"The support of colleagues played a huge role," — Mafuna Mumino on the beginning of her career in IT

Maftuna Mumino, 21 years old, city — Dushanbe, manual QA tester, @mafa_m

About me

I am a QA tester and a fourth-year student at the Technological University of Tajikistan. My major is related to technology, which helps me delve deeply into the IT field.

My journey in IT began in 2021 when I completed the JS Girls courses at Alif Academy, which served as a strong start for my career in this field. That same year, I participated in a hackathon organized by Ilmhona, where I was able to apply my knowledge in practice and immerse myself in the atmosphere of the IT community.

In 2023, I decided to focus on testing and enrolled in the "QA Tester" courses under the Icode program, which provided me with the necessary skills for successful employment at the International Bank of Tajikistan.

About my first job in IT

I started my career in 2023 at the International Bank of Tajikistan at the age of 20, with my first position being a QA tester.

I applied for the vacancy online, as I was attracted by the company's reputation and scale. After submitting my application, I was invited to a technical interview, which I successfully passed despite feeling nervous.

During the interview, I was asked questions related to the position, including questions about testing approaches, working with bug-tracking systems, and my experience gained from the courses. I was a bit nervous but tried to answer confidently. Preparing for the interview involved studying the basics of QA and reviewing the course material.

My education gave me an understanding of basic IT principles, and my participation in courses and hackathons allowed me to gain practical skills. However, it is important to note that my personal qualities — diligence, determination, and the ability to learn new things — played a key role, as at the time of employment, I had no work experience or diploma.

Challenges

The main difficulties I faced were the lack of work experience and being a student, which could deter employers. Moreover, I often received rejections, which was discouraging but at the same time motivated me to continue developing and seeking better opportunities.

Rejections were upsetting, but I tried to view them as lessons. They motivated me to prepare more thoroughly for interviews, study additional materials, and improve my skills. Each rejection only made me stronger and helped me move forward.

At work, there were almost no difficulties, as I quickly mastered the information. The support of colleagues, who were always ready to help, played a big role. For beginners, the most difficult part is taking the first step into IT, especially when there is no experience.

3 tips or recommendations that will help a young specialist find a job in IT

1. Start your journey in IT: take basic courses and determine the direction that interests you.

2. Attend trainings and participate in hackathons: this will not only help you acquire skills but also expand your professional network.

3. Be visible: share your achievements on LinkedIn or create a professional profile on Instagram. This will help you showcase your skills to potential employers.