In this latest series of articles, we are publishing interviews of women who are working as a professional or a student in the technology sector. The objective is to highlight their work and contribution to the industry as well as to the community.
In these interviews, you will find women working in technology to solve real-world problems, to break stereotypes and to create the next big impact on the tech industry. This series of interviews shows that even with the lowest rate of women participation in the labor market in Pakistan, there are still lots of smart women who are creating and using technology to work wonders.
Today, we are featuring Yumna Asim. Read on to know more about her work and get inspired.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your education, and your work.
I am a Software Engineer working in a Software company. I graduated in Software Engineering from NED University and completed my Intermediate (Pre-Engineering) from BAMM PECHS College. During college, I participated in speech and stage hosting competitions. My college life was full of struggle and hard work. I got to study from the best teachers in college, who had sound knowledge of their subjects and were willing to teach.
I finished my Matriculation from Metropolitan School. I was the position holder, best speaker, and writer. I won awards and titles for being the best student in my class. I had the passion to participate in different competitions throughout my school life.
My parents has always motivated me to get the BEST education. They encourage me to participate, learn, and grow. Whatever good I’m today is because of my parents. They deserve all the appreciation for where I stand today. All that I am, I owe to my parents.
During my university, I explored various technology stacks. I have been passionate to develop software since my first semester. I developed a road crossing game in my first semester. Later, I learned website design and development. In my 2nd year, I started learning Java and Android Application Development. I developed mobile applications for the police and hospital sector in my 3rd year.
Furthermore, I worked hard to develop skills for freelancing. I made an account on Upwork and started freelancing. But my accounts got suspended with disappointments and I failed at all other freelancing platforms. Moreover, I kept struggling and got interviewed with Faiza Yousuf. She hired me as a part-time remote employee. This turns out well for me as I worked on various projects to empower women in technology.
During this time, I mainly work for WomenInTechPK, CodeGirls, and CryptoChicks Pakistan. I learned different types of writing (copywriting, content writing, technical writing), social media management, and handle all communications within the network. Additionally, I worked on projects to highlight the achievements of women and provide them access to opportunities. The work was challenging for me initially because I didn’t have a good experience but my passion for work motivated me. I learned online and did the job well.
I managed my studies and part-time job proficiently. I have been doing that since I joined university. In my 1st/2nd year at university, I focused on getting skilled and started looking for freelance work afterward. I passed my graduation with 3.7 CGPA, though I was doing a lot of work apart from my studies. Some credit goes to my friends, who were always there to teach me, share notes, and whatnot. I am truly blessed.
Right after my graduation, I joined Mazik Global as a full-time employee. During this time, I’ve worked on Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Power Platform. My colleagues are helpful, supportive, and approachable. I appreciate their cooperation and teamwork.
What are your plans/aspirations? What impact it will have on the community/society/your team/your project?
I have extensive experience in software development and worked hard to get skilled in it. Therefore, I want to continue working in the same field, but I would like to move to future technology skills. I would also like to utilize my experience in training and guiding newcomers.
Please brag about your career accomplishments, what are the things you are proud of?
I have some academic accomplishments from school to university. I still have so much to do and accomplish in my professional life.
Here are some of my proud accomplishments:
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- Samaa News invited me as a Game Developer to speak on the topic of ‘Blue Whale Game’. Also, I presented my Traffic Player Game. Video Link: shorturl.at/lqGX6
- I received a Full Merit Scholarship by NED University for scoring the highest percentage in Intermediate and maintaining a CGPA of 3.5 above throughout my graduation.
- I received a laptop from Prime Minister Laptop Scheme. I was on the top of the merit list by scoring 3.9 CGPA.
- I got 2nd position in the Project Showcase Competition at NED University. I was in the 3rd year and competed with the final year students. I presented two projects which I developed as a solo developer.
- Featured in the list of Incredible Pakistani Women In Technology You Must Follow. It is an unranked list of women who are actively participating in tech-focused businesses or fields.
- 5th position in DICE Virtual Innovation Competition (DICE VIC) organized by the NED Entrepreneurship Society.
- 1st Position Holder in school and college. Further, got admission to Best Women’s College and Best Engineering University.
- Received Certificates for participation in competitions, events, and workshops. Most active girl in developing software projects in university.
What has been your best education/career decision and why?
Being surrounded by right and well-educated people has always been my preference. I chose to pursue Engineering to connect with like-minded people.
I convinced my parents to allow me to take admission to the best girls’ college, which was far away from my residence. Best college gave me highly qualified teachers who helped to score good grades and ultimately got admission to the best engineering university. This decision proved to be beneficial to me.
Working for WomenInTechPK, CodeGirls, and Faiza Yousuf is another great decision in my career. The best thing is that I learn new skills and grow both personally and professionally. At WomenInTechPK, I love the network of distinguished professional women.
What’re the best lessons you’ve learned?
Everyone should have a good support network in every stage of life.
- Must have a mentor who knows your educational background and can help you to make better decisions in your career.
- Make good friends. Good friends are a blessing who are always there to listen, understand, and guide to bring the best out of you.
- Build a professional network/friendship where you can count on for career advancement.
Which woman inspires you and why?
Faiza Yousuf inspires me and she has been my mentor in professional life. She has helped me to understand many professional ethics. The best thing about her that inspires me is her contribution to empowering women in technology.
Sarah Ahmed, she was my senior in university. Her interest in software development inspires me and I followed in her footsteps. She has also been my mentor in university life.
All other women who are striving to get the best education/career inspire me.
Do you think Pakistan has changed as a society, in terms of accepting career-oriented women? What needs to change to help more women come forward?
I think that Pakistan, as a society, has come forward but still a long way to go.
We need to address the challenges that come in their way and give them support. Parents need to encourage their daughters to study hard and excel in their careers. On the corporate side, we need to support women in stepping into professional life. Women should also make it easy for other women to come forward. We all need to work collectively to bring a change.
How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
Women often need a role model to look for guidance and mentorship. When they see any women successful and working in the same field, they gain confidence. WomenInTechPK is playing a vital role in highlighting the achievements of women. But WomenInTechPK may consider using print media for broader visibility.
You can follow Yumna Asim using her profiles below, and please do not hesitate in hiring her for your next project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumna-asim/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yumna_Asim
Portfolio: http://yumnaasim.portfoliobox.net/portfolio
GitHub: https://github.com/yumna11
