen Leadership Skills: Guiding others hones your ability to lead and inspire. Gain Fresh Perspectives: Interacting with mentees can provide new insights into your own work and industry. Build Lasting Relationships: Mentorship often leads to meaningful and enduring connections. Stories of ImpactOur community members have experienced incredible growth through mentorship. Here are a few examples: A software engineer helped an entrepreneur launch her first product by sharing project management techniques. A seasoned executive guided a young professional through negotiating her first promotion. A business owner connected her mentee to a key investor, leading to a successful funding round. Getting InvolvedWhether you’re looking for a mentor or ready to become one, we invite you to join our mentorship program. Here’s how to get started: Sign Up: Complete our mentorship interest form to indicate your goals and areas of expertise. Get Matched: We’ll pair you with a mentor or mentee based on your preferences. Start Your Journey: Meet regularly, set goals, and work together to achieve success. Together, We ThriveMentorship is about more than just professional growth—it’s about building bridges across careers and creating a supportive network where every woman can succeed. By lifting each other up, we make strides toward a brighter future for all. Let’s work together to foster meaningful connections and empower one another. Are you ready to be part of this transformative experience? Sign up today and start building your bridge to success!

As we embark on an exciting new chapter for our Women in Tech (WIT) Club, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our mission to encompass all women in enterprise, professional, and business careers. While technology remains a significant focus, we recognize the power of bringing together women from diverse industries, roles, and expertise to inspire, support, and uplift one another. Why Expand Our Scope?Women excel across every field, from engineering and healthcare to entrepreneurship and education. By broadening our community, we can: Foster Cross-Industry Collaboration: Sharing insights from different industries sparks innovation and offers new perspectives. Build a Stronger Network: A diverse membership enriches our collective knowledge and creates more opportunities for mentorship and partnership. Celebrate Women Everywhere: Highlighting the achievements of women across professions showcases the remarkable contributions we make to society. What This Means for Our MembersWhether you are a software engineer, small business owner, corporate executive, or teacher, you belong here. Our mission is to create a space where women can share experiences, learn from one another, and grow professionally and personally. Here are just a few ways we plan to support this expanded vision: Career Spotlights: Highlighting women in various fields to learn about their journeys and challenges. Skill-Building Resources: Offering workshops, webinars, and articles to enhance your professional toolkit. Open Forums: Encouraging discussions on topics that matter most to women in the workforce. Networking Events: Hosting virtual and in-person meetups to connect and collaborate. How You Can Get InvolvedThis community thrives when our members actively participate. Here are some ways to contribute: Share your story: Tell us about your career journey, challenges you’ve faced, and milestones you’ve achieved. Mentor others: Offer guidance and support to women starting out or transitioning in their careers. Suggest topics: Let us know what you want to learn or discuss within the group. Celebrate achievements: Share your successes, [big or small], so we can celebrate with you. Together, We Can Make a DifferenceThis is more than a club; it is a community committed to empowering women and creating a future where every woman’s voice is heard, every achievement is celebrated, and every goal is attainable. Let’s expand our horizons and build a space where women from all walks of life can come together to thrive. Join us in this journey! Share your ideas, contribute your talents, and help us make this community even more vibrant and impactful. Together, we’re unstoppable. Welcome to the new era of WIT: Women in Enterprise, Professional, and Business Careers.

The tech industry, renowned for its contributions to global innovation, has historically been a male-dominated arena. Despite growing efforts to increase gender diversity, women remain significantly underrepresented in various technological roles, from coding to leadership. However, fostering an inclusive environment where women thrive is essential for driving innovation and achieving business success. This article examines the current landscape of women in technology, the obstacles they face, and the initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable future. Women in the Tech Sector: A Snapshot Around the world, women constitute a small percentage of the tech workforce. In the U.S., for example, they make up about 35% of those working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, these numbers are even smaller when considering leadership roles within major tech companies. Top tech firms, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, report that between 29% and 45% of their workforce is female. Unfortunately, women in executive roles remain scarce, with fewer than one-third holding leadership positions. Barriers to Entry and Advancement Educational Gaps A significant factor contributing to the gender gap in tech is the disparity in educational attainment in relevant fields. Data from the National Science Foundation highlights that women earn just: 21% of computer science degrees, 22% in engineering, 35% in economics, and 39% in physical sciences. Enrollment numbers are even lower for women of color in STEM programs, underscoring a need to address systemic challenges that prevent many from pursuing careers in technology. Hiring Bias and Retention Challenges Although many organizations aim to diversify their workforce, biases persist in recruitment and retention. Surveys reveal that more than half of tech recruiters recognize the presence of bias in their hiring processes. Moreover, retention remains a significant concern. Nearly 60% of women working in technology roles plan to leave their positions within two years, citing limited advancement opportunities, a lack of mentorship, and inadequate work-life balance. Workplace Culture and Microaggressions Women often face microaggressions in the workplace, including interruptions during meetings and stereotypical assumptions about their abilities. Such behaviors contribute to an environment that can stifle women's confidence and hinder career progression. Leadership Disparity The absence of women in top leadership roles perpetuates the gender imbalance in technology. None of the major tech giants currently have a female CEO, and women hold only about 8-9% of senior leadership roles such as Chief Technology Officer or Chief Information Officer. Notable Achievements and Pioneers Despite these challenges, numerous women have broken through barriers and achieved remarkable success in technology: Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, has dedicated her career to reducing the gender gap in tech by teaching coding skills to young women worldwide. Dr. Fei-Fei Li, an expert in artificial intelligence, co-directs the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI and advocates for ethical AI practices. Susan Wojcicki, as the former CEO of YouTube, has set a benchmark for female leadership in the tech space. Emerging Opportunities for Women in Tech Generative AI and Upskilling Generative AI is transforming the tech landscape, presenting new opportunities for women to advance in the field. Yet, a recent report revealed that 60% of women in tech have not yet engaged with AI tools, compared to a higher engagement rate among men. Bridging this gap will require companies to provide targeted AI training and mentorship programs that encourage women to embrace new technologies. Entrepreneurship and Funding Challenges Female entrepreneurs face unique obstacles when securing venture capital. In 2022, women-led startups received just 2.3% of total venture capital funding. However, female investors are more likely to support women-owned businesses, which highlights the need for more diverse representation among venture capitalists. Initiatives such as All Raise and the Female Founders Fund are working to connect women entrepreneurs with the resources and funding they need to succeed. Strategies for a More Inclusive Tech Industry Promoting STEM Education To increase the number of women entering the tech industry, schools and universities should: Offer scholarships and mentorship programs for women, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. Highlight female role models in STEM fields to inspire the next generation. Fostering Inclusive Workplaces Businesses can create more welcoming environments by: Implementing policies that address bias in recruitment, promotions, and daily interactions. Providing clear pathways for career advancement tailored to women. Supporting work-life balance through flexible schedules and parental leave. Encouraging Women in Leadership Leadership development initiatives can help women achieve executive roles by offering: Sponsorship programs where senior leaders advocate for high-potential female employees. Training programs focused on key skills such as negotiation and strategic decision-making. Leveraging Technology for Equality Digital tools can play a pivotal role in reducing biases and improving equality in the workplace. For instance: AI in Recruitment: Algorithms that assess candidates based on skills and experience can help reduce biases in hiring. Mentorship Platforms: Online networks connecting women with mentors can provide guidance and support for career growth. Key Takeaways for a Brighter Future The path toward gender equality in technology involves recognizing barriers, celebrating achievements, and pursuing actionable solutions. We've explored the challenges women face, from educational disparities to workplace biases, and highlighted steps businesses and organizations can take to promote inclusivity. For women considering a career in tech, understanding these dynamics is essential. Knowledge is power, and armed with this insight, women can navigate their paths more effectively, advocate for change, and inspire future generations. Businesses, too, can harness the potential of a diverse workforce by investing in policies and programs that address these disparities. The future of tech will be shaped by those who dare to innovate and include. Let's ensure that women are part of this transformative journey.

Looking for flexible work this festive season? Temporary jobs peak during Christmas, offering great opportunities for job seekers to earn competitive wages, gain valuable skills, and explore new career paths. Discover the top 7 retailers for temp work this year, based on research from Oriel Partners, and see why seasonal roles are more rewarding than ever. View the full list of employers and perks to make the most of this year’s hiring boom!" Career Attraction Team

by: Tatiana P Lilly Vasanthini VP and Delivery Head – Eastern Europe, NORDICS and Switzerland, Infosys Even a tiny little thing that my teams win or do is a celebration for me, and this is how I stay prepared and not get scared. “Twenty-eight years ago”, I embarked on a journey with Infosys that has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the VP and Delivery Head for Eastern Europe, Nordics, and Switzerland, I’ve been blessed with countless opportunities to learn and evolve. I’m truly grateful for this incredible experience.” The beginnings in the field of technology Technology emerged as both a choice and an opportunity. In December 1984, I officially embarked on a career in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Upon graduation, I gained valuable experience in India’s prestigious defense sector, working on state-of-the-art telecommunications technology. This role provided an ideal blend of technical expertise and business acumen, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations. 2 years later, I was fortunate to join a leading telecom R&D organization in India. This early exposure to cutting-edge research and development was a significant boost to my career. The unwavering support of my family and in particular my husband, raising a young son, was instrumental in my success. Joining Infosys My career took a significant turn in 1997 when I joined Infosys. Starting as a Telekom technical training prime, I progressed to management training and eventually became a program manager. In this role, I led implementations for clients across geographies for close to seven years. My career at Infosys has been marked by a constant drive for change and innovation. Change brings both disruption and new opportunities Change is a catalyst for growth. Every technological advancement disrupts the status quo, presenting both challenges and opportunities. While traditional methods may be challenged, new products, work processes, and business models emerge. For example, the rise of e-commerce transformed retail, but it also spawned countless new opportunities. I embrace technological advancement as a positive challenge. As technology evolves, we’re compelled to think critically and build teams with the necessary skills. This continuous adaptation journey fosters innovation and accelerates progress, especially when we approach it with curiosity. Lilly’s strategy to adapt to a constantly changing field“Change” has never been something to fear. To navigate it effectively, I’ve focused on three key aspects: 1. Embrace Learning: Infosys is a dynamic organization that prioritizes continuous learning. By leveraging internal platforms and partnerships with renowned institutions like Stanford and Kellogg’s, I’ve cultivated a mindset of curiosity and a commitment to staying updated. This enables me to anticipate industry trends, adapt to evolving technologies, and empower my teams to excel. 2. Foster Strong Relationships: Building and nurturing a strong network is crucial. By connecting with colleagues, mentors, and industry experts, I gain diverse perspectives, receive valuable support, and collaborate effectively. This collaborative approach enhances my problem-solving abilities and fosters innovation. 3. Focus on Core Strengths and Celebrate Success: While adapting to change is essential, it’s equally important to build upon my core strengths. By honing my leadership skills and empowering my teams, I ensure we deliver exceptional results for our clients. Additionally, celebrating milestones, no matter how small, keeps me motivated and fosters a positive work environment. Ultimately, a positive mindset and a belief in one’s own abilities are paramount. By embracing change, building strong relationships, and focusing on core strengths, we can thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.” Find out more: Lilly Vasanthini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-vasanthini-882553/ Infosys: www.infosys.com/nordics The post Forum 2024 Role model blog: Lilly Vasanthini, Infosys first appeared on Women in Tech Finland.

by: Girls Who Code Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:19:25 GMT As we wrap up October’s spooky season, let’s remember: the only things that should be creeping up on you are witches and vampires, not cyber threats lurking in the shadows! As many of you know, October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which makes sense, because what could be scarier than having your personal information spread without your permission? At Girls Who Code, we’ve spent the last few weeks providing our students with resources, tools, and tricks to keep themselves safe online. But, we’re also committed to helping our community build a secure world all year long. Because cybersecurity is about more than making sure they have the strongest password possible (though, that’s extremely important, too). It’s also about making sure they have all the protection and knowledge they need to keep malicious actors from slithering into their digital world. Let’s be honest, all our lives are becoming more and more online. By the time our students reach high school, they’re using the internet for homework, for research, and for communicating with teachers and classmates. Hundreds of seemingly basic tasks are automated through apps, and social media has made students visible to millions of people around the world. While this has made the lives of so many young people easier, more exciting, and more expansive, it’s also made them vulnerable in ways we may not even realize. That’s why we were so excited to work withThe Achievery, created by AT&T, to roll out some essential cybersecurity Learning Units for 9th-10th grade students. In today’s tech-driven environment, understanding cybersecurity isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Our students are diving into practical tips, like keeping software up to date and spotting phishing emails, while also learning the importance of visiting secure websites (you know, those with https:// instead of http://). We also want them to feel empowered to share this knowledge within their communities. Plus, they get useful checklists for adjusting browser settings on their devices. With units like “Online Privacy,” “Defend Against Malware and Viruses!,” and “DNS (Domain Name System) Uncovered,” we’re not just teaching them about cybersecurity; we’re helping them build a safer online future for themselves and others. We encourage our community to check out these, and so many other free and accessible tools, on The Achievery, which works to make digital learning more entertaining, engaging, and inspiring for K-12 students everywhere. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, let’s keep empowering our students to embrace the internet’s benefits while confidently navigating its challenges. All young people deserve to protect themselves while enjoying a safer online experience that inspires them to thrive in the digital world.

by: Always Sia Strike 2024-07-31T23:29:54-07:00 My the year is flying by. I haven’t written in a while - not for a lack of thoughts, but because time, life, probably could be time managing better but oh :whale:. We’re back though - so let’s talk work community. During this year’s Black in Data Week, there was a question during my session about how to get to know people organically and ask questions without fear when you start a new job. After sharing what has worked for me, the lady with the question came back to me with positive feedback that all the ideas were helpful. I didn’t think anything of it until Wellington, one of my friendlies from the app whose mama named it Twitter, twote this and had me thinking: He’s so right. No one is going to care about your career more than you do. However, one of the people who can make the effort to drive your development is your manager. Wellington and I had an additional exchange in which he echoed how important community is. This brought me back to June and that lady’s question during BID week - so I thought to share, in a less ephemeral format, what building a community at work looks like. About Chasing Management Before I share some tips, one sword I always fall on is - chase great management. If you can afford to extend a job search because you think you could get a better manager than the one who is offering you a job, do it. Managers are like a great orchestra during a fancy event. You don’t think about the background music when it’s playing and you’re eating your food (this is what I imagine from all those movies :joy:). But you will KNOW if it’s bad because something will sound off and irk your ears. When you are flying high and your manager is unblocking things, providing you chances to contribute, and running a smooth operation, you hardly think of them when you wake up in the morning - you just do your job. But if they’re not good at what they do, you could wake up in the morning thinking “ugh - I gotta go work with/for this person?”. It changes the temperature in the room. So if you can afford an extra two weeks on a job search to ask questions and get the best available manager on the market, consider investing in your mentals for the long term :heavy_exclamation_mark: I’m sure you’re like yeah great, Sia - how do I do that? Well not to toot toot, but here are some questions I like asking to learn a bit more about my potential new culture. Additionally, listen to one of my favorite humans and leaders, Taylor Poindexter, in this episode of the Code Newbie podcast talking about creating psychological safety at work (shout out to Saron and the team!). Taylor has been one of my champions at work and such a great manager for her team - I’m always a little envious I’m not on it :pleading_face: but I digress. Keep winning, my girl! Additionally, I’ll start here a list of the best leaders I know - either from personal experience working with and/or for them, interviewing to work on their teams, or from second hand knowledge of someone (I trust) else’s 1st hand experience. As of this writing, they will be listed with a workplace they’re currently in and only if they publicly share it on the internet. Taylor Poindexter, Engineering Manager II @ Spotify (Web, Full Stack Engineering) Angie Jones, Global VP of Developer Relations @ TBD/Block Kamana Sharma (Full Stack, Web, and Data Engineering) Nivia Henry, Director of Engineering Bryan Bischof (Data/ML/AI) Jasmine Vasandani (Data Science, Data Products) Dee Wolter (Accounting, Tax) Divya Narayanan (Engineering, ML) Dr. Russell Pierce (Data/ML/Computer Vision) Marlena Alhayani (Engineering) Andrew Cheong (Backend Engineering) - I’m still trying to convince him he’ll be the best leader ever, still an IC :joy: This is off the top of my head at 1:12am while watching a badminton match between Spain and US women round of 16, so I may have forgotten someone, my bad - will keep revisiting and updating as I remember and learn about more humans I aspire to work with. Now the kinda maybe not so good news - you cannot control your manager circumstances all the time. Reorgs, layoffs, people advancing and leaving companies happen. And if you’ve had the privilege of working with great managers, they will leave because they are top of the line so everyone wants to work with them. That’s where community matters. You can’t put all your career development eggs in one managerial basket. Noooooow let’s talk about how you can do that!! (I know, loooong tangent, but we’re getting there). Building Community at Work (Finally :roll_eyes:) Let’s start with the (should be but not always) obvious here - you are building genuine relationships. They therefore can’t be transactional. This is about creating a sustainable community that carries the load together, and not giving you tips on how to be the tick that takes from everyone without giving back. With that,… Find onboarding buddies There are people you started working on the same day with. They will likely have the most in common with you from a workplace perspective. If you happen to run into one of these folks, check in about what’s working and share tips that may have worked for you. When I first started working at my current job, I e-met Andy - a senior backend engineer. We chatted randomly in Slack the first few weeks while working on onboarding projects and found out that we would be working in sister orgs. Whenever I had questions, I’d ask him what he’s learning and every so often we’d “run into each other” in our team work slacks. Sometimes Andy would even help review PRs for me because I had to write Java, and ya girl does not live there. How sweet is that? Medium story short, that’s my work friend he a real good eng … you know the rest! Ask all the questions!! Remember that lady I told you about in the beginning? She had said (paraphrasing) Sia - I just got hired, how do I not look dumb asking questions and they just hired me? My response was they hired you for your skill on the market, not your knowledge of the company. You are expected to have a learning curve so take advantage of that to meet people by asking questions. If you have a Slack channel, activate those hidden helpers - they exist. You may know a lot about the coolest framework, but what about the review and releases process? What about how request for changes are handled? Maybe you see some code that seems off to you - it could be that it’s an intentional patch. The only way to know these idiosyncracies is to ask. I promise you someone else is also wondering, and by asking, you are Making it less scary for others to ask Increasing the knowledge sharing culture at your org/team/company Learning faster than you would if you tried to be your own hero (there’s a place and time, don’t overdo it when you’re new and waste time recreating a wheel) One of the best pieces of feedback I ever received at a workplace was that my curiosity and pace of learning is so fast. And to keep asking the questions. I’m summarizing here but that note was detailed and written so beautifully, it made me cry :sob:. It came from one of my favorite people who I have a 1:1 with in a few hours and who started out as … my first interviewer! Who interviewed you? Remember Andrew from my list of favorite leaders above? That’s who wrote that tearjerking note (one of many by the way). He was the person who gave my first technical screen when I was applying for my current job. After I got hired, I reached out and thanked him and hoped we would cross paths. And from above, you know now that he is also one of the best Slack helpers ever. Whenever I ask a question and see “Andrew is typing…”, I grab some tea and a snack because I’m about to learn something soooo well, the experience needs to be savoured. That first note to say, hey thank you for a great interview experience I made it has led to one of the best work sibling I’ve ever had. I also did the same with the recruiter and the engineering manager who did my behavioral interview. I should note - at my job, you don’t necessarily get interviewed with the teammates you’ll potentially work with. None of these folks have been my actual teammates, but we check in from time to time, and look out for each other. The manager was a machine learning engineering manager, Andrew is a backend person, I’m a data engineer - none of that matters. Community is multi-dimensional :heart: I got all my sister teams and me When you’re learning and onboarding, you get to meet your teammates and learn about your domain. It is likely your team is not working in a vacuum. Your customers are either other teams, or customers - which means you have to verify things with other teams to serve external customers. That’s a great way to form relationships. You are going to be seeing these folks a lot when you work together, you may as well set up a 1:1 for 20 minutes to meet and greet. It may not go anywhere in the beginning, but as you work on different projects, your conversations add up, you learn about each other’s ways of working and values (subconciously sometimes), and trade stories. It all adds up - that’s :sparkles: community :sparkles: Be nosy, Rosie Ok this last one is for the brave. As a hermit, I’m braver in writing vs in person so I use that to my advantage. This is an extension of asking all the questions beyond onboarding questions. You ever run into a document or see a presentation shared in a meeting, and you want to know more? You could reach out to the presenters and ask follow up questions, check in with your teammates about how said thing impacts/touches your team, or just learn something new that increases your t-shaped (breadth of) knowledge. Over time, this practice has a two-fold benefit. You get more context beyond your team which makes you more valuable in the long run because you end up living at the intersection of things and understand how everyone is connected. For me, whenever I’m in a meeting and someone says “our team is working on changing system X to start doing Y”, I’m able to see how that change affects multiple systems and teams, if there are folks who are not aware of the change who should know about it to plan ahead, and also how it changes planning for your team. This leads us back to our community thing because… You inadvertently build community by becoming someone your teammates and other teams (even leaders!) trust to translate information between squads or assist in unblocking inter-team or inter-org efforts. This is how I’ve been able to keep people in mind when thinking of projects and in turn they do the same. It also helped me get promoted as far as I’m concerned (earlier this year). You see, reader, I switched managers and teams a few months before performance review season. And the people in the room deciding on promotions were never my managers. They were all folks from other teams that I’d worked on projects with and because of the curiosity of understanding our intersections and being able to contribute to connected work, they knew enough about me to put their names on paper and say get that girl a bonus, promo, and title upgrade. I appreciate them dearly :heart: So what did we learn? All these things boil down to Finding your tribe from common contexts Leading with gratitude and having a teamwork mindset Staying curious a.k.a always be learning Play the long game and don’t be transactional in your interactions. Works every time. So as we now watch the 1500M men’s qualifiers of track and field at 3:13am, I hope you keep driving the car on your career and finding your tribe wherever it is you land. And congratulations to all your favorite Olympians!!