University of Glasgow Azerbaijan Alumni Association Successfully Hosts Second “Talent to Light” Project: "Women in Tech" with Selbi Ereshova

On October 19th, the University of Glasgow Azerbaijan Alumni Association hosted the second installment of its “Talent to Light” initiative under the theme “Women in Tech.” The event featured Selbi Ereshova, a distinguished software developer at Bloomberg, who shared her insights into her professional journey, her experiences in the tech industry, and her commitment to self-development.

The webinar began with an introduction to the Women in Tech concept, an organization that fosters a global network of over 250,000 members, supporting women from diverse academic backgrounds, including Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering and Engineering Technologies, Economics, and Physical Sciences. Selbi engaged the audience by discussing her educational path, her achievements before and during her undergraduate studies, and the internships that built her expertise.

Highlighting key stages in her career, Selbi underscored the importance of mock interviews and how support from the DevPaths Community played a vital role in preparing her for real-world interviews. She also emphasized the value of networking, referrals, and connecting with alumni as essential strategies for job seekers in the tech field.

In the second part of the webinar, Selbi introduced the “Pillars of Success,” a framework for building expertise and knowledge in technology careers. She outlined four essential pillars for aspiring professionals:

1.⁠ ⁠CS Fundamentals: A strong foundation in Computer Science is the first pillar, covering core areas such as programming languages (Java, C++, Python), data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, database management, networks, operating systems, and computer architecture. Mastery of these fundamentals prepares individuals to advance in the tech industry.

2.⁠ ⁠Projects and Extracurricular Activities: Practical experience gained through class projects, personal projects, and active participation in school communities is invaluable. Attending programming events is also recommended for hands-on learning and expanding one’s professional network. These projects allow aspiring professionals to develop their skills, adapt to team settings, and create a portfolio that showcases their competencies.

3.⁠ ⁠Internships: Internships provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, learn industry-specific tools, and grow a professional network. They are a proving ground for future employment, as they allow individuals to receive feedback and refine their abilities.

4.⁠ ⁠Practice: Selbi emphasized the importance of consistent practice in algorithm problem-solving, including identifying patterns, progressing gradually, practicing under time constraints, and reviewing solutions to learn from mistakes. Practicing algorithm questions and following up with more challenging ones strengthens problem-solving abilities and prepares candidates for interviews.

5.⁠ ⁠Mock Interviews: Preparing for interviews through mock sessions is crucial, as coding alone is insufficient. Candidates should clarify any missing points, communicate their thought processes, consider time complexity, and articulate solutions comprehensively. Mock interviews build confidence and refine skills needed for actual interviews.

Throughout the webinar, Selbi also shared practical tips on building a professional CV, advising attendees to keep it concise (one page), in black and white, with no picture, and organized in bullet points with bold, data-driven entries tailored to each role. She suggested using templates to create visually appealing yet professional layouts.

Additional tips for job seekers included:

•⁠ ⁠Seeking referrals to increase chances of job opportunities.

•⁠ ⁠Finding mock interview partners to simulate real interview conditions.

•⁠ ⁠Researching company cultures to ensure alignment.

•⁠ ⁠Applying for multiple positions and consistently asking for feedback after interviews.

•⁠ ⁠Staying positive throughout the job search process, as persistence is key.

This event was a tremendous success, offering valuable insights into building a career in tech for women and equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to succeed in a highly competitive industry.