In November 2023, I had the privilege of participating in an event organized by “Women in ICT,” an organization dedicated to providing visibility to women in IT and celebrating events that highlight various roles within the industry. The specific event I joined focused on requirements engineering, a role I once held in my professional journey.

The event was conducted in German and so is the video that was recorded:

Find below a transcription of the presentation in English:

• What is written on your business card? Or what job title would you give yourself? On my business card, it says “Product Manager,” reflecting my role as a requirements engineer, market researcher, and strategist.
• What is your career path? My professional journey is diverse and colorful, shaped by various professional experiences. I have worked as a translator, technical writer, teacher, and international trade specialist.
• Would you choose your education again, or would you prefer a different path in hindsight? Whether I would choose my education again or opt for a different path… The best answer would probably be a “yes and no.” I studied translation and interpretation in Spain and Germany, pursued teaching, and earned two master’s degrees in international trade and Spanish as a foreign language. All of this not only opened doors to other languages, cultures, and realities but also imparted skills in communication, creativity, and problem-solving, which are crucial for my current role. If I were 18 again, I might consider technical education. I acquired the necessary knowledge over time, but without a foundation in technology, I had to work hard for it.
• What is your job about now? I love my job. Primarily, it is about recognizing and understanding customer needs to develop software that helps them solve problems and work more efficiently.
• What is the coolest part of your job? The most exciting aspect of my job is the daily collaboration with my colleagues. I wear various hats to gather information from customers, development teams, and stakeholders and establish guidelines for product development.
• Why did you decide to enter the ICT industry? Honestly, it was coincidental for me. Ten years ago, I came to Austria and initially worked as a Spanish teacher at a high school in Upper Austria. When my contract ended, I began searching for a new job. I came across a position in Vienna as a Spanish translator and technical writer in an IT company. I applied, even though I knew little about technical documentation at the time. I got the job, and in that company, my interest in software development and processes continued to grow. I completed various courses and started experimenting with code. Ten years later, I still find it fascinating.
• What do your friends say about your job? My friends find my profession extremely interesting, but they also recognize that it can be simultaneously stressful. They’re probably right.
• What is exciting for you about the ICT industry? The most exciting aspect of the IT industry is undoubtedly the opportunity to learn something new every day, which aligns well with my personality. I constantly read articles and books on IT, optimization processes, teamwork, and how to extract the best performance from a team.
• What would you recommend to 14-year-old girls or high school graduates? At an IT conference in Warsaw a few years ago, I heard a sentence that stuck with me: “Don’t be afraid to take steps into the unknown.” I believe life is a perfect mix of what we know (which is actually not much) and surprises and challenges that help us grow. To lead a fulfilling life, it’s essential to take risks, even if mistakes occasionally occur, and to listen to your inner voice.
• What deeper meaning do you see in your job? My profession allows me to assist people in solving their problems using technology and working more efficiently. At the same time, I am very grateful for my job as it helps me understand others better and listen more attentively.