“What truly excites me about working in tech is the meaningful impact it can have on peopleʼs lives.“ An Interview with Rida Noor, Full-Stack Developer

Tech Careers Teams, StartSteps |14.11.2023

“Working in tech provides me with a remarkable sense of power. It’s an incredible sensation to wield technology and to utilize it for the betterment of society.” – Rida, Full-Stack Developer

Following her engaging presentation at the Role Model Day during our Compass Course—an immersive program spanning coding, UX/UI, data, online marketing, cybersecurity, cloud computing, app development, and IT—we caught up with Rida to delve deeper into her insights. In this exclusive interview, Rida generously shares her personal career journey, insider tips, and delivers an inspiring call to action for the readers, encouraging them to carve their unique paths in the ever-evolving tech industry.

During our conversation, Rida unfolds her professional journey, showcasing over six years of expertise in backend development. Proficient in languages like PHP (Core, Laravel, Zend/Laminas) and JavaScript (Vue.js, React.js), her technical prowess spans a diverse array of technologies, ranging from backend intricacies to design aesthetics. As we present her narrative, we extend an invitation to explore the nuanced world of web development through Rida’s lens. Discover the wealth of knowledge she brings to the table and the inspiration she instills in aspiring tech enthusiasts.

Rida

Hi Rida, what do you enjoy most about working in tech?

The constant challenges in the tech field keep me on my toes and ensure I’m always learning something new, which aligns perfectly with my adventurous spirit. I’ve never been one to settle for tedious and easy work, and that’s why tech feels like such a perfect fit for me.

But what truly excites me is the meaningful impact my work can have on people’s lives. Through my experiences, including running a foundation named “Shaheena Foundation” in Pakistan that supports people with their medical and educational needs, I deeply understand the importance of helping others. It’s incredibly rewarding to develop systems in areas like business, health, and education that genuinely make a difference. It’s like living my ultimate goal of making people’s lives easier and brighter through the power of technology.

Working in tech also provides me with a remarkable sense of power, as if I can control machines and direct them to serve humanity. It’s an incredible sensation to wield technology and to utilize it for the betterment of society. By leveraging my skills and knowledge, I can guide these machines to make a positive impact and contribute to the greater good. It’s a unique and empowering experience to be at the forefront of harnessing technology’s potential and directing it towards fulfilling humanity’s needs.

Overall, my passion for helping others, coupled with the constant challenges, makes working in tech a truly fulfilling and purpose-driven journey for me. The ability to control technology for the greater good adds to this sense of purpose.

And what made you start working in tech?

I jumped headfirst into the tech world because I’ve always had this crazy fascination with machines. The thought of controlling and manipulating technology has always been incredibly fascinating to me! It’s like having this epic power to create and program these incredible contraptions to do our bidding.

The more I delved into it, the more I realized that the tech field is an endless playground of possibilities. It’s like an never-ending adventure where you’re constantly exploring and learning new things. I just had to be a part of this revolutionary journey, where I could be on the frontline of advancements and innovations.

But here’s the real kicker: what truly drove me was the opportunity to use technology to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Being able to apply my skills and knowledge to help others and solve real-world problems? It’s like being a superhero, but with a keyboard instead of a cape.

So, that’s my story. I couldn’t resist the allure of harnessing the power of machines, diving into the ever-evolving world of tech, and using it all to make a difference. It’s been an exhilarating ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Rida and her family

Why should someone learn a digital skill? e.g. coding

Learning a digital skill, like coding, is like unlocking a secret superpower: it opens doors to exciting career opportunities, fuels your problem-solving abilities, and lets you bring your creative ideas to life. Plus, in today’s tech-driven world, digital skills are the keys to adapting, thriving, and making a positive impact. So, join the digital revolution, embrace the fun, and unleash your inner superhero!

How do you keep yourself motivated when you’re experiencing a rough patch?

When facing a rough patch and needing to regain motivation, I rely on several strategies. First and foremost, I prioritize self-care and taking breaks to recharge myself. It’s important to remind myself of my long-term goals and the reasons why I embarked on this journey in the first place, as it reignites my passion and drive. 

Seeking support from peers, mentors, or online communities is another valuable step I take. Engaging with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges I face provides guidance and encouragement to overcome obstacles. I also find inspiration in reading or learning from others’ success stories, as they remind me of what’s possible and motivate me to push forward. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps is a strategy that helps me combat overwhelm. By focusing on one step at a time, I make progress and experience a sense of accomplishment, which fuels my motivation. Celebrating small victories and milestones along the way further reinforces my sense of progress and keeps me motivated. 

Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of asking for help when needed. While I believe in independent problem-solving, there are times when reaching out for assistance is essential for my mental health and personal growth. It’s okay to admit when I’m stuck and seek support from others who can provide fresh perspectives and solutions. So, these are the strategies I rely on to regain motivation during rough patches. I encourage you to try them out and adapt them to your own situation. Remember, regaining motivation is a journey, but with resilience and focus, you can overcome any obstacle and continue on your path with renewed enthusiasm.

Thank you, Rida!

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