Learning a new skill can change human lives for the better. We are publishing inspirational stories of women who advanced the career ladder with the help of technology and mentorship. In this series of interviews, you will hear about CodeGirls and how it changed the perception of technology for so many women in Pakistan.
These interviews shed light on the day-to-day issues of a woman who wants to get her foot in the door and start her career in technology. The CodeGirls platform empowered these women and gave them bigger goals to bet on!
Today, we are featuring Insiya Fatima. Read on to know more about her learning at CodeGirls as well as her professional experience.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your education, and your work.
My name is Insiya Fatima Rajani and I am 19 years old. I have completed my Matriculation from Fatimiyah Girls’ School in Computer Science. I have completed my Intermediate from Fatimiyah Girls’ College in Pre-Engineering. I am doing Bachelor in Psychology from Virtual University, and I am working as an intern at a software company, CogniVenture.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
I don’t think anyone person influenced me greatly. My parents, of course, helped me to make something of myself, but did not influence me in the sense that I looked at them and said: “Because of you, I want to do X.”. But I have learned a lot from them. They taught me how to be grateful and appreciate simple things in life, and how to be patient and resilient in times of hardships and difficulties. There is a quote that says: “Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement, and action have an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.” And it’s definitely true. But overall, I get influence from a desire to be the best I can be, not from a desire to emulate someone else.
Why did you choose to learn to code?
I choose to learn code because it is fun. It’s an interesting field. After my intermediate, I decided to dedicate my free time to learn HTML, CSS, and other basics. I see all these web development jobs in high demand. However, as I’ve evolved, it’s become much more than earning extra money. It improves my interpersonal skills. Today, my main motivation to keep gaining skills is not earning money, instead, I am inspired by creating websites/applications, and learning from new experiences which is exactly what I want to do every day.
What was your experience like with CodeGirlsKarachi?
I really enjoyed the CodeGirls Training Program, it’s an excellent way to bring the girls into the tech world. The course was presented in an enthusiastic way. The experience teaches me the proper techniques of the technical world, it also taught me how to learn independently, how to stick with a problem and find ways of solving it. I found the workshops refreshing and motivating, there were many elements of my life both at work and home that I recognized from this that can be made better.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am most proud of the fact that I completed my course of web development and learned new skills which helped me in a way that I got an opportunity to work as an internee in a software house; CogniVenture. I am happy that along with my studies I am trying to build my career as well and trying to manage both my job and my studies and giving my best. I guess it’s the proudest thing for me.
What goals have you set yourself for the next 3 years?
My goal is to secure a position at a company where I can continue to grow and improve myself both personally and professionally. I enjoy challenges and look forward to opportunities where I will be able to assume more responsibilities. And apart from that, I want to complete my studies.
What would you do differently if you had a chance?
If I had a chance I want to start working as a freelancer and I want to start doing freelance projects on the side.
Did getting a job changed anything for you within and outside the family?
No, it didn’t change anything, my family supported me at every step I took in building my career and they are still supporting me. My brother is also in this field so I got his support too.
You can contact Insiya Fatima using her email address below, and please do not hesitate in hiring her for your next project.
Email: rajani.insiya@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insiya.fatima.9066
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InsiyaFatima4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
