Mums in Tech – feat. Nichole Kaplinsky
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 Nichole Kaplinsky, Software Engineer at TPXimpact.
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?
Nichole: I’m a software engineer and I work for TPXimpact. TPXimpact is a B corp that delivers impactful and sustainable digital outcomes that make a positive difference. Since working here I’ve been involved in a variety of projects including public sector projects.
Sophie @ MotherBoard: Please can you tell us about why you decided to career switch into (/ or embark on a career in) tech?
Nichole: Before switching to tech I was a veterinary surgeon so it is quite a change. I’d found myself increasingly drawn to the world of technology over quite a few years. I had played around with building websites using website builders, and I’d started to become curious about coding, but I’d never considered it could be a career option.
Sophie @ MotherBoard: Why did you choose a Code First Girls course?
Nichole: When I came across the Code First Girls website this was the first time I’d even heard about career switching to tech. Prior to this I thought the only route into tech would be a computer science degree and starting coding by 12 years old. I’ll admit a lot of my knowledge came from the film the Social Network. When I saw that there were courses aimed at career switchers and women this was the first time I realised that, not only was career switching to tech a possibility, it was being actively encouraged. At that point I still didn’t think I could do it but I knew that it was possible. I decided to take a short course with Code First Girls and well….then I was hooked. After two short courses which were completely free I did some other free online courses with Free Code Camp and Codecademy. I knew by this point that I loved coding and I applied for the Full Stack Software degree and luckily I was sponsored by TPXimpact and the rest is history.
Sophie @ MotherBoard: How did you manage the juggle of studying whilst being a mum?
Nichole: I’ve got to say that this was only possible because of the way Code First Girls courses are structured. I was working and looking after primary school aged kids. The courses are specifically designed for women with jobs and caring responsibilities so they are evening classes and are fully remote.. I applied for other courses which were also free but they ended up offering me intense courses at short notice which were full time. I just couldn’t do those with my children and work. The studying was hard but it was manageable. I think if I can do it then anyone who loves coding and wants to do it can. I hadn’t got a background in tech and the learning curve was extremely steep. I made sacrifices. I coded in my lunch breaks at work. I coded waiting for my son at football practice. I coded after my kids went to bed. If I had a spare moment I’d pick up my phone or computer and practice. The other thing that really helped me is a book called growth mindset by Carol Dweck. I knew that it didn’t matter if it took me longer to get concepts or if I found things harder than others. I knew that to be successful in the long term it’s to do with perseverance and practice. There were a couple of occasions when I thought I couldn’t do it but I had amazing tutors and a great community with code first girls and we all had our own challenges and found different things hard so it was good to talk about it,
Sophie @ MotherBoard: How do you manage the balance between parenthood and your career?
Nichole: I am really lucky with the company I work for now. My position is fully remote. I’m a full time employee so not having to manage a daily commute really makes a big difference. I also have some flexibility in my work day so, for example, I’m able to pick my children up from school 3 days a week. Also if one of my kids is sick I can still work and be fully productive for my employer. This wasn’t possible in my previous career. Now I’m at home so it’s not an issue. I would say that my kids are a bit older so they are quite self sufficient but they still need an adult to be present in the house so it works really well.
Sophie @ MotherBoard: What do you think businesses can do to support mums more in the workplace?
Nichole: I cannot speak for everyone obviously, but for me, and from what I’ve seen from other parents, flexibility is key. Being able to start work earlier and finish later and having that ability to do the school run and work remotely has really helped me. In my previous career it would not have been possible for me to have that flexibility and I was often out of the house for 10 to 12 hours a day. Sometimes I’d be required to stay late at short notice and this was challenging with childcare provision. I could not be happier since switching to tech. I love the work and there are so many opportunities for career development. I’m so grateful to Code First Girls and TPXimpact for the amazing opportunity.
