Yasemin Balci Talks About Her Experiences As A Woman In The Tech Industry

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we took the opportunity to dive into the topic of women within the tech industry, and Greentube Malta’s EUC Engineer, passionate techie and IT specialist, Yasemin Balci, was the perfect fit. We caught up with her to find out why she chose this career path, the hurdles she’s faced and why Greentube is the perfect place for women looking to get into the tech and IT industry.

Yasemin, tell us about what your role at Greentube Malta involves.

As an EUC Engineer at Greentube, my responsibilities encompass introducing and implementing a range of established and new technologies for our end users. Collaborating closely with the rest of the team, we aim to deliver cutting-edge solutions while offering essential support for a variety of end-user computing products, ensuring seamless operation and user satisfaction.

What made you want to get into a career within this industry?

My background in electronic and communication engineering sparked my interest in IT and technology. Since then, I’ve been drawn to the ever-evolving nature of the industry, prompting me to pursue a career in technology.

Was this an area you always wanted to go into?

Indeed, my deep passion for technology made it the clear and only choice for my career path.

What areas of technology are you especially passionate about?

I’m particularly enthusiastic about technologies that offer accessibility from any location, making it possible for users to connect regardless of where they are. I enjoy contributing to the development of tools that facilitate working from any device, anywhere. Being able to support mobility in this aspect is something I truly enjoy.

As a woman in tech, what have been the difficulties for you proving yourself within a predominantly male area?

One of the main difficulties I’ve encountered is dispelling the stereotype that women are less technically proficient than men and are more suited to non-technical or soft roles. This misconception often leads to a lack of recognition for my technical skills and abilities, making it challenging to prove myself within a predominantly male-dominated setting. It requires constant effort to break through these biases and demonstrate my expertise on the same level as my male colleagues.

“Staying approachable and maintaining a professional attitude has helped me navigate any challenges that have come my way on my journey.”

Are there any major hurdles you’ve had to overcome?

Not really, thankfully. I’ve found that staying approachable and maintaining a professional attitude has helped me navigate any challenges that have come my way on my journey.

Do you feel that recently, more women are moving into a technology-oriented occupation, both at Greentube and from your general experiences with others?

In my nine years working in IT, I haven’t seen many more women joining the industry. While there’s been a slight increase, it’s still not common for women to choose IT jobs.

What do you think needs to change in order to get more women involved in the industry, and why aren’t women currently interested in working in this field?

To increase female participation in IT, we need to start with early education, break stereotypes, and create inclusive workplaces. Currently, women may be deterred by societal norms, lack of representation, and concerns about workplace culture and discrimination. Addressing these issues will help make the field more attractive to women.

Would you recommend Greentube as a good company for women interested in technology to work or apply to?

Without a doubt, I strongly endorse Greentube as an excellent company for women seeking opportunities in the technology sector. Since day one, I’ve consistently felt supported and fostered a sense of loyalty towards Greentube. Their unwavering support and encouragement have provided me with ample opportunities to express myself and grow professionally.

Who is your role model that has helped you the most in your career?

I’ve been lucky to meet many inspiring people in my career, so it’s hard to choose just one role model. However, one of my managers really stood out as a mentor. They stressed the value of hard work, a passion for technology, and constantly expanding our knowledge to bring the best to our systems. Their support made me feel valued in IT, with feedback always based on my work, not my gender.

If you could give a piece of advice to other women looking to get ahead in this field of work, what would it be?

For other women aiming to advance in this field, I suggest embracing new challenges, continuously expanding your knowledge, and staying passionate about technology, which offers abundant opportunities. Being part of IT roles is all about our perspective and approach. Don’t let any setbacks discourage you from pursuing your goals in the tech field.