Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I decided to become a mentor because, throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have strong mentors who have guided and supported me. Their mentorship played a crucial role in my professional development, and I want to pay it forward by providing similar support to others.
I believe in the power of sharing knowledge and experiences to help engineers navigate challenges, grow their skills, and achieve their career goals. My experience leading and managing teams, combined with my technical expertise, positions me well to offer valuable mentorship to those seeking guidance in software engineering and career development.
How did you get your career start?
My journey into the world of software engineering goes back to my childhood fascination with technology. When I was 10 years old, I started coding games in BASIC on an old MSX computer just for fun.
As I delved deeper into the world of technology, I discovered the vast potential of the web and its ability to impact lives. Driven by the willingness to leverage technology to create meaningful solutions, I pursued a degree in computer science.
After graduating, I joined a local company for a Research and Development position, where I honed my skills by working on diverse projects spanning various technologies and domains. Over time, my career path evolved as I transitioned through different types of companies, ultimately realizing my passion for leading teams and empowering them to excel.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees usually come to me seeking guidance and support in various aspects of their professional development and career advancement. Whether they want to enhance their technical skills in areas such as Elixir, Phoenix Framework, and Ruby, or they need assistance navigating career transitions, improving their leadership abilities, or fostering a healthy work environment, I'm here to provide tailored support and mentorship.
My approach to mentorship is structured yet flexible, focusing on understanding each mentee's unique goals, challenges, and learning styles. Mentees can expect personalized guidance, actionable advice, and ongoing support as they work towards achieving their objectives.
I offer a combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for mentorship to empower mentees to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the tech industry.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One of my most rewarding mentorships is one who sought to switch careers while relocating from her home country to Germany. She approached me seeking guidance on breaking into the tech industry and navigating the challenges of starting a new professional career.
Throughout a year-long mentorship, I provided tailored support, assisting her in understanding technology fundamentals, guiding her through a rigorous BootCamp program, and preparing her for the intricacies of the hiring processes. Witnessing her dedication, resilience, and growth throughout this journey was truly inspiring.
The highlight of our collaboration came when she secured a position at a prestigious high-tech company, marking a significant milestone in her career transformation. This success story exemplifies the profound impact mentorship can have in empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations and forge new paths in their professional lives.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has been incredibly rewarding on both personal and professional levels. Mentoring allows me to contribute to the growth and success of engineers, which is deeply fulfilling. It has also enhanced my leadership skills, as guiding and supporting others requires effective communication, empathy, and the ability to inspire and motivate.
Through mentorship, I've gained a deeper understanding of different perspectives and approaches, which has broadened my knowledge and enriched my problem-solving abilities. Additionally, mentoring has strengthened my confidence in my skills and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overall, being a mentor has not only positively impacted my career but has also enriched my life by allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.