For too long, we've lacked diversity in IT. However, over the last few years, women have been increasingly encouraged to pursue careers in tech. The industry is paying more attention to gender balance, and as things are getting better, we hope to see equality in executive roles as well. devmio wants to give inspiring women in tech the chance to introduce themselves, share their experiences, and uplift other women considering careers in IT.

Every Wednesday, we celebrate women in the tech world. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Nikolina Opacak, RPA developer at Robotiq.ai.

Today’s Woman in Tech: Nikolina Opacak, RPA developer at Robotiq.ai

Nikolina Opacak is an RPA Developer at Robotiq.ai and a student at the University of London pursuing a BSc in Computer Science with a focus in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

Could you tell our readers what first got you interested in technology and how you got to where you are today?

The Covid-19 outbreak was the key factor that influenced my interest in technology. Up until then, I had a successful career in aviation and was very happy with my job as a flight attendant. However, once the pandemic began taking its toll on aviation, which ultimately led to the termination of my contract due to redundancy, I found myself leveraging all available options and wondering how to move on from there. I wanted to avoid any job that required my physical presence, so I focused on finding a job I could perform remotely. Shifting to tech was the only move that made sense to me. After completing several certification programmes, I realised I understood that stuff, which motivated me even more to pursue it as a career. I enrolled in a Computer Science bachelor's degree programme and started applying for jobs in tech. With a bit of determination and persistence, I have managed to reach where I am today.

What does your typical workday look like? What motivates you on not-so-productive days?

We start each day with a check-in where we discuss our plans and goals for the day as well as any potential roadblocks. I spend the rest of the day primarily working on developing the automated process and occasionally meet with my business analyst if I have questions about the documentation that has been provided or am missing some key data points, etc.

Some days are incredibly productive, and they make up for the less productive ones. I don't feel like my motivation suffers at all. When I’m on a roll, I will go beyond the expected, which allows me to slow down and catch my breath when I'm feeling a little less inspired.

I have a very busy yet very fulfilling life and I’m absolutely enjoying it!

What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your professional career, and how did you overcome it?

Getting my first job in tech. Following my redundancy, I was unemployed for six months, dealing with rejection after rejection due to a lack of experience and/or proper educational background. However, I was firmly set on getting a job in IT, and I told myself it didn't matter how long it took. Eventually, somebody saw my potential and gave me the opportunity to prove my worth.

What do you believe makes you good at your job?

My resilience, resourcefulness, curiosity, and creativity. I am a solution-oriented problem-solver who likes to exhaust all available resources in order to achieve optimal results. This greatly helps in maintaining the high quality of my deliverables, which ultimately builds trust with my superiors to the point where they feel comfortable putting me in charge of critically important projects.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Being a single parent with a full-time job while also studying towards a bachelor’s degree can be quite overwhelming at times. Luckily, I work from home 4 out of 5 days a week which allows me to spend more time with my children, catching up with studies and house chores as well as pursuing my hobbies. I have a very busy yet very fulfilling life and I’m absolutely enjoying it!

Tell me I cannot do something, take a seat, and watch me prove you wrong.

How do you keep yourself up to date with the latest trends in machine learning and artificial intelligence?

By following the industry pioneers on social media, subscribing to relevant newsletters, and networking with other ML/AI enthusiasts and professionals, but mostly by attending conferences and meetups where I can witness firsthand some of the most recent breakthroughs in the field.

What tech topic would you like to learn more about?

Ever since I can remember, my father has dabbled in car dealership activities and, as the oldest daughter in our family (no sons, bless his heart), I was my father’s "son" by default so I would spend hours in the garage with him, helping around mechanics and getting the cars ready for sale. Diving into the world of AI, I found myself fascinated with autonomous vehicles, so one of the topics I most certainly intend to learn more about is the application of AI in modern transportation.

What do you consider to be the best aspect of being a woman in tech?

The ability to break stereotypes and influence positive changes. In my opinion, being underestimated is one of the biggest competitive advantages one can have. Tell me I cannot do something, take a seat, and watch me prove you wrong.

The world is already filled with people underestimating you, don’t make yourself one of them.

How can the industry help support and retain women in tech?

As an advocate of equal rights for each and every human, regardless of their gender, race, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, or political affiliation, I think the industry itself doesn’t necessarily have to fabricate any kind of special treatment for women, we are more than capable of earning our seats at the big boys' tables. However, having said that, don’t make it harder for us to excel in this career by offering us lower standards or dismissing our insights and contributions because you are unable to see beyond our physical appearance. There is definitely more to us than just that.

What advice would you like to give women looking to start their careers in tech?

Don’t be your worst enemy by doubting your abilities. The world is already filled with people underestimating you, don’t make yourself one of them. If it scares you and excites you at the same time, then it is the right path to take. With the appropriate attitude, every skill is obtainable, and every goal is achievable. Dare to take the leap, reap the rewards, and thank me later.