WomenInTech. "Career is not a race, but a journey" — recommendations for women starting their careers in IT

Zabira Rakhymbay, city — Almaty, Operations Director, Instagram

About Me

I graduated with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in “Geodesy and Cartography.” Later, I earned another master’s degree from the University of Salzburg in “Applied Geoinformatics.”

Today, I serve as the Operations Director of ALIDADA, a company specializing in engineering geology, geodesy, and geological exploration drilling for solid minerals.

I am also the co-founder of the IT-GIS project engeo.cloud, a web application that simplifies access to archival engineering geological data and optimizes workflows associated with it.

How I Entered the IT Profession

My career began in the education sector: I worked as a lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. With significant experience in education already under my belt, I sought further development and wanted to try my hand in the production sector. This led me to join ALIDADA as an Assistant Director. From day one, I began learning the business from scratch. The company actively supported my development, sending me to training programs in human resources management and general management. After a year, I became an Operations Manager, where my responsibilities expanded: I coordinated work between the office and production, developed business processes, and established company work standards.

A year and a half later, I was promoted to Operations Director. This promotion coincided with the onset of the pandemic, which posed a significant challenge. Initially, I shared operational duties with the Director, but within a year, I took full control of management. For the past four years, I have been focused on company development, process optimization, and achieving strategic goals.

My journey into IT began with the creation of the engeo.cloud project—a platform that combines geology and geographic information systems. The idea for this project belonged to the Director of ALIDADA, and I enthusiastically supported it due to my background in geoinformatics.

In the first stage, I developed a methodology for testing the platform at a local level. The success of this experiment allowed us to move forward with creating a full-fledged web application, which we then launched to the market. Today, engeo.cloud is a working product that accelerates access to engineering geological data, simplifying and optimizing processes for professionals. This project became my first major step into IT, and I am proud that we were able to create a solution that genuinely helps the market.

On Stereotypes

I have encountered stereotypes, and perhaps this still happens today. However, these stereotypes have strengthened my confidence and desire to prove that professionalism has no gender. The stereotypes I have faced can be divided into the following categories:

1. “It’s just luck, not qualification”: Your achievements are attributed to luck or fortunate circumstances.

2. Gender stereotypes in the Eastern mindset: In our culture, men are traditionally perceived as leaders, especially in technical fields like STEM. This creates certain barriers, particularly for women in leadership roles.

3. Skepticism during negotiations: You may be met with doubt during negotiations because you are a woman and perhaps assumed not to understand the technical field.

Barriers for Women in IT

In 2024, I became a participant and graduate of the TechWomen program, which brought together over 100 women from 22 countries working in STEM fields. Interacting with them, I realized that the obstacles women face are similar worldwide, despite cultural differences. Among the main difficulties are:

1. Bias: Women are often underestimated and must constantly prove their competence.

2. Lack of role models: Many women need examples of successful leaders who can inspire them to grow.

3. Work-life balance: Family and children are sometimes viewed as obstacles to career growth, especially in intensive and competitive fields.

Mentorship, participation in professional communities, and support from colleagues helped me overcome these challenges. Who surrounds you and how willing they are to support your development are crucial factors. These elements play a key role in overcoming all barriers.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

My main advice is to not be afraid to dream and set ambitious goals. Boundaries exist only in our minds.

1. Do not avoid challenges; every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

2. Learn continuously: Invest time and effort in learning and skill development. It will pay off.

3. Share knowledge: Life is a boomerang. By helping others, you grow yourself.

4. Be open to new opportunities: Vertical and horizontal career growth are equally important for acquiring new skills.

And most importantly, remember: success comes to those who are willing to work hard and are not afraid to try new things.

Aisalkyn Talasbekova, city — Bishkek, General Manager of the John Galt Business Accelerator, Instagram

About Me

I am the General Manager of the John Galt Business Accelerator, the venture division of the ololo group of companies. Most of my work involves managing educational and investment initiatives, including the ololo Creative Impact Fund, which is changing the landscape of the creative economy, and Janyration, a program opening new horizons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Additionally, I frequently speak at educational platforms, mentor graduates of STEM programs, and organize events that inspire and unite people.

For me, it is important not just to be part of the changes but also to find ways to make them sustainable and scalable.

My mission is to create an ecosystem that unites entrepreneurs, creators, and IT enthusiasts to realize large-scale ideas.

How I Entered the IT Profession

My journey began with working on the creation of creative spaces—coworking at ololo. We built communities where entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and creatives could exchange ideas and resources.

Over time, I realized I wanted to go further—building platforms that provide not just space but also knowledge. I began organizing acceleration programs and educational initiatives. I have always been interested in how to turn an idea into a sustainable business, and I focused on helping others find that path.

Today, my work covers both strategic planning and practical assistance to entrepreneurs. Every new project is an opportunity to see how ideas come to life.

When I started working on ololo projects, I found myself surrounded by people inspired by technology and innovation. However, programming never attracted me—instead, I focused on what I do best: organizing accelerations, hosting events, and developing communities.

One of my favorite projects was Startup Club—a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences. We held dozens of events, from workshops to lectures with international experts. Each time, I am convinced that technology is about people, their dreams, and their efforts.

Another important project was the ololoSteam camp, aimed at helping girls unlock their potential in STEAM. Seeing them take their first steps in startups, enroll in engineering majors, and start dreaming big is invaluable to me.

My work is not directly related to IT, but I believe it is important to support this sector.

The technology sector attracts me with its speed of change and boundless opportunities. My task is to unite entrepreneurs, creative industries, and technology to find new growth points.

On Stereotypes

Stereotypes are a reality, especially when you are a young woman working in management or innovative projects.

For example, I have sometimes had to prove that I can not only inspire people but also make strategic decisions. I always emphasized results: when you demonstrate real achievements, any prejudices quickly dissolve.

I was lucky to work in a company where the culture is based on support and development. I had managers who inspired me to take on more responsibility, as well as colleagues who valued ideas regardless of who proposed them.

Barriers for Women in IT

There are several difficulties for women in IT: a lack of role models, bias regarding technical skills, and the need to balance career and personal life.

However, I consider self-confidence particularly important. Sometimes women are afraid to openly talk about their achievements, and as a result, they miss opportunities. I was helped by the ability to focus on long-term goals—I constantly reminded myself why I was doing what I was doing.

Equally important is your environment: working with people who support diversity and value ideas.

Recommendations for Those Just Starting Their Journey

1. Seek mentors. Mentors not only share experience but also help you become visible.

2. Stay curious. Learn new things even outside your profession—this can open unexpected opportunities.

3. Do more than expected. Even tasks that are not part of your job description can demonstrate your potential.

4. Set long-term goals. Understanding where you want to get will help you stay focused.

5. Build connections. Your professional network is not just about opportunities but also about support.

And most importantly—enjoy the process. A career is not a race; it is a journey.