The New Rock Stars of the Digital Age

An increasing number of Uzbek women are pursuing careers in IT and achieving success in a traditionally male-dominated field. One woman of the new era is Sabina Kasymova, the head of the department for developing alternative self-service channels at Beeline Uzbekistan. In an interview with Kursiv Research, she discussed how women are making their mark in the IT industry.

IT Girls

There was a common stereotype that women working in IT were a rare occurrence. In reality, the steps to building a career in this field are the same for everyone, regardless of gender.

Social attitudes are also changing. Ten years ago, it was typical to enter an IT department and see only men; however, that is no longer the case. Therefore, it’s unnecessary to highlight women’s role in IT as something extraordinary.

Five to seven years ago, it seemed improbable that women would submit a quarter of all CVs for frontend developer positions. Today, that statistic no longer surprises anyone.

Additionally, system administrator and Python programmer professions are becoming increasingly popular among women, and this no longer elicits a sense of wonder.

IT Professions Now

IT is the new rock music, and developers and programmers are the new rock stars. Whereas once enthusiastic people dropped out of university for the sake of music, nowadays, those who want to change something in their lives radically go into IT.

At the same time, the IT sphere is vast, and you don’t have to be a super-technician to work in it: there are, for example, areas of design or research. There are no clear boundaries, so a creative can become an expert in a particular area of IT. Everything changes quite quickly, depending on the demands of employers.

Personal IT Path

My career has always centred around creativity. As a teenager, I was active on Twitter, a niche social network in Uzbekistan, about 15 years ago, featuring a relatively small community. There, the editor of the online publication My Day discovered me, launching my career in digital journalism.

My next experience was with Player.uz, a platform providing users access to films and TV series. This role introduced me to the important task of populating the site with content, a subject that fascinated me for the following four years.

When that project concluded, I sought similar opportunities, leading me to Beeline TV as a marketer. In this position, I learned to navigate the communication aspects of the role while also developing cross-functional skills. As I continued to grow in this area, I eventually advanced to my current position.

Importance of Communication

The importance of effective communication cannot be overstated. When a request moves from the customer to the final contractor through various intermediaries, information is often lost or distorted as it is relayed from person to person. Therefore, simply increasing the number of staff in a company does not always lead to success; cultivating a harmonious team is far more beneficial.

My role today is to ensure effective communication between top management, which sets the company’s overarching goals, and the executives responsible for achieving short-term objectives. It is also crucial to consider the needs of our product users. By considering the interests of all these parties and connecting them through clear communication, we can find a balance that serves as a new driver for business development.

Work on beeline.uz Website

The company’s website serves as its ‘showcase’ and includes various features. A commercial section allows users to register, select, and purchase tariff plans and connect service packages. Additionally, an information section provides news and details about client offers.

One of the main challenges in creating such a resource is integrating all components without overwhelming users. During the development of the beeline.uz website, our objective was to analyze the product, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and implement improvements.

First, we switched to a new platform because the previous site version could not handle the traffic volume. Next, we modernized the design to create a unique look. Our motivation for altering the site was not just for aesthetic reasons; we aimed to provide a convenient service for each subscriber. Our efforts were successful, as analytics showed increased new and returning users. I hope that the results of our work satisfy Beeline customers.

Special treatment of girls in IT

I’ve always wondered about the phrase “special treatment of girls in IT.” Does it imply excessive loyalty? In our company, we treat all employees equally, regardless of gender. For instance, there’s no policy allowing girls to leave at 18.00 sharp because their families are waiting for them, while boys are expected to stay late.

I am generally opposed to overwork. It is a harmful practice that negatively impacts the quality of the team’s work in the short term and leads to staff turnover in the long term. In our company, the expectations for employees are the same, and the privileges they receive are also equal.

How a Woman can Enter in IT Industry

First of all, ask yourself the question: “What do I want?” It’s important to avoid chasing after fashion trends. After reflecting honestly on your desires, choose the IT direction that aligns with your interests. If you are drawn to the creative sphere and enjoy working with colour, consider exploring UI/UX design. On the other hand, if you have a technical mindset, you might find an interest in Big Data.

It’s worth noting that in today’s IT landscape, there are no clear boundaries between professions; areas often overlap. For instance, UI/UX design is closely related to frontend development.

IT is not just a passing trend; this field will play a crucial role in shaping the market for the foreseeable future. Over the next two decades, IT specialists will find ample job opportunities in both private companies and public institutions, which are increasingly adopting the latest technologies.

There is a significant shortage of skilled professionals in the market, particularly in Uzbekistan, where many IT projects are being launched. Finding qualified employees for these projects can be challenging. Some fields are facing tough situations; for example, there are very few specialists in Big Data, which means those who have developed skills in this area tend to earn lucrative salaries. This trend will likely continue as the demand for expertise in this field grows.

Tips for girls who have decided to build a career in IT

Be brave, and don’t be afraid to begin a new professional journey. Embrace change and be willing to challenge the established norms within any industry. Women who conform to traditional social expectations will struggle to make history.

Watch the full interview with Sabina Kasymova on how women are making their mark in IT on Beeline Uzbekistan’s YouTube channel.