A conversation with Magdalena Smieja
How does it feel to be working in the IT sector as a woman?
Magdalena Smieja: “It is a great adventure, as well as a big challenge, especially when you completely change your career path, without having anything to do with IT before (as it was my case).
Fortunately, my work environment is a great place, where I’m getting constant support from my Team Leader and co-workers. Here I can develop my skills and grow, and every day is a proof that the IT sector can be a perfect place for women.”
How do you manage to balance your personal life with your career?
Magdalena Smieja: “Work-life balance is a crucial matter for me.
When I am at work, I am 100% into it. However, when my job is done, I turn my computer off and I completely focus on myself and on spending quality time with close people of mine.
Reading books, jogging, travelling, hanging out with friends, hiking, watching movies, learning languages or just simply getting bored sometimes – all these things contribute to clearing my mind and becoming a better worker and a better person every day.”
What is the most important advice you would give to all women around you?
Magdalena Smieja: “You don’t have to be perfect or to prove anything to anyone. You don’t have to compare yourself with men or to try being better than men are. You don’t have to be better than anyone is. Love yourself!”
What are the 3 words that best describe you as a woman?
Magdalena Smieja: “Open-minded, distanced and with a sense of humor. That can sound like mutually exclusive values, but being open and having a distance to the others and myself at the same time builds the balance, that perfectly describes me as a woman – and as a human.”
What does the International Women day mean to you?
Magdalena Smieja: “Every occasion to celebrate life is good, so I think that we should celebrate if we only can. Additionally, it is a nice day to remind ourselves that we are all great, we should care more for the people around us and respect each other.”
Share the story with a friend!
