A heat welcome
Rising up in Bulgaria, Angelica didn’t initially lean in the direction of laptop science. “I really liked languages and writing, and all the time dreamed of travelling the world. So, regardless that I used to be fairly tech-savvy, my determination to check software program engineering was in all probability fairly shocking to a few of my household and associates.” Angelica’s research passed off in Eindhoven and after practically seven years there, she transitioned to working at bol as a mid-level software program engineer. “I couldn’t wait to get began a bol. Sadly, at the moment, we had been within the midst of a pandemic with a strict lockdown—not the perfect state of affairs for beginning a brand new job. Fortunately for me, my crew and my supervisor embraced me with open arms. They took the time to get to know me, going out of their method to make me really feel welcome. That made all of the distinction on the planet.”
Embracing the problem
Reflecting on that point, 2.5 years in the past, Angelica virtually sees herself as a distinct individual now. “I’ve grown immensely since then, and that’s as a result of I’ve been given the house to take action. For instance, inside only a yr of becoming a member of bol, I used to be invited to take part in a high-priority undertaking involving a CMS migration. It was extremely intimidating initially. Being comparatively younger, I wasn’t totally certain if I had the data and braveness to deal with such a major problem. Nonetheless, bol’s perception in me boosted my confidence immensely. The undertaking pushed me to collaborate with new individuals, be taught new abilities, and take the lead. I embraced the problem and really feel like I’ve gained data and expertise that usually would take at the least 10 years to achieve.”
Beginning new tasks, taking over challenges and stepping out of her consolation zone, it’s issues that now appear a part of Angelica’s DNA. “Right here at bol, you’re very inspired to hitch initiatives exterior of your crew and function alone. It has led me to tackle additional duties equivalent to internet hosting a speaker room at this yr’s Areas Summit and conducting interviews for potential new crew members. And it’s not restricted to work-related actions alone. From team-building occasions to coding and board recreation meetups, no matter you’re on the lookout for in a group you could find right here at bol.”
“Whereas being a lady and a foreignermight set me aside from the norm,these elements don’t outline me. I’m alsoan engineer, expert at what I do, and Iappreciate that bol acknowledges that.” – Angelica Rao, Senior Software program Engineer
