In today’s world, information is more accessible than ever; online courses, books and lectures are all just a click away. However, knowledge alone is not sufficient for professional growth. The journey to real advancement begins with the support of individuals who can contextualise this knowledge, guide you through real-world applications, help you avoid common pitfalls and assist you in adapting to industry demands.
Alyona Kim, a talented designer at Yandex, is also a dedicated mentor for the Technovation Girls Uzbekistan program. As a speaker and motivator, she plays an important role in guiding newcomers through the tech landscape. Alyona shared valuable insights from her experiences in the IT field, emphasising the significance of mentorship and how a single phrase transformed her perspective.
— How did you know about the Technovation Girls Project?
— Alyona reflected on her journey when asked how she learned about Technovation Girls and what being a mentor means: “About a year ago, I had the opportunity to speak at an event where someone presented the Technovation Girls project. It was more than just an initiative to encourage women in IT; it showcased young girls who are already committed to addressing social issues at a young age.
Growing up in Bekabad, a small town in Uzbekistan, I recognise women’s hurdles in the tech industry. What inspires me most is witnessing young girls chase their dreams with remarkable determination. This passion motivates me to support and guide them in their endeavours.”
— Does a mentor provide guidance for professional development?
— Mentorship extends beyond merely transferring knowledge; it is a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. As a mentor, you can learn from your mentees, gaining inspiration while inspiring them in return.
I am truly honoured to be part of Technovation Girls. Over the past three years, Yandex Uzbekistan has strongly supported this program, actively engaging its employees. I recognised my desire to empower young women to believe in themselves and strive for their goals.
As a designer at Yandex, I contribute to developing an app that enhances drivers’ daily experiences by simplifying tasks from paying fines to locating tow trucks. My responsibility is to ensure that our product is functional, user-friendly and visually compelling.
Effective communication is one of the most essential skills for designers. Establishing a common language with developers, analysts, and users is crucial. Demonstrating empathy allows us to create solutions that genuinely address people’s needs. Additionally, being flexible and having a keen eye helps uncover innovative approaches, while confidence in presenting ideas can even benefit from a touch of theatricality. While technical skills can be acquired over time, being attentive to others and actively listening is paramount.
Throughout my mentoring journey, I’ve encountered various challenges. In addition to my work with Technovation Girls, I mentor designers preparing for interviews and public speaking opportunities. Most of the time, individuals reach out to me — often former colleagues or new acquaintances I meet at events where I speak.
One experience that stands out involved a young woman who approached me, uncertain about the type of designer she wanted to become. Together, we evaluated her strengths and interests and outlined potential career paths. However, I always emphasise that the final decision rests with the individual.
Building trust is my primary goal as a mentor, which typically leads to the most meaningful outcomes. We explore challenges together, analyse real-life scenarios, and evaluate the consequences of different choices. I openly share my successes and failures to illustrate that the journey to professional growth is often not straightforward.
Mentorship is not about having all the answers but providing guidance. Sometimes, individuals may feel uncertain about their desires or ask, “What should I choose?” It’s important to recognise that while we can assist in evaluating the pros and cons of various paths, ultimately, our role is to support them in making informed choices.
— What opportunities does the Technovation Girls provide for participants and mentors?
— Technovation Girls offers much more than just a coding experience. It plays a significant role in developing confidence, enhancing teamwork abilities, and fostering a broader perspective. The program creates a powerful synergy where collaboration leads to greater outcomes. It also serves as a valuable opportunity for self-discovery, allowing participants to gain new insights about themselves.
Yandex actively promotes mentoring and encourages employees to engage in such programs. This initiative facilitates knowledge sharing and supports mentors and mentees’ personal and professional growth. The company bolsters its mentoring efforts with regular meetings, a buddy system, and a vibrant community of mentors, ensuring a strong support network.
— Why is it important to support women in IT? What steps can increase female engagement in the field?
— Even though the world’s first programmer was Ada Lovelace, women are still underrepresented in IT.
The industry is changing. More and more people now evaluate candidates based on skills, not gender, which is encouraging. As Margaret Thatcher once said, “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”
Creating a supportive environment where girls see role models in the profession is essential. One key factor is early encouragement. Girls are often told technical fields “aren’t for them.” However, the more role models they see in STEM, the more likely they are to follow that path. They need to join communities early and see everything with their own eyes.
— Who played an important role in your career, and how did it shape your path?
— When I moved to Moscow at 22, I had little relevant experience or formal education. As a linguist aspiring to become a designer, my first job interview at a print shop didn’t go as planned. Feeling frustrated, I turned to my sister for advice. She said something that truly inspired me:
“What do you have to lose? Go back and offer to work for free — to learn. Let them know you’re willing to take on any tasks, whether bringing coffee or taking out the trash. You’ve already faced rejection, so there’s nothing to lose by trying again.”
Encouraged by her words, I returned to the print shop. This decision changed the course of my career. Over the next three years, I gained invaluable experience, learning about printing processes and materials and how to calculate product costs—skills that continue to benefit me today. My sister has been my most incredible mentor and her advice — “You’ve got nothing to lose if you try again” — reminds me to embrace challenges and pursue my goals, even when uncertain.
— Do you have any success stories from your mentees that you are particularly proud of?
— Outside of Technovation, I recently mentored a young woman who dreamed of joining a major IT company. She had been applying for two years, completing test tasks, and facing rejection each time.
During our first meeting, she said, “I’m doing everything they want, but I still can’t get through.” It became clear that she was trying so hard to meet their expectations that she hadn’t stopped to consider whether the company was the right fit for her.
We worked on her mindset and strategy, and three months later, she invited me to visit her at her dream company’s office. She shared, “You helped me realise that a test assignment isn’t just about proving my skills. It’s an opportunity to see if the team is right for me—and if I’m right for them. I’ve started viewing interviews — and life — differently.”
That moment reinforced my belief that mentorship truly changes lives.
— What advice would you offer to individuals interested in pursuing mentoring?
— Don’t hesitate to share your experiences, as they offer valuable insights. Remember, mentorship is about exchanging perspectives rather than having all the answers. This process can provide you with a fresh outlook on your profession and rekindle the passion you had when you first began. As we progress in our careers, we can become entrenched in established ways of thinking, and mentees can inspire us to explore new possibilities. Additionally, stepping into a mentorship role allows you to extend your influence and foster the growth of another professional, ultimately contributing positively to the field and helping them make a significant difference in the world.
