Women in Tech Trustmary Edition: From Customer Support Trainee to Developer

Are you interested in a tech career, but lack experience? Don’t be discouraged by job ads that list extensive requirements and demand long experience in the field. Aino Lehtim?ki tells her story of how she ended up working at Trustmary as a student and shares her tips for other students seeking employment.

Different tasks and roles in one year

Aino Lehtim?ki works at Trustmary as a part-time Junior Software Developer. At the same time, she studies Mathematics and Computer Science in a Master’s program.

– I hope I’ll be able to graduate at the end of this year, Aino wishes.

She has worked at Trustmary for a little over a year now. At first, it was an internship to complement her studies, and the tasks included customer support and sourcing candidates for the ongoing recruitment of developers.

– Then, later in the spring I also started developing Trustmary’s widgets along with the other tasks, and last autumn, I helped with building Trustmary’s new website by creating blocks for the website, Aino says.

As you can see, she has already gathered experience in multiple areas in one year. Next up is developing the front end of the software, meaning all parts visible to the user.

– I think my favorite thing so far has been the website project because I learned so much during it. Developing widgets was also lots of fun, and in the beginning, I learned a lot from doing them. Over time, I started to feel like I had learned everything I could, and they didn’t offer any new challenges. I was excited about the new tasks, as they allowed me to expand my skill set, she rejoices.

Living proof that you should just apply for the job you want

When Aino started studying Mathematics and Computer Science, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do for a living in the future. At some point, she discovered coding and thought it could be a possible future career choice.

She ended up at Trustmary as a result of multiple coincidences.

– My sister messaged me saying that one of her friends, Erica Ylim?ki, who works at Trustmary, shared a job ad on social media. Trustmary was looking for software developers. I checked out the ad but I noticed that I might not be a match for the role, as I didn’t have any experience. However, I decided to message Erica and ask if they by chance had any internship places open, Aino reminisces.

There weren’t any suitable positions open at the moment, but soon enough, Aino received a call from Valtteri Ylim?ki saying they could come up with something.

The rest is history, and Aino got a trainee position suitable for her career development. She was also the first woman recruited on the team.

– I didn’t even think about the fact I was the only girl. It felt like entering any other workplace. I don’t think being a girl affects anything, but I have heard people say in the past that women have it easier to get recruited, as companies want to increase diversity. I haven’t really thought about it, though, she says.

Tips for aspiring developers

If Aino were to give tips for students and others entering the workforce in tech, these are the things she would highlight.

1. Have side projects.

– One tip I have received and what I can support is: have your own side projects. When you are young and have no experience, you have to acquire experience somehow. Projects are a good way to do so. Once you apply for jobs, you have something to demonstrate your skills.

2. Don’t overthink, just apply.

– Be active and apply to positions even though you aren’t 100% qualified. You can also ask companies about possible internships, as they also help you get started and might open up new doors for you.?

– Also, don’t be too fixated on the money when you first start. Experience is valuable, and you want to get it even if it means you have to settle for a lower-paying job at first. You’ll advance soon!

3. Have your breaks!

When starting a new job, one might feel like they need to give all their energy to the job and start skipping breaks. However, that might not be the best plan.

– If you do one thing for too long, you might get blinded by your own creations. Take small breaks throughout the day and switch tasks when you can. It keeps your thoughts clearer.

4. Ask for feedback.

– Even if you have breaks, you might still become blind to what you have done. It’s a good idea to ask someone else to review your work and give you feedback. Others might spot things you haven’t noticed, and help you get forward, Aino advises.

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