My journey into tech- a graduate consultants' first year.
This year, I began my journey in software development as a graduate consultant, and it’s been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and exciting new experiences. As more women enter tech everyday, it's inspiring to be part of this shift and to contribute to the diversity and innovation in the field.
The first few months of my career were packed with workshops that laid a solid foundation for what was to come. These sessions covered everything from coding fundamentals to languages and frameworks like Java, C#, Flutter, and Angular. We also had workshops on soft skills, which are essential for thriving as a consultant. It was a lot to take in, but the support we received ensured we felt prepared and confident when placed with a client.
After the workshops, I worked on a series of proof-of-concept (POC) projects with my team. These projects were a bridge between training and the real world, helping us transition into the client environment and apply our skills to solve actual problems.
POC 1 and POC 2
The first POC involved building social media login functionality for a web application using Angular and C#. It was a smaller project but gave us a chance to understand the client’s standards and expectations. The second POC expanded on this idea, implementing social media login features for mobile using Flutter. These projects taught us the importance of understanding requirements, navigating challenges, and collaborating effectively to deliver quality solutions.
POC 3
The final POC was the most challenging and rewarding. Built using Angular and C#, the project involved connecting to a legacy system. One major hurdle was that the old project wasn’t compatible with everyone’s computers, making the setup process frustrating and time-consuming. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, with guidance from our senior developer. Seeing this solution go live and knowing it was actively streamlining processes for the client’s internal teams was a proud moment for all of us.
One memorable moment during the POC projects was when we struggled to understand the requirements. Our senior developer would open Paint and sketch diagrams to explain what was expected. While these sessions were helpful, we often forgot the details afterward. To address this, we began recording the Paint sessions—a small but effective adjustment that improved our understanding and outcomes.
Growth and Reflections
This year has been transformative, both professionally and personally. On a technical level, I’ve deepened my understanding of various frameworks and tools, but the most significant growth has been in my soft skills. I’ve learned to speak up more in discussions, take the lead on tasks, and trust my instincts. This journey has been a confidence booster, showing me that I’m capable of contributing meaningfully to a team and delivering impactful solutions.
Looking Ahead
As I move into the next stage of my consulting career, I’m eager to dive deeper into different technologies and tackle more complex projects. The first year has shaped my vision for my future in tech, and I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and building innovative solutions.
I’m also passionate about the future of women in tech. As more of us join this male-dominated field, we’re proving that diversity drives innovation and growth.
So, here’s my question to you: The tech industry has long been male-dominated, but what’s holding women back from leading the change?
