Mums in Tech – feat. Elena Alferyeva

As a special edition of our ongoing series of interviews that shines a light on incredible working mums within tech, we are featuring mothers that have trained through Code First Girls.

This is our chat with Elena Alferyeva, QA Engineer at Capital On Tap.

The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

Elena: My name is Elena, and I am currently working as a QA Engineer at Capital On Tap, a business credit card provider. I joined the company just a few months ago after experiencing redundancy during my maternity leave. Needless to say, this added a significant amount of stress to an already challenging time in my life.

During my job search, I was particularly focused on finding a company that could provide me with a sense of stability, as well as some level of flexibility. Being a mother of a 1-year-old who had just started attending nursery, I knew that I would face some disruptions in my daily routine. Therefore, it was crucial for me to find a workplace that was understanding of my circumstances.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: Please can you tell us about why you decided to career switch into (/ or embark on a career in) tech?

Elena: I started my journey in the tech industry while I was in university, and while there were certainly challenges along the way, I have come to love working in this field. The tech industry offers a comfortable work environment, and it provides a great level of flexibility that has allowed me to achieve a healthy work-life balance. In particular, the ability to work from home has been a game-changer for me, as it has given me the flexibility to pick up my baby earlier from nursery and spend some extra quality time with her.

However, while I am grateful for the opportunities that the tech industry has provided me, I am also acutely aware of the lack of women in this field. Since becoming a mother, I have become even more sensitive to this issue and how it affects my career. In many ways, the tech industry can be a challenging environment for women, and it's something that I have personally experienced.

Despite these challenges, I am determined to make a positive impact in the industry and to help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. I am proud to be a woman in tech, and I believe that it's important to empower other women to pursue careers in this field as well. By sharing my own experiences and advocating for change, I hope to be a part of the solution and help create a more equitable future for all women in tech.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: Why did you choose a Code First Girls course?

Elena: One of the struggles of working in the tech industry is the lack of gender diversity, which often results in being the only woman in the room. It can be quite overwhelming at times, and I have often found myself feeling like I need to prove myself even more to be taken seriously. This pressure has only intensified during my pregnancy, as I found myself struggling to keep up with the demands of my job while dealing with the physical and mental challenges of pregnancy.

When I went on maternity leave, I was determined to stay connected with the tech industry and to continue learning and growing my skills. However, I also wanted to find a safe and supportive environment where I could do so without feeling pressured or judged. That's when I discovered Code First Girls, an organisation dedicated to empowering women through technology.

Code First Girls was exactly what I needed during this time. The community was welcoming and supportive, and I felt like I could learn and grow without fear of being judged or criticised. Through their programs and resources, I was able to stay connected with the tech industry and continue to improve my skills, even while on maternity leave. It was a truly invaluable experience that helped me feel more confident and empowered as a woman in tech.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: How did you manage the juggle of studying whilst being a mum?

Elena: Pursuing my educational goals and family responsibilities was definitely a challenge, and I struggled to find the time and energy to do so. However, I was determined to prioritise my personal development and my partner was supportive in that sense.

Along the way, I have also learned to adjust my expectations and pace myself. As a naturally passionate person, I tend to want to dive deep into areas of interest right away, but with limited time and energy, I have had to accept that progress will likely be slow and steady. Instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, I focus on taking small steps and making incremental progress.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: How do you manage the balance between parenthood and your career?

Elena: Working for a company that provides flexibility and support for working parents is crucial, especially for mothers who are juggling both work and childcare responsibilities. Personally, as a mother of a young child who has been struggling with sleep, I have not had a full night's rest in over a year. This can be incredibly exhausting, both physically and mentally.

When I returned to work full-time after my maternity leave, I initially felt guilty about not being around for my child more. I often had thoughts like "maybe I should have started part-time" or "perhaps it would have been better to wait until she's older." However, I knew that I loved my job and that it was important for me to continue pursuing my career goals. Ultimately, I realised that by working hard and prioritising my own happiness, I am also setting a good example for my child. As the saying goes, "happy mom, happy baby." I believe that with the right support and mindset, I can continue to grow and succeed in my career while also being a loving and present mother to my child.

Sophie @ MotherBoard: What do you think businesses can do to support mums more in the workplace?

Elena: Childcare costs can be a significant burden for working parents, and it's important for companies to recognize this and provide support. I am fortunate that my current employer offers a Workplace nursery benefit, which has been a great help with nursery fees. However, not all companies offer such benefits, and I hope that more will begin to do so in the future.

In addition to financial support, flexibility is crucial for working parents. Being able to adjust work hours to accommodate pick up and drop off times is essential. It's also important to have a supportive environment where parents can manage their parenting struggles without feeling the need to hide them. Companies that recognize and support the challenges faced by working parents are likely to have happier and more productive employees.

As a working mom in the tech industry, I have found it challenging to find role models who have gone through similar experiences and succeeded in their careers. It would be incredibly inspiring to have more visible examples of successful women in tech who have also balanced their family responsibilities. This can help foster a culture of inclusivity and promote diversity in the workplace.