Profile

Read Anna's inspiring story below!

Inspiration
What sparked your interest in this technology field and what path led you here?

My passion for technology started back in high school, where I discovered my interest in coding and problem-solving. The idea of building something from scratch, whether it was a website or a simple application, fascinated me. This curiosity led me to pursue a Business Computing degree, which blended my interest in technology with its real-world applications in business. During my studies, I received a 4-year scholarship, which was a huge honor. It was also during this time that I won 3rd place in a national competition organized by the Research Promotion Foundation in Cyprus, and later, I was awarded for the best academic paper at a conference in Nottingham. These milestones reinforced my passion for technology, especially in how it can be used to solve complex problems. As I dove deeper into the subject, I was captivated by emerging fields like cloud computing, IoT, and data science. This eventually led me to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK, focusing on networks, security, and the Internet of Things (IoT). My journey so far has solidified my commitment to becoming a Cloud DevOps Engineer, where I can work with cutting-edge technologies that continue to shape the future.

Work-Life Balance
How do you manage the demands of career and personal life?

Balancing work and personal life is essential for maintaining long-term success and well-being. In my career as a Cloud DevOps Engineer, I strive to stay organized and efficient by using time management techniques. I make sure to prioritize tasks effectively and set clear boundaries between my professional responsibilities and personal time. I also believe in the power of taking short breaks throughout the day to recharge. As much as I love working with the emerging technologies at XM, I also value spending time with family and pursuing hobbies outside of work. This balance helps me stay productive and ensures that I’m mentally and physically refreshed to tackle new challenges.

Personal motive
What’s your motto?

My motto is: 'Never stop learning.' The technology landscape evolves rapidly, and to stay relevant, you have to constantly challenge yourself to learn new skills and embrace emerging trends. I’ve applied this throughout my career, whether it was in pursuing my Master's degree in the UK or now working as a Cloud DevOps Engineer. The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to explore, and that motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Career Growth
What skills and strategies have helped you succeed in tech?

Several skills have been pivotal in my career growth. Technically, mastering cloud computing platforms, particularly AWS, has been crucial in my role as a Cloud DevOps Engineer. I’ve also gained deep expertise in automation, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization. Beyond technical skills, I’ve found that being adaptable and collaborative is key to success. I work closely with cross-functional teams, which has helped me understand the broader scope of projects and how my role contributes to the overall success of the business. Additionally, the research and academic experiences from my studies—such as my involvement in IoT, data science, and network security—have provided me with a solid foundation to tackle complex challenges in cloud infrastructure.

Challenges
How do you stay ahead in a competitive field, and what obstacles have you overcome?

The tech field is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and flexibility. One challenge I’ve faced has been navigating the complexity of rapidly evolving technologies, especially in the cloud computing space. However, my commitment to professional development—whether through certifications, hands-on projects, or staying updated with industry trends—has allowed me to keep pace with new advancements. At XM, I’ve been able to apply emerging technologies in real-world scenarios, which has helped me stay at the forefront of innovation. Overcoming these challenges has also meant learning to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, as well as developing strong problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical issues.

Future
How do you envision the future of technology, and what role do you hope women play in it?

I see the future of technology being dominated by AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and data-driven innovation. Technologies like IoT and automation will continue to evolve and become more integrated into everyday life, driving greater efficiency and accessibility. I envision women playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping these advancements. Diversity in tech is essential not only for fostering innovation but also for creating inclusive solutions that cater to a wide range of needs. I’m excited about the potential for women to lead and make impactful contributions in the tech industry, especially in areas like cloud computing and data science, where the future is being built today.

Memorable Achievements
Share a project or moment that reflects the impact of your work.

One of the most memorable moments in my career was the research and development of an asset management solution on AWS. This project was crucial because it provided our teams with enhanced visibility into our AWS resources, helping to streamline management and optimize usage. By creating a comprehensive system for tracking and managing resources, we were able to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall operations. It was incredibly rewarding to see how this initiative empowered the team to make more informed decisions and have a clearer view of our infrastructure, which directly contributed to the success of the business. Additionally, winning awards for my academic work, like the best academic paper at a conference in Nottingham, remains a highlight in my career and reinforces the importance of research and continuous improvement