Mums in Tech ft. Mia de Búrca
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Mia de Búrca, Staff Engineer, Engineering Educator and Tech Writer.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ interview series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
My name is Mia de Búrca and I am an Irish software engineer based in Melbourne.
I started out in natural language and linguistics, but this unexpectedly transformed into a career in programming.
At work I am passionate about building thoughtful, user-centered software and creating empathetic engineering cultures where people can learn, grow, and do meaningful work together.
Recently, I have been exploring sustainable software and the environmental impact of modern systems, with a growing interest in how thoughtful engineering practices can shape a more responsible future for AI and technology.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
Being a working mum in tech is incredibly motivating—it allows me to bring the perspective of a diverse user group (there are a lot of mums out there, and we do a LOT!) into the products we build while serving as a role model for young women pursuing rewarding, passion-driven careers.
“Being a working mum in tech is incredibly motivating—it allows me to bring the perspective of a diverse user group (there are a lot of mums out there, and we do a LOT!) into the products we build while serving as a role model for young women pursuing rewarding, passion-driven careers.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
With two young children, I have been fortunate to find some balance through part time work. But even then, it takes deliberate, mindful action not to delve into work issues during time off. I realised early on that trust plays a huge role in creating balance – trust in your colleagues to be working with you, and trust in yourself to recognise priorities and let go of the rest.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
Learning to let go. Letting go of being “the person” who helps out absolutely everyone, which meant letting go of a part of the identity I had built myself. And letting go of being across absolutely everything all the time.
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Empathy. Having kids helped me slow down and view problems from their perspective like what is important to them, what is motivating them.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Clear expectations and open communication from my peers – being left guessing is a layer of cognitive overhead that I would not have had the capacity for, but with specific goals, and clear communication from my manager and colleagues work felt more manageable.
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
I am a huge advocate for paid parental leave for both partners. Sharing the work of caring for children means that more people in the workforce have empathy and visibility of what it entails. And it normalises the presence of career gaps that might otherwise penalise people during hiring processes.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Treat each phase as a season, and not an absolute. There will be a season for growth, and a season for rest and maintenance. You don’t have to strive to be a “mum who does it all”, just listen to yourself and understand the season you’re in.
“Treat each phase as a season, and not an absolute. There will be a season for growth, and a season for rest and maintenance. You don’t have to strive to be a “mum who does it all”, just listen to yourself and understand the season you’re in.”
MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.
Interested in getting involved? Become a signatory today