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Irena Yana

Irena Yana

EDF Energy

Career Roadmap

Irena's work combines: Technology, Education, and Learning / Being Challenged

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Day In The Life

Software Developer

I create amazing stuff with code

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia

    University of Greenwich - London

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Software Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    First I decided to the more "girly" -marketing only to find out that is not my path

  • 2.

    then I decided to leave all my life and go to another country and study what I have always wanted

  • 3.

    I started working for an amazing company where innovation was the key to success

  • 4.

    now I am mentoring young girls and soon to be a teacher who hopefully inspires others

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    "You don't look like a coding girl" or "You will be the perfect housewife"

  • How I responded:

    What if I don't want to be a housewife? Then don't! Follow your dreams and don't let society, family or anyone tell you what you can and can't-do. You are amazing! And no matter what path you decide to take make sure you love it, the rest doesn't matter.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • Going to a completely new country, knowing no one and starting your life again from scratch is quite challenging. Studying full-time and working every single free minute you have in order to pay your rent is a must. But at the end is all paying off

  • Going around and trying to find a subject which is suitable for the society took a while. When I started my degree I was over 25 and needed more time to concentrate on studying than the others.

  • Everyone from my family was doubting me. Saying that most likely after one year at University I will be back to my country and I will regret it. Well, it's the end of my degree, I have a secure job and I love what I am doing.