Rashin has over seven years of experience in the IT consulting business and more than ten years of sales experience. She has worked with leading companies in the telecom, private and public sectors. Rashin is one of the Women in Tech Storytelling Speakers 2020. She is an innovator and enthusiastic risk-taker with deep expertise in both technologies and business.
What did you think about your education program?
I studied Computer Science at Stockholm University. I really didn’t have that much of expectations when I chose my program. I only knew I wanted to study technology because that is something, I always have had interest in and wanted to work with. I chose this program because I wanted to learn how system and application was built from scratch. The program that I chose was very technical with a lot of focus on programming and learning different programming languages. The class was approximately 60 persons and there were less than 5 girls. If we look into other programs at the university, I would say there were definitely more girls on other programs.
There are still fewer girls who choose technical education than boys. How do you think it can be changed?
I think it’s very important to be promoted through storytelling, especially when you are a female in the tech industry. We can inspire other females/girls and show them that IT is so full of opportunities, especially today when the technology is evolving so fast. I have seen, for fact, there are more females studying tech programs today than it used to be 8-10 years ago and that is so amazing! But I think many people have a wrong image of what you can achieve in IT. And I believe that is why there are still less women choosing tech programs. After all, women generally want to have a clear path forward and get a clear picture of what role they will play after studying in the IT field.
Tell us about your career in tech! What do you like the most about working in the tech sector?
I started as a support technician and quit fast, realizing that I want to work with much bigger challenges then supporting others with technical issues. Of course, that experience was very userful and let me become more service- and customer-minded. Afterwards, I decided to work as a Java developer not only to challenge myself but mainly because I wanted to get deeper understanfing of how everything is working. After a couple of years as a Java developer, I became a Consultant Manager, responsible for building a team.
In a year, I became a Business Unit Manager for a division focusing on software development. I successfully built a unit of 80 own consultants, responsible for business, sales, financial, budget etc. The best thing of working in the tech sector is the never ending changes of technologies, making us to adapt, take advantage of the technologies opportunities, and create new solutions.
How can the tech industry become more inclusive?
I believe in transparent leadership, and that is something that I have been working with for many years. I think, being transparent in everything you do, will encourage not only women to involve in the Tech industry, but everyone. I belive that a culture, where people and their development are in focus will motivate people to stay.
What is your advice to the young women who are just starting their career?
My advice to the young women who are just starting their career is never to give up, be brave to stand out. Work hard, learn a lot and don’t be afraid of doing anything outside your comfort zone. Also, look for a mentor or someone who inspires you to get coaching and support you during your career.
Rashin Kabodvand sharing her story from a junior Java developer to business leader at Women in Tech 2020.
About Women in Technology
Technology is one of the most developed areas nowadays, as many new inventions come every day. The majority of businesses have now recognized that balanced and diversified work environment brings the best productivity. However, still, a small percentage of women consider technology and engineering for the future employment. Therefore, we launched a series of interviews Women in Technology with Sigma Technology’s female employees to show that women are making a big change in technology and engineering world. #womenintechnology