In this latest series of articles, we are publishing interviews of women who are working as a professional or a student in the technology sector. The objective is to highlight their work and contribution to the industry as well as to the community.
In these interviews, you will find women working in technology to solve real-world problems, to break stereotypes and to create the next big impact on the tech industry. This series of interviews shows that even with the lowest rate of women participation in the labor market in Pakistan, there are still lots of smart women who are creating and using technology to work wonders.
Today, we are featuring Zulqarnain Abdul Jabbar. Read on to know more about her work and get inspired.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your education, and your work.
I am Zulqarnain, working as a Lead Software Engineer at Folio3 (Dynamics Team) since July 2015. During education, I found logical reasoning subjects like Maths, Physics, and Programming more attractive. There was more scope in the Software industry at that time so I decided to pursue my education in this domain and completed MCS from the University of Karachi and then MSSE from Muhammad Ali Jinnah University. I have successfully published two research papers till now.
My Research papers:
- http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=69279
- http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=55394
I started my career in Oct 2009 from Softnology System as Software Engineer then switched to another software house named Enterprise Team (eTeamid.com) in Dec 2009. I spent almost 5.5 years there and that was the best learning time of my life in the Software Industry. Folio3 Pvt Ltd. is the third and last company till now and I am enjoying my time here to the fullest.
What are your future plans/aspirations? What impact it will have on the community/society/your team/your project?
I am willing to continue with the tech domain to reach the Software Architect position. Want to gain experience in Pre Sales as well so that I can start my business. In this way, I can pay back to society and my team what I have earned till now from the industry.
Please brag about your career accomplishments, what are the things you are really proud of?
- Pursuing a career as Software Engineer is the biggest achievement because there was not much inspiration and motivation from the family and the surroundings. Then continuing my career to 11+ years as Software Developer is another big achievement
- HotShot of the month employee within Folio3
- Star Performer of the Year for Dynamics Practice within Folio3
- Working with many other programs like IdeaBash, Annual Dinner Skit committee, etc. gave me exposure to the leadership
- We have a Line Management system here in Folio3 that is another biggest mentoring opportunity.
What has been your best education/career decision and why?
Moving to Folio3 is the best decision so far because I am getting more and more opportunities to flourish.
What’re the best lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t be in your comfort zone, don’t waste your time if you really want to continue your career in technology. You have to keep working hard if you want to be in competition.
Which woman inspires you and why?
- My mother because of her passion to serve everyone in every way possible.
- Some of the school and University teachers like Ms. Humera Tariq, Ms. Asia, Ms. Mariam because they gave good competition to their colleagues who were supposed to be very good in the technology domain.
- Some of my colleagues in Folio3 like Maliha Khan, Erum, etc. because of the success they achieved and like Laraib Fakhar because of the level of success she has achieved in two years.
Do you think Pakistan has changed as a society, in terms of accepting career-oriented women ?What needs to change to help more women come forward?
If I look into the industry, yes, because there are more women in the industry now who are career-oriented and organizations like WomenInTechPK are working to inspire more women and make opportunities for them. If I look into the surroundings not much difference yet.
More success stories, a more secure environment, more support from the society/industry can make a difference.
What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
To keep them up to date with the latest tools and technologies to be in the competition.
If you could change one thing about the tech industry/business, what would it be?
Change the women’s mindset to take the career for-granted and easy job. Also, to ensure equal opportunities for women for training courses, companywide visits to attract business, etc.
How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
Keep doing what you are doing right now, inform us if there is an opportunity to grow, keep trying to introduce more women to the tech industry.
You can follow Zulqarnain Abdul Jabbar using her profiles below, and please do not hesitate in hiring her for your next project.
Email: zulqarnain.abduljabbar@gmail.com, zjabbar@folio3.com
Skype ID: zulqarnain.aj
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/zulqarnainaj/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zulqarnain_aj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetrybyzaj/, https://www.instagram.com/zulqarnain.aj/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulqarnain-jabbar-793b6a116/
