Finding My Path in ICT: Challenges, Growth and Opportunities

A Childhood Curiosity Turned into a Passion

From a young age, I was always fascinated by technology—I wanted to get my hands on every gadget that caught my attention. But my curiosity went beyond just using them; I wanted to understand how they worked, how they were built, and why they functioned the way they did. I was always eager to explore new things, constantly questioning and discovering.

As I grew older, I noticed that tech was often seen as a male-dominated field, with few female role models. But instead of discouraging me, it motivated me to challenge these stereotypes and pursue a path in ICT.
This passion led me to study Computer Engineering, where I explored the mechanics of technology and learned to create solutions rather than just consume them. Later, I pursued a Master's degree in IT, focusing on software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. I knew that by strengthening my skills, I could help inspire more women to step into the industry with confidence.

Studying ICT as a Woman: A Different Perspective

During my studies, I quickly realised that the gender imbalance in tech was not just something I read about—it was something I experienced firsthand. In both my Bachelor's and Master's programs, the majority of my classmates were men. While they were always supportive, helpful, and collaborative, there were moments when I wished I had more female peers to connect with—someone who shared similar experiences and challenges.

Despite this, I never felt discouraged. Instead, I found motivation in knowing that every woman who enters this field contributes to breaking the stereotype and making space for more diversity. Having more female classmates would have added another layer of support, but at the same time, my journey helped me build confidence in my own abilities and adapt to different environments.
Interestingly, the transition from my Bachelor's to my Master's program didn't feel very different. The coursework became more advanced, and the focus shifted to specialised areas of IT, but the overall experience of being in a male-majority environment remained the same. This only reinforced the importance of representation—seeing more women in tech encourages others to follow the same path.

The Struggles of Starting a Career in Tech

Breaking into the tech industry wasn't easy. Like many fresh graduates, I faced one of the biggest challenges: landing my first job. Many companies prefer hiring candidates with prior experience, making it daunting to continuously apply, revise resumes, write cover letters, and still face rejection.
There were moments of self-doubt, times when I questioned whether I had made the right decision pursuing this field. But I knew that persistence, continuous learning, and resilience were key. Instead of giving up, I focused on upskilling, improving my technical and soft skills, and staying determined in my job search.

The ICT industry is demanding, but it is also full of opportunities. I knew that if I kept pushing forward, I would eventually find the right company that valued potential as much as experience.

Looking Ahead – A Fresh Graduate's Journey in Tech

As a fresh graduate, stepping into the ICT industry has been both exciting and challenging. The transition from academic learning to real-world application is a significant leap but being in an environment that nurtures growth and values fresh talent makes all the difference.

Joining AltTab has given me the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore different areas of ICT while being surrounded by mentors and colleagues who support my journey. It has provided me with the hands-on experience, guidance, and confidence to navigate the industry, develop my skills, and define my career path.

I've realised that representation matters—when women see other women in leadership roles, in development teams, and in cybersecurity, it inspires them to believe they can achieve the same. Companies like AltTab are leading the way by fostering an inclusive culture, encouraging fresh talent, and ensuring that women have equal opportunities in tech.
Looking back, I'm grateful for the journey that led me here. While there have been challenges, each one has contributed to my growth and reinforced my belief that more women belong in this space. The future of tech is diverse, I'm excited to be part of the change.