At Bitrock, we strive every day to reduce the gender gap that still exists in the job market, especially in STEM fields. One of the ways we pursue this mission is through our partnership with SheTech, a non-profit organization focused on bridging the gender gap in STEM fields through education, training and networking activities.
Samantha Giro, Technical Mobile Lead at Bitrock, had the opportunity to participate in their “SheTech Breakfast” Podcast, which features “Real Models” talking about careers in technology.
In this interview, conducted by Silvia Fanzecco, Community Manager of Shetech, we get to know our Bitrocker better, discover her journey and delve into her role.
What are the key steps in your journey?
The first milestone was choosing a high school. Without a clear idea, I visited various institutes and was impressed by the Technical Institute. I remember the students presenting models that could be made on the computer, and although they were very different from today’s models, I was very fascinated by them and decided to follow this path, even though it was more typically male.
The second important step was to choose a university: I chose the Computer Statistics for Business Management course, which broadened my mental approach and gave me skills that are useful in everyday life, both personally and professionally.
The last essential step was my first work experience, which led me to where I am now. It was a coincidence, to be honest. I was selected for an internship at a company that developed mobile software. So I built my first app and fell in love with it.
Why did you choose to specialize in Mobile Development?
It has to do with my preference for visual understanding. Mobile Development is about creating an application that users will use every day, so you have to pay attention to graphics. It is also a constantly evolving discipline that allows you to discover new worlds.
Can you explain your role at Bitrock as Technical Mobile Lead?
My role is very broad and includes technical as well as management and HR aspects. The relationship with my team is very important. I try to maintain a constant dialogue and work together to define training and development processes. I am responsible for the search and selection of new candidates, and during interviews I always try to sense people’s potential and aptitude. I also research and develop new technologies, architectures and innovations in the mobile world. Last but not least, I am responsible for customer relations and the development of mobile projects.
How do you manage your team? What are the best practices and do you have any advice?
Personally, I don’t really like meetings, especially the long and boring ones, where concentration doesn’t last more than 30 seconds, so I try to create a more informal and fun environment. I always try to include a few jokes in the presentations, although I admit they are rarely understood.
We also organize internal training sessions where team members present their projects so that everyone is aligned and informed about each other’s work.
I think it is important to listen, especially nowadays when sometimes all you can do is talk. So I think the most important best practice for my role is listening.
What do you think can be done to get more women into the tech industry?
I think that discrimination and lack of consideration for women in the tech world is actually an issue that is being talked about a lot now, compared to the past when there was less sensitivity about it.
I think the only way to really bring women closer to the tech world and the STEM world is to break down the cultural barriers and talk about it. Nowadays we have very powerful tools, social media, that can be used to break down those taboos.
What hard and soft skills would you recommend to women?
This is a difficult question. I would recommend not to focus on one language, but always being curious and trying to have a full set of skills. Our field is constantly changing and curiosity is essential to keep up.
The skill that anyone who wants to do this job should develop is problem solving and the ability to think outside the box. Problem solving is one of those skills that no one can teach you, but you can develop through experience.
In today’s programming world, how do you get the right skills to work?
You have to learn the basics, once you learn the basics, it is easier to learn new languages and approaches. The real challenge is what I said before, learning to think outside the box, even when you are building a software. There is no one right way or approach to learning, it is crucial to find the method that suits you best. The secret is not to be intimidated by the variety.
Last but not least, it is essential to find a company and a team that believes in you and will allow and support you to develop new skills and broaden your expertise through peer-to-peer exchanges and the opportunity to attend numerous events and conferences.
Who is your ‘Real Model’?
There have been many people who have inspired and stimulated me, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, who stood up to the Roman Empire and tried to unite various tribes. She is a historical figure of great example who, although not remembered as a victor, had the strength and tenacity to fight for her rights despite the historical period and the difficulties she faced.
This interview has allowed us to get to know our colleague better and we hope that she can be a source of inspiration for everyone, especially girls and young women, to pursue a career in technology.
To listen to the full interview, click here and stay tuned to our channels so you don’t miss the next initiatives organized in partnership with SheTech.
