At ⋮IWConnect, we take immense pride in the remarkable journeys of our talented team members. Milka B. Pitoshka’s story exemplifies our commitment to fostering an environment where passion, perseverance, and continuous growth thrive.
From her early days as a software developer to her current role in low-code development, Milka’s path is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing excellence. Her seamless transition to cutting-edge technologies mirrors our company’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve.
As a working mother, Milka’s ability to strike a harmonious work-life balance inspires many, showing the significance of balancing work and family life. Her experiences offer valuable insights into navigating the challenges of modern-day parenthood while maintaining a thriving career, aligning with our philosophy of empowering our employees to achieve their full potential.
Milka’s story at ⋮IWConnect is a shining example of our mission to cultivate an environment where innovation, personal growth, and a fulfilling work-life harmony converge seamlessly, highlighting the importance of balancing work and family life.
What inspired you to pursue a career in software development, and how did you get started working with .NET?
To be honest, the faculty of informatics was not my first choice when I enrolled in college. Back then, there needed to be more talk about programming, and few companies worked with IT. Fortunately, I had a friend already in her second year at the Faculty of Natural Mathematics, Department of Computer Architectures and Networks, so she referred me to this. It immediately attracted me, and that’s how the path took me to the faculty of information at the Faculty of Natural Mathematics and later FINKI.
Regarding technology during the faculty, the required programming language on faculty was Java, but as an optional course, the professor offered us the course on .net web programming.
I was immediately drawn to the technology. I finished the course and got a certificate 🙂 Which was decisive for the future. After my graduation, I applied to ⋮IWConnect. I got a chance to have an internship.
I was honored to have many quality mentors. You could say the dice rolled for me. A few months after the end of the internship, there was a job opening for a Junior .NET developer for the needs of a big banking project. The rest is history.
As a mother, what strategies have you employed to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working in ⋮IWConnect?
Balancing work and motherhood is a big life challenge, requiring significant adjustments to one’s schedule and responsibilities. The most important thing is to be mentally prepared for balancing work and family life. Family planning is crucial, and I ensured I was ready to take on the mom role, balancing work and family life with responsibility. I trust my intuition and take positive examples from people around me.
When I’m off work, my focus is entirely on my kids. We play with cars, solve puzzles, and kick a football around. These activities help us bond and create beautiful memories together.
One thing that helps is that my company, ⋮IWConnect, has an on-site kindergarten. Knowing my kids are well taken care of while at work gives me peace of mind and lets me concentrate fully on my job. It’s a perfect setup to support my career and family life.
What factors influenced your decision to transition from .NET to low-code platforms, and how did ⋮IWConnect support you during this transition?
Technologies are always evolving, and I’ve always wanted to learn new things. The transition from .NET to low-code platforms felt natural for me. Luckily, my personal growth aligned perfectly with the company’s strategies, making the switch even smoother.
I received incredible support from everyone at ⋮IWConnect during this transition. My mentors and colleagues were always there to help me upgrade my skills, and I’m really grateful to them for that. Knowing I had a whole team backing me up as I navigated this new path made a big difference, especially in managing my hours at work and time with loved ones.
How has your experience with .NET development shaped your approach to working with low-code platforms?
My experience with .NET development has helped me get the most out of working with low-code platforms. Knowing a programming language like .NET before starting with low-code tools makes a big difference. Even though some people in IT are skeptical about low code, any developer who’s given it a shot will tell you how useful it can be.
Having that background in .NET means I can understand how things work behind the scenes in low-code platforms. It makes troubleshooting easier, lets me customize things more effectively, and helps me see these tools’ full potential and limits. So, if you’ve got some programming experience, it helps you make the most of low-code development.
What advice would you offer to other women, particularly mothers, who are considering a career in low-code development?
My advice is universal and applicable to both women and men: don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself.
I emphasize the importance of perseverance for women, especially mothers, considering a career in low-code development, and the need for flexibility in their schedule. Priorities will shift, and children will grow, making balancing work and family challenging. However, if you truly love this profession, those challenges become manageable, especially when my employer supports flexibility and family time.
It’s essential to pursue a career in low-code development because you have a genuine passion for it, not just for prestige. The joy and satisfaction from doing something you love will make navigating the changing dynamics of your life easier. Keep focused, stay adaptable, and remember that your dedication and hard work will pay off in the long run.
Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that help you recharge and maintain a sense of balance in your life?
Currently, I enjoy watching movies when my kids are asleep. It’s a great way to unwind and relax after a busy day, spending quality family time. Over the weekends, I love to travel. Every free moment is spent exploring new places, which gives me more time to bond with my children and create lasting memories. We sing songs in the car and just enjoy each other’s company.
It’s not exactly a hobby, but I also love spending time with my friends, whether it’s after work, a late lunch, or a night out. Being around people I care about brings me much happiness and keeps me balanced and refreshed.
