This year, Amdaris is a Gold Partner of Tech Women Moldova (TWM), a public association that is dedicated to attracting, supporting and empowering women in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Starting mid-May, Tech Women Moldova is hosting a three-month mentoring programme, which will be run by 18 mentors, including four of our talented Amdaris QA Engineers: Natalia Bodrug, Dina Gritco, Maria Sahaidac and Natalia Nezalzov.
In this blog series, we catch up with each of them to find out about their journeys into tech and why they decided to become mentors.
Meet Natalia Nezalzov
How did you get into a career in tech?
I have worked in tech for three years. My journey started with my curiosity when I saw a publication about a programme dedicated exclusively to women that aimed to attract them into the field of tech. I applied to the programme, which was called the National IT Training Programme for Girls and Women and, upon completing it, I was hired as a Front-end Developer at a startup.
After a while, due to the client’s financial problems, the project I was working on was terminated. However, this created a new opportunity for me to learn and develop further. I decided to study the field of testing. I instantly fell in love with it and understood that this was where I was meant to be.
When you were younger did you have any female role models in tech?
When I was young, I was passionate about dancing, then I saw myself in management. I never thought I would do what I love now.
Are there any women that particularly inspire you?
My mother. All my energy, ambition and stubbornness are inherited from her. Throughout my life, she has been an example to me; always by my side and supporting me in everything I do.
Did you have any mentors when you started in tech?
My journey into IT began without mentoring. However, one of the most memorable things I was told was by my first teacher on the Front-end course. He said: “After you become a specialist in the field, don’t forget that a good rule is to be a mentor for at least three more people”.
When I joined Amdaris, I met many wonderful and kind people, who gladly accepted, guided and supported me. They took care of me and it made a big difference. The Tech Women Moldova community is also full of brave, intelligent and enterprising women. Women who manage to be successful at home, as mothers and wives, as well as do well at work. Women who are always developing professionally and are willing to share their stories and experience with others who are thinking of embracing a technical profession.
Why did you choose to take part in the mentoring?
My path into IT was not easy and if I’d had someone at the beginning to support and motivate me it would have made a world of difference. Often, women do not trust that they will be able to succeed in IT because there is a stereotype that this field is more for men – but this is not the case! I am participating in this mentoring programme to help more girls join this beautiful world and to help establish equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender.
What does your impossible look like when it comes to Women in Tech?
Nothing is impossible but achievement takes action and self-belief. The important thing in life is to try and not regret what you didn’t attempt. I come from the field of economics and I am a woman with a family and three children. I am proud that I have overcome fears, obstacles and stereotypes in order to be doing something I love. I am ready to motivate as many women as I can so that my example can be achieved by as many as possible.
“You educate a man, you educate a man.
You educate a woman, you educate a generation.”
Brigham Young
Are you feeling inspired by Natalia’s story and looking to make your first steps in a career in tech? If so, apply to our Amdaris internship programme today.
We hope you are enjoying our ‘Meet the Mentors’ series. If you missed the first two Q&As with mentors Natalia Bodrug and Dina Gritco, then do give them a read. Follow along to meet our final mentor Maria Sahaidac soon.
