E16 - Ana Acevska at Virtual1

On our 16^th episode of our Women in Tech spin-off series, we were joined by our Network Consultant, Holly Staff and Ana Acevska, a 1^st Line Networking Engineer at Virtual1. During this episode, they discuss what it’s like being a woman in the technology space and some of Ana’s experiences growing up and her journey into the industry.

Ana is an experienced professional in the networking field who began her career working in a small IT shop. She gained valuable experience and knowledge in this role and was eventually recommended for a position at Virtual1 by one of her colleagues who had left the small IT shop. This opportunity allowed her to take her networking skills to the next level and continue to grow and develop in her career.

Ana struggled during her college days because she felt discouraged by one of her professors. This professor would often scribble out her correct answers in front of her, which not only made her feel demotivated but also made her question her own abilities. This was a difficult experience for Ana, and it likely affected her confidence and motivation to succeed in her studies, which resulted in her leaving college during her second year.

Ana suggests that the best way to get into networking is to do research about what you enjoy. Networking encompasses a wide range of topics, such as network design, security, and administration, so it’s important to find out what specific areas interest you.

Additionally, she advises taking classes, either at a college or university or online, to gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts.

Lastly, she recommends watching YouTube videos or tutorials to get an overview of the field and to learn about the latest trends and technologies. This can be a great way to get familiar with the field and discover what networking aspects you find most interesting.

Advice?…

Ana also suggests writing everything down as a way to learn about networking. This can be a great way to organize information, track your progress and document your learning journey. Writing things down can help solidify concepts in your mind and allow you to review the material later to refresh your memory.

Additionally, writing about networking can help you to explain it to others, and refine your understanding of the concepts. This practice helped Ana learn and grow in her field, and it may be helpful for others looking to get into networking or improve their skills.

Ana shares her advice for women who want to get into technology specifically, to not let anyone discourage them. She emphasises that if you have the desire to work in technology, you should pursue it and not let anyone else’s opinions or doubts stop you. She believes that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anyone can achieve their goals. It’s important to remember that the technology field is constantly evolving, and there are many opportunities to learn new skills and advance in your career.

To hear another great Women in Tech episode, tune in on 26/01/2023!