A heat welcome
Rising up in Bulgaria, Angelica didn’t initially lean in the direction of laptop science. “I truly liked languages and writing, and at all times dreamed of travelling the world. So, regardless that I used to be fairly tech-savvy, my resolution to check software program engineering was in all probability fairly stunning to a few of my household and pals.” Angelica’s research occurred 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 group and my supervisor embraced me with open arms. They took the time to get to know me, going out of their option 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 nearly sees herself as a unique particular person now. “I’ve grown immensely since then, and that’s as a result of I’ve been given the area to take action. For instance, inside only a 12 months of becoming a member of bol, I used to be invited to take part in a high-priority challenge involving a CMS migration. It was extremely intimidating initially. Being comparatively younger, I wasn’t solely positive if I had the information and braveness to sort out such a big problem. Nevertheless, bol’s perception in me boosted my confidence immensely. The challenge pushed me to collaborate with new folks, study new abilities, and take the lead. I embraced the problem and really feel like I’ve gained information and expertise that usually would take a minimum of 10 years to achieve.”
Beginning new initiatives, 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 group and function alone. It has led me to tackle further duties comparable to internet hosting a speaker room at this 12 months’s Areas Summit and conducting interviews for potential new group members. And it’s not restricted to work-related actions alone. From team-building occasions to coding and board sport meetups, no matter you’re on the lookout for in a group yow will discover right here at bol.”
“Whereas being a girl 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