Meet Anastasiia Iskandarova-Mala
Anastasiia graduated with Honours Master of Computer Science, Software Engineering from Dniprovsk State Technical University, 17'. She currently works as a CEO Founder IT company DEVORLD, Study space HELLO WORLD and org IMAOTAG HUB. In her spare time Anastasiia likes to do software development and creating creative visual content.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I have been passionate about computers since I was little. My parents and computer science teacher always supported me, but others often repeated that "programming is for boys". I knew from the age of 15 that I wanted to study software development. I now have a bachelor's, master's and PhD in computer science. I really loved computer science from school and this gave a strong start to my development after graduation. I quickly started freelance work at university. When I worked and did internships at various companies, I realized that working in the office does not suit me. Also, I immediately wanted to participate in all stages of software development. I went through a lot of interviews, internships and teamwork - this is a great important experience.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
Firstly, I really like that this field develops special thinking. It helps in work and in general in all areas of life. Second, STEM is an amazing community! There is a lot of support, variety, all doors, all boundaries are open. It is a feeling of freedom and true creation. You create things that change the world, make it better, help people, solve problems. STEM is where you constantly develop, go forward, self-study, learn new things. STEM is where you are always in a team and always close to like-minded people. Yes, there are problems in this field, but STEM is always the engine of change for the better!
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
The most important thing is to get started! Everything can seem chaotic, incomprehensible, and frightening. But very quickly you will see that everything makes sense, everything is logical and everything is in your hands! STEM is beautiful, colorful, feminine and very diverse. Every girl will find a field to her liking. All stereotypes must be discarded!